1. Jell-O 1-2-3
This dessert was pure kitchen magic. One mix transformed into three distinct layers: a mousse-like top, a creamy middle, and a classic Jell-O base. Kids poked at it with spoons in wonder. It stuck around until the ’90s, but despite fond memories, it has never made a comeback.
2. Space Dust
If Pop Rocks seemed intense, Space Dust was like their unruly cousin. The powdered candy fizzed and crackled the moment it touched your tongue, thrilling kids and alarming teachers who often banned it in schools. Despite the excitement, it eventually disappeared from shelves and has never returned.
3. Candy Cigarettes
These little sugar sticks came in boxes designed to mimic real cigarette packs, making kids feel grown-up as they “smoked” on the playground. Parents thought it was harmless fun, but the product blurred lines that would never fly today. They’re gone from stores, though novelty candy shops still carry versions.
4. Fizzies
Fizzies were little tablets you dropped into water to make an instant soda-like drink. Kids loved watching the bubbling action, though the flavor was chalky. Parents liked them as a cheaper soda alternative. They enjoyed a short revival in the 2000s, but today they’ve once again disappeared completely.
5. Hostess Chocodiles
Chocodiles were essentially Twinkies dipped in chocolate, and for many kids they felt like the ultimate indulgence. The combination of sponge cake, cream filling, and a chocolate coating made them a lunchbox treasure. After years of absence, Hostess revived them in 2014, and they can still be found in some areas.
6. Koogle Flavored Peanut Butter
Peanut butter got a wild makeover in the 70s with Koogle. Instead of the classic nutty taste, it came in flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, and even banana. Kids were curious, parents were skeptical, and the result was a mix of delight and confusion. Some thought it was brilliant, while others just wanted regular peanut butter back. It did not last long on the shelves, disappearing as quickly as it arrived. But for those who tried it, the memory sticks out as one of those quirky products that proved not every classic food needs an unusual twist to be fun.
7. Bubble Yum
Bubble Yum made gum fun again. Unlike the hard gums of the past, it was soft, chewy, and perfect for blowing massive bubbles. A strange playground rumor claimed it contained spider eggs, but kids never stopped chewing. Decades later, Bubble Yum is still around and remains a nostalgic favorite.
8. Funny Face Drink Mix
Funny Face competed with Kool-Aid by offering cheap drink powders with goofy mascots like Goofy Grape and Rootin’ Tootin’ Raspberry. Kids loved the silly characters, though some of the branding hasn’t aged well. Despite its popularity for a time, the mix eventually disappeared and hasn’t returned to store shelves.
9. Pudding Roll-Ups
Pudding Roll-Ups were one of the stranger experiments of the 70s. Imagine pudding spread out into peelable sheets, kind of like fruit leather but much stickier. Kids thought it was fun at first, though the texture was messy and the taste was unusual. Parents often disliked it, finding it impractical and hard to pack in lunches. Still, some kids enjoyed the novelty of unrolling pudding and eating it like candy. It did not survive the test of time, but it remains a quirky memory from when food companies were trying to reinvent snacks in every possible portable form.
10. Hubba Bubba Max
Hubba Bubba was known for its soft, chewy texture and big bubbles, but the “Max” version stuffed with gooey centers pushed things too far. Kids chewed it for the novelty, but it didn’t last. Regular Hubba Bubba gum is still widely available, but the Max line is long gone.
11. Snackin’ Cake
Snackin’ Cake promised a quick dessert that baked right in its own box with just water and a stir. Kids loved helping in the kitchen, but the results were inconsistent — sometimes too dry, sometimes gooey. Despite its brief popularity, the product disappeared, leaving only warm memories of easy baking.
12. Toaster Treats
Toaster Treats were the budget version of Pop-Tarts. They weren’t as polished, with thin frosting and uneven filling, but families bought them because they were affordable. Kids happily toasted them before school anyway. Over time, Pop-Tarts dominated, and Toaster Treats faded away from the breakfast aisle for good.
13. Jell-O Pudding Pops
These frozen treats made pudding portable and perfect for summer afternoons. Kids begged parents to keep them stocked, and commercials made them look irresistible. But over time, sales dropped, and they were discontinued in the early 2000s. Fans still remember them fondly, even if copycats never quite capture the original.
This story Childhood Snacks We Loved was first published on Daily FETCH
