9 Vintage Candies No One Misses And 9 Sweet Classics We’d Love To Try Again
Walking down memory lane with a candy in hand is one of life’s simplest, stickiest pleasures. The rustle of old-school wrappers, the sugary scent, the first bite—it’s all a ticket back to childhood.
Some vintage candies bring back a wave of sweet nostalgia, reminding us of corner store runs and Halloween hauls. Others? Well, they leave us wondering how we ever thought wax lips or chalky chews were a good idea. From the weirdly wonderful to the wonderfully weird, these old-school treats are as memorable as they are divisive.
So unwrap your imagination and join me as we explore 18 classic candies that either make us long for the good old days or feel extra thankful for the modern sweets aisle. It’s a sugar-coated stroll through the good, the bad, and the bizarre.
1. Candy Cigarettes
Remember the days when you could pretend to be James Dean with a candy cigarette dangling coolly from your lips?
Those were the days! Candy cigarettes provided a mischievous charm, offering sweet powdery puffs in a bid to look suave. Although highly controversial now for obvious reasons, they were the ultimate rebellious treat for kids back in the day.
They served as the candy gateway to adulthood, where innocence met edgy. Today, they linger as a sweet memory of a less politically correct era, best left to nostalgia.
2. Black Jack Gum
Black Jack Gum, with its distinctive black licorice flavor, was the mysterious candy lurking in the pocket of your eccentric aunt.
Its bold taste wasn’t for the faint-hearted, often dividing candy lovers into two camps: the daring and the dismissive.
For those who enjoyed it, Black Jack was a thrilling ride for the taste buds, a flavor experience far removed from the sweet norms. Yet, it’s a flavor many would rather forget, preferring the safety of more conventional sweets.
3. Necco Wafers
Necco Wafers were like the United Nations of candy rolls, offering a variety of pastel colors and flavors, none particularly memorable.
Every bite was a surprise, albeit not always a pleasant one, and the chalky texture didn’t help its case. Necco Wafers were a staple in old-school candy stores, known more for their endurance than their taste.
While some might reminisce fondly about sharing them with friends, many are content to let this relic remain in the past, savored only in memory.
4. Clove Gum
Clove Gum, a name that might elicit a shiver from those who’ve dared to try it. This gum is reminiscent of your grandma’s spice cabinet, offering a herbal punch with each chew.
It was the preferred choice for anyone wanting to freshen their breath with something more akin to a holiday roast.
Yet, its unique taste was not for everyone, and many are fine leaving it in the past. Its nostalgic value may bring back memories of quirky family reunions, but as a candy, it remains a taste acquired by few.
5. BB Bats
BB Bats, those taffy lollipops that could double as a dental endurance test. Each flavor, from banana to chocolate, offered its own chewy challenge, requiring both patience and determination.
They were the stubbornly sweet treat that stuck with you long after the flavor had faded. While they had their fans, particularly among those with a high tolerance for adhesive candies, BB Bats tested the limits of enamel everywhere.
Today, they remain a relic of their time, remembered as much for their persistence as their taste.
6. Wax Lips
Wax Lips were the ultimate gag gift, more toy than treat. These oversized waxy wonders offered fleeting moments of fun before reality set in—the realization that wax isn’t particularly palatable.
They were the kind of candy that made you question if it was meant for eating or simply as a playful prop.
For some, they might have provided a laugh or two, but as candies, they were more novelty than nourishment, a humorous footnote in candy history.
7. Chocolate Babies
Chocolate Babies, the candy with a name as peculiar as its taste. These chewy confections were more like molasses in disguise, offering a rich, almost overpowering sweetness.
They were a staple in candy shops, often picked for their curious appearance rather than their flavor.
Despite their chocolatey name, they often left a bittersweet impression, perhaps best enjoyed by the few with a penchant for peculiar sweets. Today, they’re a reminder of the adventurous tastes of yesteryears.
8. Chiclets
Chiclets, those bright little squares of gum that burst with flavor for a fleeting moment before fading into oblivion. They were the candy equivalent of fireworks—briefly spectacular yet quickly forgotten.
Each piece was a promise of flavor that was quickly broken, leaving only the pastel shell behind. They were a staple in the pockets of kids everywhere, a quick fix for oral fixation.
Though their taste disappeared as swiftly as it arrived, Chiclets remain a sweet memory of simpler times.
9. Sugar Babies
Sugar Babies, those charming little caramel morsels that stuck to your teeth as much as your heart. Their sweet, buttery allure was hard to resist, making every chewy encounter a delight for the senses.
