A Sweet Look Back at the Candy of the 1960s Through 1980s

Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with us as we explore the delicious world of candy from the 1960s through the 1980s. Candy is more than just a sweet treat; it's a cultural touchstone that brings back fond memories of childhood and simpler times. During these decades, the candy industry underwent a rapid transformation, with new flavors, textures, and shapes that captured the imaginations of candy lovers everywhere. From the colorful and fruity treats of the 60s to the iconic chocolate bars of the 80s, we'll explore some of the most beloved candies from this era and discover what made them so special. So grab a snack and join us on this nostalgic journey through the world of candy from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Groovy Candy Launched in the 1960s

The 1960s was a decade filled with colorful treats. One of the most iconic candies from this time period was Fruit Stripe Gum, also known as the "Five Flavor Gum." Invented by James Parker and launched in the early 1960s, this gum quickly became a hit with candy lovers.

Another popular candy that emerged in 1962 was Now and Later taffy squares. These chewy treats were an instant classic with bold colors and long-lasting flavor. The same year also saw the introduction of Lemonheads by Ferrara Pan, which quickly became a fan favorite.

And let's not forget about SweetTarts, which made their debut in 1962 as well. These tangy, bite-sized candies were made using the same recipe as popular Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid products but in a less messy form. It's safe to say that 1962 was a big year for candy lovers everywhere. 1967 saw the debut of Razzles, whose tagline was: “First it’s a candy, then it’s a gum,” while the taffy trend continued with Starburst’s introduction also in 1967. The psychedelic late ’60s gave us the fizzy candy ZotZ.

Overall, the 1960s was a time of innovation and creativity in the candy industry, and these classic treats remain popular today.

Far Out Candy of the 1970s

Did you know that some of the most iconic candies from the 70s are still popular today? In 1970, Beich's Flavored Caramels hit the candy scene and would eventually be rebranded as the Laffy Taffy we know and love today.

Another candy that made waves in 1975 was Pop Rocks. This fizzy, popping candy caused a bit of controversy as rumors circulated that it could be harmful to kids. Despite the rumors, Pop Rocks remained popular throughout the 70s and beyond. The same year also saw the introduction of Bubble Yum, the first soft bubblegum. With its unique texture and sweet flavor, Bubble Yum quickly became a hit with kids everywhere.

In 1976, Breaker Confections introduced Everlasting Gobstopper jawbreakers under the Willy Wonka brand. Inspired by the candy of the same name in the 1971 Willy Wonka film, these jawbreakers were a fun and long-lasting treat. Two years later, in 1978, Reese’s brand expanded its line of products to include Reese’s Pieces. These bite-sized candies quickly became a fan favorite and were even featured in the hit movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Totally Awesome Candy From the 1980s

Step back in time to the 1980s, when big hair and bold fashion were all the rage. But it wasn't just the fashion world that was embracing bright colors and neon hues; the candy industry was also getting in on the action.

The decade kicked off with the introduction of Big League Chew, bubblegum in a pouch with a fun baseball theme. And the fun didn't stop there - in 1982; Runts hit the shelves with their fruity flavors and fun fruit shapes. But the real standout candy of the 80s was Nerds. First launched in 1983, these tiny, crunchy candies quickly became a fan favorite and were even voted Candy of the Year in 1985.

In 1986, Airheads burst onto the scene and stormed the candy world. These chewy, fruity treats were the ultimate 80s candy with bold flavors and bright colors. And let's not forget about Bubble Tape, the bubblegum that came in a six-foot-long tape. This fun and unique candy product closed out the decade with a bang.

The 1980s may have been a decade of excess, but it also gave us some of the most iconic and beloved candies ever.

If you missed part one, we covered candy from 1900 through the 1950s.