12 70s Snacks and Drinks You Wish Were Still Around to Savor Again Today

If you grew up in the 1970s or just love that retro vibe, you probably remember some snacks and drinks that made childhood way more fun. So many of those treats had wild flavors and eye-catching packaging that turned snacking into an adventure.

Here are 12 snacks and drinks from the ’70s that you might still crave today. Maybe you’ll get a little nostalgic for those simple joys—or even spot something new to try.

1) Pop Rocks

Pop Rocks exploded onto the scene in the ’70s. You’d toss a handful in your mouth, and suddenly, it felt like tiny fireworks were going off.

That weird, fizzy crackling made candy feel like a science experiment gone right. Most kids waited for the popping to stop, but honestly, half the fun was the anticipation.

Some brave souls mixed Pop Rocks with soda, but that combo could send you into a coughing fit. The bold flavors and wild texture made Pop Rocks unforgettable.

Check out more about Pop Rocks and other exciting 1970s snacks here.

2) Tang Powdered Drink

Tang was that neon-orange drink mix everyone had in their kitchen. Just add water and boom—instant citrusy drink.

Astronauts helped make Tang famous when NASA started packing it for space missions. Even though Tang wasn’t made for space, people loved the idea.

You can still find Tang these days, though it might look a bit different. That classic orange flavor hasn’t really changed. Learn more about Tang’s story here.

3) Bugles Corn Snacks

Bugles hit shelves in the late ’60s, but the ’70s really made them a snack staple. Those crunchy, horn-shaped corn snacks were perfect for munching or, let’s be honest, sticking on your fingers.

Back then, Bugles came with friends like Whistles and Daisys. Whistles and Daisys faded away, but Bugles stuck around.

The original salty flavor still wins hearts, though you’ll spot some wild flavors now. If you’re feeling nostalgic, just grab a bag and enjoy that classic crunch. For more on Bugles’ history, check out this story on General Mills.

4) Dunkaroos

Okay, Dunkaroos technically showed up in the early ’90s, but they totally fit the playful snack vibe from the ’70s. You got little cookies shaped like kangaroos and a tub of sweet frosting to dip them in.

If you loved dipping snacks, Dunkaroos were a dream. You decided how much frosting to use, so every bite felt like your own creation.

They vanished from shelves in 2012, which was a bummer for a lot of us. But hey, they’re back now, and you can relive those after-school snack moments. Read more about their story and comeback here.

5) Wacky Packages Trading Cards

If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably traded Wacky Packages with your friends. These were sticker cards that poked fun at the brands you saw every day.

Each card had a goofy cartoon and a silly twist on a real product. Kids loved peeling them off and sticking them everywhere—lockers, notebooks, you name it.

Topps started making Wacky Packages in 1967, but they really took off between 1973 and 1975. Curious what they looked like? Check out these Wacky Packages trading cards.

6) Ring Pops

Ring Pops made candy wearable, which honestly felt pretty cool as a kid. You could show off your giant, jewel-shaped candy ring to everyone.

Someone invented Ring Pops in the late ’70s to help kids stop sucking their thumbs. They turned candy into a fashion statement.

You could lick your ring and wear it at the same time—double win. Ring Pops still exist, so you can grab one and relive those sweet, sticky memories.

For a deeper look at their history, you can visit this page about Ring Pops.

7) Fruit Stripe Gum

Fruit Stripe Gum stood out with its rainbow stripes and that wild zebra mascot, Yipes. The fruity flavors hit you fast, even if they didn’t last long.

The gum got super popular in the ’70s and ’80s. Sadly, you can’t just find it in stores anymore.

If you want to taste that blast from the past, you’ll have to hunt online or check specialty shops. Fruit Stripe Gum still holds a special spot for those who loved its playful look and taste.

You can read more about why Fruit Stripe Gum was discontinued on this page about Fruit Stripe Gum’s history and end.

8) Hostess HoHos

Hostess HoHos brought chocolate cake, creamy filling, and a fudge coating into one little roll. If you liked Swiss rolls, you probably loved these.

HoHos hit shelves in the 1970s and quickly became a lunchbox favorite. You can still find them, but there’s just something about the way they tasted back then.

They were small, easy to share, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. If you want to learn more about classic HoHos, check out this page.

9) Jello Pudding Pops

Jello Pudding Pops were the frozen treats everyone wanted after school. Creamy, icy, and somehow both pudding and popsicle at the same time—they were honestly genius.

Jello stopped making them because it just got too expensive to keep them frozen and on shelves. Popsicle took over for a while, but eventually those disappeared too.

Now, you’ll find copycat recipes online if you want to bring back that creamy, cool taste at home. There’s nothing quite like making your own and taking a trip down memory lane.

