Can't Stop Thinking About Or Craving These 1980s Candies


As a collective, we can acknowledge that candy and confectionery play a significant role in our childhood memories. They transport us to a time when life was uncomplicated - perhaps munching on a PayDay bar during recess or getting excited over a Bonkers bar on Halloween. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. For a variety of reasons, some of our favorite candies from childhood are no longer available. The packaging, texture, and flavors are now just relics of our past. If you're curious about the disappearance of drugstore favorites like Starburst fruit chews, Dina-Sour Eggs, or the Cadbury chocolate bar, keep reading. However, we must warn you that we cannot be held accountable if your mouth starts to water upon seeing these sweet treats from yesteryear.

Those Jelly Bean Flavors Were The Only Ones Available At That Time

Although this delectable candy remains on the market today, it's important to note that a lot has transformed since the 1970s and 1980s, particularly the range of available flavors.

Nowadays, candy enthusiasts have access to thrilling flavors such as spicy mango, hot cinnamon, and pear. However, in the past, these flavors were nonexistent. Nonetheless, it wasn't all negative since we could still obtain some timeless favorites, including licorice, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate fudge.

When It Came To A Delectable Fruit Taste Bonkers Was The Solution

Not everyone has had the chance to try Bonkers, but during the 1980s, they were seemingly ubiquitous. Unfortunately, they were discontinued before the turn of the millennium, despite being promoted as a fruit-flavored alternative. As healthier options gained popularity, they were no longer in demand.

In the mid-1980s, Nabisco introduced these rectangular-shaped chewable candies to the market. They came in various flavors, such as grape, orange, strawberry, watermelon, and chocolate, each with a tangy aftertaste. The package was rectangular and contained several fruit chews, each individually wrapped.

The PayDay Bar Is An Ideal Nutty Flavored Snack

Assuming they don't have a peanut allergy, individuals were likely fond of the PayDay bar. Unlike a typical chocolate and roasted peanut combination, this candy bar features salted peanuts and a covering of light caramel.

Thankfully, this delectable peanut treat has remained in production since its initial release in 1932. However, it's not as commonly found as it was in the past. Currently, Hershey owns the PayDay brand.

Previously Brach's Produced These Thin Mints

While Girl Scout cookies may be the primary association with thin mints, they're not the sole chocolate and mint treat available. Brach's thin mints, for instance, have a smooth mint center and are coated in chocolate.

Although we can currently come across Peppermint Patties produced by brands such as Zachary or York, Brach's used to manufacture them in the 1980s. Despite being recognized for their seasonal confectionery, Brach's was responsible for delivering that minty chocolate deliciousness.

Vintage Ad for Starburst Fruit Chews

Starburst Fruit Chews are a well-known and beloved candy, commonly found in drugstores and grocery stores near the cash registers. However, their advertisements in the 1980s varied from the ones we recognize today.

While flipping through a magazine during that era, individuals could have easily stumbled upon one of these Starburst ads. As depicted in the image, these fruit chews had the same fruity flavors that are still available today, such as orange, strawberry, and grape. Their scrumptiousness has endured the test of time.

Homage To Old Reese's And Hershey's Packaging

For those with a sweet tooth, here's another vintage ad that may pique your interest. This time, it features the previous packaging of Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. It's a testament to the long-standing tradition of delectable flavors.

As illustrated in the image, both of these packages bear a striking resemblance to the ones presently available in stores. It's heartening to witness how brands can maintain their distinctive appearance. Even after several decades, these packages continue to entice us to purchase them.

Surprising Names For This Candy Group

We've witnessed numerous candies that have stood the test of time, and this is one of them. However, some of its varieties are no longer available. In the past, the Sugar Mommy was among the candies that could be found in stores.

Despite this candy's name having a vastly different connotation in present times, Sugar Daddy and Sugar Babies still endure today. The former was established in 1925 and is still available today in two sizes: a large pop and a junior pop.

Get Tree Jazz Dance Lessons With Gum Purchase

Although we're not focusing on a discontinued candy this time around, we'll discuss a common activity that was prevalent in the past but is no longer around. This activity pertains to the old candy wrappers.

During the 1970s, individuals could accumulate a few candy wrappers and receive complimentary items. In this instance, for instance, consumers could obtain two free jazzercise classes worth six dollars with only three gum wrappers.

