The 1970s were a golden age for TV jingles. With no streaming or ad-skipping back then, these catchy tunes were engrained in our minds. Decades later, we’re still humming them! Here are 15 unforgettable 1970s commercial jingles that continue to live rent-free in our heads.
“Meow Meow Meow Meow” – Meow Mix
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Who knew a cat food commercial could produce one of the most memorable jingles ever? The “Meow Meow Meow Meow” jingle was so simple yet impossible to forget. It was like the feline national anthem, playing over footage of cats enjoying their Meow Mix. Even if you didn’t have a cat, you probably sang along.
“I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” – Coca-Cola
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Ah, Coca-Cola’s “Hilltop” commercial! This jingle wasn’t just an ad; it was an anthem of peace and togetherness. Featuring a diverse group singing “I’d like to buy the world a Coke,” it was so beloved that it became a pop hit. Its message of harmony, paired with an impossibly catchy tune, gave the world chills—and a Coke. Even today, the phrase “in perfect harmony” feels like a nod to the ad that made us all want to share a soda with strangers.
“Give Me a Break” – Kit Kat
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Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar! You probably just sang that in your head, didn’t you? This jingle debuted in the late 1970s and has remained one of the most recognizable candy bar tunes ever. It’s simple, fun, and so darn catchy that you’ll find yourself singing it whenever someone mentions taking a break. Kit Kat didn’t just market a chocolate bar—they gave us an earworm for the ages.
“Two All-Beef Patties” – McDonald’s Big Mac
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Remember trying to say the whole Big Mac ingredients list in one breath? “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun!” McDonald’s turned their burger into a tongue-twister challenge that made you want to order it. This jingle didn’t just sell Big Macs; it made them iconic. Even today, fans still recite it like it’s their personal mantra.
“Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz” – Alka-Seltzer
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“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!” Alka-Seltzer made curing indigestion sound delightful with this bubbly, cheerful jingle. The repetition of the “plop” and “fizz” mimicked the product’s signature effervescence. Sure, it was about stomach upset, but the tune made it sound like you were in for a fizzy, fun experience. Admit it, you’ve sung it when dropping an antacid in water.
“Snap! Crackle! Pop!” – Rice Krispies
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The Kellogg’s Rice Krispies trio was already beloved, but the “Snap! Crackle! Pop!” jingle in the ‘70s took it to another level. The whimsical song brought the sound of breakfast to life, making you imagine the tiny cereal sounds singing along with you. It was fun, upbeat, and a perfect excuse to pour another bowl of the crispy cereal.
“My Bologna Has a First Name” – Oscar Mayer
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“I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener…” Wait, no. This time, it’s “My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R!” Oscar Mayer gave us two jingles that stuck, but this one’s playful charm is timeless. A little boy singing about his bologna became the epitome of nostalgic advertising. Who knew meat could be this catchy?
“You Deserve a Break Today” – McDonald’s
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Before fast food was fast food, it was an escape from your hectic day. This McDonald’s jingle reminded us that sometimes, we deserve a treat. The melody was uplifting, the lyrics comforting, and it became synonymous with taking a little time for yourself—preferably with fries and a burger.
“Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut” – Almond Joy/Mounds
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“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t!” This playful jingle made candy choice into a personal identity statement. Almond Joy was the nutty side; Mounds was for coconut lovers. The tune was catchy, the lyrics memorable, and the ad made you crave both bars at once.
“Like a Good Neighbor” – State Farm
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“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” It was more than a jingle; it was a promise. This iconic tune gave insurance a comforting, human touch. It was simple, sincere, and has been stuck in our heads since the ‘70s. To this day, it feels like the soundtrack to security and trust.
“I Am Stuck on Band-Aid” – Band-Aid Brand
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“I am stuck on Band-Aid, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me!” This jingle made an everyday product fun. Kids loved singing it, and parents loved the cheerful reminder that Band-Aids actually stuck. The song made a box of adhesive strips feel like a must-have.
“Have It Your Way” – Burger King
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“Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us!” Burger King made us feel empowered to customize our burgers. The jingle was lighthearted yet revolutionary in a time when most fast-food orders were cookie-cutter. It wasn’t just a song—it was a promise of personal choice.
“Let Noxzema Cream Your Face” – Noxzema
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Noxzema’s cheeky jingle was unforgettable: “Let Noxzema cream your face so the razor won’t.” This one leaned into humor, making shaving cream sound like a luxurious spa treatment. Pairing it with a catchy tune meant you’d remember it every time you saw a razor.
“We’re the Pepsi Generation” – Pepsi
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Pepsi captured youth culture in the ‘70s with “We’re the Pepsi generation.” The upbeat jingle paired with vibrant visuals felt like a celebration of life and individuality. It didn’t just sell soda—it sold an identity. The tune stayed with you long after the ad ended, just like Pepsi’s branding.
Which one of these jingles has you singing aloud right now? The ‘70s were truly a jingle jackpot, and their staying power proves that sometimes, the simplest tunes are the most timeless.