They were a testament to the magic of caramel, captivating candy lovers with their rich, creamy texture.
Often found in the candy aisles, they were a perennial favorite, capturing the essence of indulgence in every bite. Sugar Babies might be absent today, but their sweet memory lingers on.
10. Candy Buttons
Candy Buttons, those vibrant dots of sugary goodness that clung to paper with a tenacity unmatched. They were more of a peeling game than a candy, each dot requiring careful precision to avoid the inevitable paper residue.
Yet, their simple sweetness was a reward worth the effort, a rainbow on paper that delighted many.
While they might have been a sticky situation, Candy Buttons were a colorful journey into the world of candy, remembered fondly by those who dared to peel and savor.
11. Bit-O-Honey
Bit-O-Honey, a name synonymous with patience and perseverance in the candy world. This chewy confection blended honey and almond flavors into a treat that challenged the jaws and enchanted the palate.
Each bite was a journey through time, where flavors unfolded slowly, revealing their sweet secrets.
For those who welcomed the challenge, Bit-O-Honey was a delightful experience, combining nostalgia with taste. Although it demanded dedication, its rich, nutty flavor made it a cherished treat for the persistent.
12. Squirrel Nut Zippers
Squirrel Nut Zippers, with their nutty, caramel charm, were a delight for those willing to risk a dental dilemma.
These chewy morsels were packed with flavor, a blend of caramel and peanut that lingered long after the last chew.
They were the kind of candy that rewarded patience with a taste experience worth savoring. For those who managed to keep their fillings intact, Squirrel Nut Zippers were a sweet trip down memory lane, a cherished candy for those who enjoyed a bit of a challenge.
13. Mary Jane
Mary Jane, a name that evokes nostalgia and a sweet, peanut buttery embrace. These chewy candies were a staple in candy jars, their flavor a comforting blend of molasses and peanut butter.
Each bite was a trip back to simpler times, where candies didn’t need to be flashy to be adored.
For those who loved the rich, earthy sweetness, Mary Jane was a timeless treat, offering a quaint charm and a satisfying chew. Though less common today, their legacy in the candy world endures.
14. Sky Bar
Sky Bar, the candy that offered a taste of variety with every bite, each section revealing a new surprise. From caramel to vanilla, each segment was a sweet adventure, a sampler in a single bar.
It was the candy equivalent of a grab bag, never knowing which flavor awaited next. Sky Bar’s charm lay in its unpredictability, a box of delights wrapped in chocolate.
Though it may have flown under the radar, those who knew it cherished its eclectic appeal, an aeronautical journey for the taste buds.
15. Turkish Taffy
Turkish Taffy, not quite Turkish and more of a candy enigma, was a test of strength and patience. This hard, chewy delight dared candy lovers to smack it to pieces before savoring its sweet, vanilla embrace.
It was a candy that demanded interaction, a playful yet stubborn treat that challenged its fans.
The satisfaction of cracking a bar into bite-sized pieces was as rewarding as the candy itself, a testament to its lasting appeal. Turkish Taffy remains a quirky favorite for those who enjoy interactive indulgences.
16. Valomilk
Valomilk, a candy that brought the joy of creamy marshmallow to the forefront, encased in a chocolate hug. It was a delightful mess, a treat that required precision to enjoy without wearing it.
The gooey center was a testament to confection perfection, a sweet surprise for the senses. Valomilk’s charm lay in its playful indulgence, a candy that dared you to savor it before it spilled.
For those who mastered its gooey embrace, it was a nostalgic trip worth the sticky fingers.
17. Mallomars
Mallomars, those delightful puffed masterpieces that took marshmallow to new heights under a chocolate blanket.
Each bite was a journey into a cloud of sweetness, a combination of gooey and crunchy perfection. They were the kind of treat that made winters warmer, a seasonal delight eagerly awaited by many.
Mallomars were more than just a cookie; they were a tradition, a celebration of simplicity wrapped in chocolate. Though they play hide-and-seek seasonally, their reputation remains untarnished.
18. Boston Baked Beans
Boston Baked Beans, a candy that put peanuts on the map with its sweet, crunchy coating. These sugar-coated delights were a nod to the classic bean dish, offering a savory treat with a touch of sweetness.
They were the candy equivalent of a warm embrace, a reminder of festive fairs and simpler times.
For those who loved the combination of sweet and savory, Boston Baked Beans were a nostalgic delight, a journey back to a time when candy identities were as quirky as their consumers.