Learn more about these tasty snacks at this Jell-O Pudding Pops article.

10) Gatorade (original formula)

Gatorade started in the ’60s, but the original formula stuck around through the ’70s. It mixed glucose, sodium, potassium, and water to help athletes stay hydrated.

Lemon-lime and orange were the first flavors, and they became sports field staples. The taste was pretty basic, but it did what it needed to do.

Gatorade has changed a lot since then, but the original formula launched a whole new category of drinks. If you miss that classic taste, you’re definitely not alone. You can read about its history here.

11) Cheez Waffies

Cheez Waffies were those crunchy, cheesy waffle sandwiches that made snack time a little more interesting. The unique cheese filling set them apart from anything else on the shelf.

They were super popular in the ’70s and ’80s, but finding them now is tricky. Most stores stopped carrying them by the 2010s.

If you’re lucky, you might spot them online or in a specialty shop—sometimes under names like Old London or Wise Waffies. They’re a reminder of when snacks were simple but packed with flavor. For more on their story, you can visit this page about Cheez Waffies’ past and fans’ searches.

12) Little Debbie Swiss Roll

If you grew up in the right era, you probably remember Little Debbie Swiss Rolls. These chocolate cake rolls come packed with sweet creme and get covered in a layer of rich fudge.

They show up in twin-wrapped packs, so grabbing a snack is ridiculously easy. Swiss Rolls have stuck around for decades, and they even hit their 50th anniversary in 2013.

Wish they were everywhere again? Yeah, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people miss these classic treats and hope they’ll show up on more shelves soon.

You can still hunt them down in some stores or order them online, but honestly, it’d be nice if they were easier to find. Fans would appreciate it.

Little Debbie Swiss Rolls keep things simple, tasty, and honestly, they’re just a perfect quick sweet treat you can’t help but remember.

If you want to dig deeper, check out more about these snacks from Little Debbie Swiss Rolls details.

The Cultural Impact of 70s Snacks and Drinks

Snacks and drinks from the 1970s weren’t just about flavor. People let them shape the way they ate, hung out, and enjoyed food.

Their bold flavors and wild packaging still stick with us, even now.

Why These Treats Defined a Generation

In the 70s, snacks went all-in on color, sweetness, and excitement. Maybe you remember the fizz of Pop Rocks or that creamy bite of Jell-O Pudding Pops.

These snacks really captured the decade’s playful vibe and made it easy to grab something fun anytime.

The era’s economy and lifestyle had a big say too. Convenience foods took off since families got busier but still wanted something quick and tasty.

Snacks became a staple at home and at parties, for kids and adults.

Many of these treats helped people make memories together. You could trade goodies at lunch and turn a snack into a whole moment of friendship and fun.

Lasting Influence on Modern Food Trends

You can still spot the 70s influence in today’s snacks, especially the bold colors and playful twists. Mixing sweet and sour, or adding fizzy textures, keeps popping up in candy and drinks.

The 70s also brought in cartoon mascots and bright, eye-catching packaging. That creative branding changed how companies sell snacks today, making eating more of an experience.

Even if some 70s snacks are tough to find, the love for convenience and variety hasn’t faded. Modern snacks and drinks try to capture that same sense of instant fun.

You might catch a bit of nostalgia in plenty of today’s treats, inspired by that wild, colorful decade.

If you want to see more about these iconic snacks and their influence, check out 18 Retro Snack Trends That Were All the Rage in the 1970s.

Nostalgia and the Revival of Retro Flavors

You’ve probably noticed that a bunch of classic snacks and drinks from the ’70s are showing up again. Some bring back those good memories, while others get a modern twist for today’s crowd.

Ever wonder why you get pulled in by those vintage flavors? Or why companies want to bring them back?

The Psychology Behind Nostalgic Foods

When you taste a childhood snack, it can spark some surprisingly strong memories. Certain foods connect right back to your past and the feelings you had then.

Your brain links those flavors to comfort, happiness, or maybe just simpler times.

Nostalgic foods make it easy to remember moments with family or friends. That connection adds meaning and makes the whole experience feel special.

Maybe that’s why retro snacks can still hit the spot, even after all these years.

Modern Attempts to Bring Back Classic Products

Companies keep trying to bring back your favorite ’70s snacks, sometimes sticking to the originals and sometimes tweaking things just a bit. They roll out that same bright packaging and those familiar flavors, hoping you’ll spot them right away.

But now and then, brands switch up the recipes to fit current health trends or changing tastes. Maybe you’ll spot less sugar on the label, or see some new natural ingredients.

These little updates try to make retro treats feel right for today, but they still hang onto the old-school vibe.

Curious to see which classic snacks are back? Here’s a handy overview of throwback snacks still available today.