Candy Restocking In The 1980s By Grocers

Today, we're accustomed to finding a wide range of candies in various sizes and price points on supermarket shelves. However, things were different in the 1970s and 1980s, despite there being just as many options available to consumers.

The men featured in this image were replenishing the candy section of a store. While there are numerous recognizable candy brands in the background, there are some variations in terms of packaging colors, materials, and fonts utilized.

Whatchamacallit Bar Was Equally Fun To Say, Yummy To Eat

Ah, the classic Hershey's candy - Whatchamacallit. This chocolate bar was just as entertaining to consume as it was to pronounce. Although these bars may no longer be in production, their unique flavor was widely loved and thus deserving of recognition.

The peanut-flavored crisps within the Whatchamacallit provided a satisfying crunch in every bite, while the chocolate-covered caramel offered a chewy, creamy texture that complemented the nutty flavor perfectly. Regrettably, this bar was discontinued in 2012.

1985 Reese's Ad Featured Extraterrestrial

The term "Shadamedafas" might be unfamiliar to most individuals, but those of us who grew up during the 1980s recognize its significance as a reference to a beloved childhood treat - Reese's Pieces.

This peculiar little extraterrestrial used to appear in virtually every magazine. It appeared to be a tremendous fan of Reese's Pieces, just like us. In fact, according to the advertising campaign, the alien traveled all the way to Earth solely to purchase these delectable treats.

Candy Covered Peanuts For Easter Decor.

This candy may be a familiar sight on every Easter table for many readers. It was commonly referred to as a holiday candy and was available in both peanut and almond versions. Moreover, it came in beautiful pastel hues.

For individuals who are curious as to why these candies are no longer available, there's a surprise in store: these lovely pastel-colored sweets can still be located in stores under a different moniker - "Pastel Peanut M&Ms." It appears that the brand has simply abandoned the "Holidays" name.

Take A Glance At Vintage Nerds Candies

Here's another candy that, luckily, hasn't been discontinued. Nonetheless, we believe this next picture might be intriguing, especially to witness how distinct its packaging used to be, despite the fact that its mascots have remained consistent over the years.

We're discussing the globally renowned Nerds candies. These timeless treats from the Willy Wonka brand have been in circulation since 1983, and they aren't going away anytime soon. It's challenging to decide what's superior - their tangy taste or their adorable mascots.

Fantastic Ad For Jelly Belly Candy Beans!

Regarding classic advertisements, it's fair to say that they were more imaginative than many contemporary ads. In present times, all it takes for a brand to succeed is to pay for a celebrity endorsement. However, in the past, there were ingenious ads like this one.

This wonderful Jelly Belly ad parodies the meal known as "chilly beans" and emphasizes that their candy beans are the superior option. Furthermore, the advertisement even demonstrated how to acquire free recipes using their product.

This Is How Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Appeared In The Past

Several of the candies mentioned in this article have not been discontinued. However, the majority of them have undergone a name change, a marketing strategy shift, or a packaging modification. This next candy is a prime example.

When we think of the Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate bar, we immediately recall its iconic purple packaging. However, the packaging used to be entirely white in the past. Furthermore, it even had a different name - "Rich & Creamy Milk Chocolate" - during the 1980s.

This Was The Original Large Package Of M&M's

We all adore M&M's. These chocolate morsels are the perfect treat for any event. Even today, we can find the classic, as well as the peanut-filled variety - not to mention numerous other flavors - in the candy aisle of our nearest supermarket.

This candy is so versatile that it used to be promoted as the ultimate Easter treat. Therefore, in addition to being an excellent option for watching movies, enjoying a picnic, going on a long car ride, or simply indulging for no specific reason, chocolate enthusiasts could also add M&M's to their Easter candy dish.

The PayDay Bar Used To Come In A Variety Of Exciting Flavors

We have already viewed an advertisement for the PayDay candy bar, and we now understand that it is still available on the market, which is fortunate. However, this does not imply that it is the same product it was in the past.

This retro advertisement demonstrates that there were many PayDay bar flavors available. During the 1980s, in addition to the regular PayDay, chocolate and honey-roasted versions could also be found. We're confident that every flavor was equally delicious.

Kraft Candies Included Glow In The Dark Stickers

It's safe to say that Halloween is the ultimate candy holiday. Even in the 1970s and 1980s, trick-or-treaters could fill their bags with the most delicious snacks, including limited-edition Kraft candies that even came with glow-in-the-dark stickers.

