1. Plop Plop, Fizz Fizz (Alka-Seltzer)
Everyone remembers the sound of those tablets hitting the glass. “Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is” wasn’t just a tagline. It was a sing-along anthem for anyone dealing with heartburn. Introduced with playful animation and a cheerful tune, it became an instant classic. The campaign even inspired spoofs and pop culture nods over the years. The Atlantic once described it as “a jingle so catchy, it became shorthand for quick comfort.” You didn’t even need to try Alka-Seltzer to know how it worked. That fizzy promise practically sold itself through song.
2. You’ll Wonder Where the Yellow Went (Pepsodent)
Of all the toothpaste slogans, this one stands out as both funny and oddly aggressive. “You’ll wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent” had a bounce to it that made brushing almost fun. It felt like a taunt wrapped in a promise, and somehow it worked. The jingle helped boost Pepsodent’s brand visibility throughout the decade. The New York Times credited the line with driving sales and creating brand loyalty. It was the kind of ad that stuck around in your brain longer than your morning coffee did.
3. I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke (Coca-Cola)
This jingle didn’t just sell soda. It touched hearts. “I’d like to buy the world a Coke and keep it company” felt more like a hymn than an ad. Created at the tail end of the decade, it struck a chord with a generation tired of conflict. The image of people from different cultures singing in harmony was powerful and fresh. Smithsonian Magazine called it “an anthem of peace bottled up by Coca-Cola.” It reminded us that sharing something simple could feel profound. Few ads have ever made you want to sing along quite like this one.
4. Snap Crackle Pop (Rice Krispies)
Before breakfast got complicated, it was all about the sound. “Snap Crackle Pop” brought Rice Krispies to life in a way no other cereal had done before. Those three little characters weren’t just mascots. They gave your bowl a personality. Every pour of milk came with that famous fizz. Ad Age once noted that Kellogg’s “nailed the sound branding before it was even a term.” It turned cereal into a sensory experience. Kids and adults alike started listening closely to their breakfast, smiling as the crackle kicked in. It was more than a meal. It was a morning moment.
5. I Can’t Believe I Ate the Whole Thing (Alka-Seltzer)
Sometimes the best ads just tell the truth. This one tapped into that overstuffed, post-meal regret we all know too well. The groaning line, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing,” became an instant catchphrase thanks to its sitcom-style delivery. Comic actor Milt Moss nailed the performance, and the commercial quickly found a place in pop culture. NPR described it as “a perfect mix of humor and brand identity.” Alka-Seltzer managed to turn food guilt into a funny, relatable moment. You didn’t just watch it. You felt it in your belly.
6. A Little Dab’ll Do Ya (Brylcreem)
Before hair gel and styling wax, Brylcreem was the go-to for a sharp look. And their jingle made sure you never forgot how much to use. “A little dab’ll do ya” was a smooth, rhyming reminder that less was more. The phrase became a cultural wink, often said even outside the bathroom mirror. Time Magazine once included it in a roundup of the most iconic grooming ads of all time. It wasn’t flashy. It was confident. One tiny squeeze and you were good to go. The song stuck as neatly as the product itself.
7. Winston Tastes Good Like a Cigarette Should (Winston)
Even though cigarette ads are long gone from TV, some of their slogans are hard to shake. Winston’s jingle was simple and slightly rebellious. “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” sparked endless debates over grammar, which only made it more famous. English teachers cringed while smokers chuckled. The Wall Street Journal once called it “the jingle that made poor grammar fashionable.” It was bold, direct, and catchy enough to hang around long after the commercials disappeared. Even today, the rhythm of that line has a way of sneaking into old conversations.
8. It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature (Chiffon Margarine)
For something as mild as margarine, Chiffon made it dramatic. In the ad, Mother Nature is tricked into thinking the spread is real butter. Her thunderous warning, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature,” became iconic. With flashes of lightning and just the right amount of sass, the commercial stood out in a sea of bland food ads. Adweek praised it for “turning an everyday product into something worth talking about.” It was fun, memorable, and just a little bit theatrical. People remembered the message and laughed at the clever twist.
9. You’ll Love It at Levitz (Levitz Furniture)
Furniture shopping isn’t usually exciting, but Levitz made it sound like a joyride. “You’ll love it at Levitz” was the kind of jingle that stuck in your mind long after you left the showroom. It had an upbeat rhythm that promised good deals and better vibes. What started as a regional campaign eventually gained national attention. Furniture Today recalled how Levitz “pioneered a wave of media-first retail advertising” in the industry. It was warm, welcoming, and impossible to forget. Even if you never bought a couch, chances are you hummed along at least once.
10. Takes a Licking and Keeps on Ticking (Timex)
Durability became cool thanks to Timex. Their slogan, “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” wasn’t just clever. It was tested. The commercials put watches through outrageous challenges, from being frozen to strapped to boat motors, only to show them working fine afterward. Anchorman John Cameron Swayze brought a serious tone to the fun stunts, which made them even more memorable. Forbes called it “one of the longest-running and most trusted taglines in consumer history.” It reminded people that resilience mattered, and the line still echoes in stories about things that just won’t quit.
This story 10 ’60s Commercials You Can Still Hear in Your Head was first published on Daily FETCH
