The 1980s were a vibrant time for candy, filled with exciting flavors, quirky packaging, and unforgettable advertising. While some classics like Pop Rocks and Nerds are still around, many beloved treats from that era have vanished, leaving a sweet, nostalgic ache for those who remember them.
Hershey’s Bar None
Introduced in 1987, the Bar None was Hershey’s answer to a sophisticated candy bar. It featured layers of chocolate, crispy wafers, peanuts, and chocolate cream, all covered in milk chocolate. Its rich, satisfying crunch made it a popular treat, but a recipe change in the early ’90s led to its eventual discontinuation.
Marathon Bar
This truly unique candy bar from Mars, popular in the late ’70s and early ’80s, was known for its impressive length—eight inches of braided caramel covered in milk chocolate. Its distinct, long shape and chewy texture made it stand out, but it was discontinued in 1981, leaving a void for caramel lovers.
Wonka Bar
Inspired by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the Wonka Bar had a tumultuous history. Though originally released in 1971, it was revived by Nestlé in the late ’80s, offering a taste of the fantastical world of Wonka. Despite its iconic status, the chocolate bar eventually faded from shelves by 2014.
Mr. Bones Puzzle Candy
A quirky Halloween staple, Mr. Bones Puzzle Candy came in a plastic coffin filled with candy bones that kids could assemble into a skeleton. It was a fun, interactive treat that combined candy with a toy, making it a memorable part of ’80s trick-or-treating before it was discontinued in the mid-’90s.
Bonkers!
These chewy, fruit-flavored candies were famous for their fruity centers and memorable commercials featuring fruit literally bonking people on the head. Available in flavors like grape, orange, and strawberry, Bonkers offered a burst of juicy flavor before they disappeared from candy aisles.
Reggie! Chocolate Bar
Named after baseball superstar Reggie Jackson, this candy bar was a limited-edition sensation when it launched in 1978 and continued into the early ’80s. It featured a core of roasted peanuts topped with caramel and milk chocolate, a unique combination that made it a collector’s item and a delicious treat.
Astronauts
These novelty candies from the ’80s came in containers shaped like spaceships with a variety of fruity flavored sugar inside. They were often found in vending machines and offered a fun, space-themed snacking experience. If you collected them all you could create space station. Their unique shapes and bright colors made them a favorite among kids before they disappeared.
Astro Pops
Astro Pops were a beloved retro candy and although they were introduced in the 1960s they became wildly popular through the 1980s. Shaped like a colorful, three-layered rocket, these lollipops were designed to resemble space-age excitement at the height of America’s fascination with space exploration.
Gold Mine Nugget Bubble Gum
Gold Mine Gum was a popular novelty candy in the 1980s that combined sweet flavor with playful packaging. Designed to resemble tiny gold nuggets, the golden-yellow gum pieces came tucked inside a small drawstring burlap pouch, mimicking a prospector’s gold sack from the Wild West.
Life Savers Swirled Lollipops
These weren’t just any lollipops; they were the iconic swirled candies known for their vibrant colors and classic Life Savers fruit flavors. Each pop offered a mesmerizing spiral design and a sweet, long-lasting taste that was a staple of many ’80s childhoods, though they are no longer produced.
Candy Cigarettes
While some form of candy sticks still exist, the classic candy cigarettes of the ’80s, often packaged to closely resemble real cigarette brands, have largely disappeared due to public health concerns. Kids loved mimicking adults with these sugary sticks, complete with a puff of powdered sugar smoke.
Sweet Memories
The 1980s truly were a golden age for unique and memorable candies. While these treats may no longer grace candy aisles, they live on in the fond memories of those who enjoyed their distinct flavors, quirky packaging, and the sheer joy they brought.