While we all know Kraft as the iconic Mac & Cheese brand, during the 1970s and 1980s, they also produced these fun-sized candies that not only tasted great but also came with glow-in-the-dark stickers.

All Of The Candies Mentioned So Far Are From The Hershey's Brand

After reviewing all the candies that are no longer available, it's easy to think that we've lost the best sweet treats of the past. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. The following image is proof that we still have plenty of amazing candies on the market, especially those from the Hershey's brand.

This vintage ad from the 1980s displays the wide variety of Hershey's brand candies available at the time. Alongside the classic Hershey's Kisses and milk chocolate bars, Hershey's produced a diverse range of sweet treats, including Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Whoppers, Twizzlers, and Kit Kat bars.

Here Is An Additional Advertisement For The Hershey's Brand

Hershey's is a chocolate brand that many people associate with American confectionery. Throughout this article, we have featured a range of their delicious products, some of which are no longer available. Take a look at this vintage Hershey's ad for another example of their sweet treats.

Hershey's has been delighting chocolate lovers with their delectable treats for generations. One of their beloved products is the Mini Easter Eggs, as seen in this vintage ad. Luckily, these eggs are still available in stores today, making Easter all the more sweet.

Candy Lovers Would've Loved This Offer!

It's always fun to look at old advertisements and see the great deals that companies used to offer. The candy industry was no exception, as we can see in this vintage ad for Skittles and Starburst, which features an irresistible offer.

This vintage candy advertisement offered an exciting promotion for candy lovers. By simply filling out a mail-in order, consumers could receive a free Skittles or Starburst belt. Though the belt may not have been the most fashionable accessory, the offer was still an enticing deal.

Snickers Ad: Perfect Snack For Between Meals

As parents, it's only natural to want to provide the best possible nourishment for our children. This includes seeking out the freshest and most nutritious ingredients for their meals and snacks.

This Snickers ad from the past highlights the importance of healthy and satisfying snacks for kids in between meals. It reflects the parents' concern for providing their children with nutritious and fresh ingredients to keep them energetic. However, while the ad promotes Snickers bars as a nutritious snack with peanuts, it can be misleading as the candy contains high amounts of sugar.

Chunky Chocolate Bars Came In Family Size Packs

The Chunky chocolate bar is a beloved snack known for its delicious combination of sweet raisins and crunchy peanuts. In 1982, before Nestle acquired the brand, Chunky bars were available in a family size option as well.

The Chunky chocolate bar was not just pure milk chocolate; it also had raisins and nuts for a delightful texture. This 1982 ad shows that the Chunky bar came in different varieties, including solid milk chocolate and pecan, in addition to the classic raisin and nut combination. The family-sized Chunky bars were also available, offering even more of this delicious candy to enjoy.

Life Savers Looked Like This In The Past

Life Savers candy is a beloved classic that needs no introduction. Its signature ring shape and refreshing taste have been a go-to for generations, providing a quick fix for bad breath on-the-go.

This classic candy brand has been around for over a century since it was first created in 1912 with just one flavor - "Pep-O-Mint." The image shows the iconic "Five Flavors" as well as the popular "Wint O Green" variety, both of which have become beloved by generations.

Memorable 1987 Twizzlers Commercial

Here's another memorable ad for Twizzlers that many fans who grew up in the 1980s may remember. The 1987 commercial features a big red mouth that seems to love Twizzlers a bit too much, and it's certainly stayed on our minds.

We have the magazine version of the Twizzlers ad, which is less scary than the TV commercial with the unsettling, real-looking floating mouth that had a strong affection for Twizzlers.

Baby Ruth: Old School Snickers

For those who favored peanut-flavored chocolate bars, the Baby Ruth was a beloved choice that could be considered the "old-time Snickers." Originally produced by Nabisco during the 1970s and 1980s, this delicious candy bar was later sold to Nestle in the 1990s, despite its enduring popularity.

The peanut-flavored chocolate bar, Baby Ruth, was one of the oldest candies produced until the 21st century. Although it has been discontinued in recent years, it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Early M&M's Ad Featuring Mascots

Nowadays, when we think of M&M's, we can't help but picture their lovable mascots - the giant chocolate drops with big smiles, eyes, and limbs. This iconic candy brand has been bringing joy to people's childhoods for decades.

The beloved M&M's mascots didn't just magically appear. In fact, they first made their debut in the corners of M&M's ads like the one shown in the image above. Over time, these quirky little characters grew in popularity and eventually became the main stars in all M&M's ads.