20 Forgotten American Candies That Are Guaranteed To Sweeten Your Nostalgia

Ah, the sweet, sweet taste of nostalgia—wrapped in wax paper, dipped in neon colors, and sometimes stuck to your teeth for hours!

Let’s take a sugar-fueled stroll down memory lane and revisit the long-lost gems of America’s candy aisles. These weren’t just treats; they were childhood rituals. Whether you were a die-hard chocoholic sneaking bites of a Marathon bar or a fruit-flavored fanatic trading Lik-M-Aid packets on the playground, each candy carried a story, a moment, a sugar rush worth chasing.

Some fizzed, some popped, some turned your tongue a radioactive shade of blue—and we loved every second of it. Though many of these sweet relics have vanished from shelves, they still live on in our taste buds’ dreams.

So grab your imaginary lunchbox and join us on this deliciously retro journey as we unwrap the flavors, fun, and forgotten favorites that made the candy aisle the happiest place on Earth.

1. BB Bats

Remember the BB Bats? These taffy lollipops were the ultimate test of your jaw strength and patience. Coming in delightful flavors like banana and strawberry, they were the perfect balance between sweet indulgence and an unexpected jaw workout. These candies taught us that good things come to those who wait… and chew.

Back in the day, BB Bats were the candy you’d find tucked away in your grandparent’s candy jar, waiting to be rediscovered. Each lick was a time capsule, revealing layers of flavor and moments of nostalgia. And let’s not forget the thrill of trying to get the wrapper off without losing half the candy.

These treats were more than just a sweet escape; they were a symbol of simpler times, where candy didn’t just taste good but promised an adventure. Who knew a lollipop could be this engaging?

2. Marathon Bar

If there ever was a candy that lived up to its name, it’s the Marathon Bar. This chocolate-covered caramel delight was as long as its legacy—8 inches of pure chewy heaven. With every bite, you felt like you were embarking on an epic taste adventure, and trust me, it was a journey worth taking.

The Marathon Bar was the perfect companion for those with a sweet tooth and a love for chocolate that just wouldn’t quit. It was the candy that challenged you to finish it in one sitting, and if you did, you deserved a medal.

Gone but never forgotten, the Marathon Bar was the gold standard of caramel bars. Its twisty shape and gooey texture made it a legend in the candy world, and a favorite in the hearts of those who dared to conquer it.

3. Seven Up Candy Bar

Not to be confused with the fizzy drink, the Seven Up Candy Bar was its own brand of extraordinary. This chocolate bar was a candy roulette, each square hosting a different filling; it was like opening a new present with every bite.

From nutty to nougat, each piece was an adventure that appealed to every taste bud. The Seven Up Candy Bar was a fun, multi-sensory experience that kept you guessing what delight was coming next. It was the ultimate mixer in your mouth.

This candy was beloved for its creativity and the exciting feeling of unpredictability it brought to the candy aisles. Even today, the thought of it lights up the eyes of those lucky enough to have experienced its diverse flavors.

4. Reggie! Bar

The Reggie! Bar was the candy that brought sports fans and sweet lovers together. Named after baseball icon Reggie Jackson, it was an all-star lineup of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate.

This candy was more than just a treat; it was a celebration of a sports legend, wrapped up in a delicious chocolate package. Opening a Reggie! Bar was like unwrapping a piece of sports history, one bite at a time.

With its hearty mix of textures and flavors, the Reggie! Bar was a home run in every sense. It’s a candy that’s remembered not just for its taste, but for the nostalgia it brought with the crack of the wrapper, reminiscent of a bat hitting a ball.

5. PB Max

PB Max was the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers. This chunky bar was more than just a snack; it was a power bar in disguise, filled with rich peanut butter, oats, and a layer of chocolate that tied it all together.

This candy was the kind of indulgence that you didn’t feel guilty about, because it was too busy being delicious. PB Max had a way of making you feel like you were treating yourself to something special, without the health food vibe.

For those who remember it, PB Max was a highlight of the candy aisle—a satisfying bite that packed a flavorful punch. It’s the kind of candy that makes you wonder why it ever disappeared from the shelves.

6. GatorGum

Yes, you read that right! GatorGum was a quirky invention that attempted to quench your thirst with a burst of Gatorade flavor in gum form. Imagine a piece of gum that left your mouth watering like a marathon runner on a hot day.

GatorGum was the kind of candy that blurred the lines between food and beverage. It promised to replenish electrolytes, though it mostly just intrigued us with its refreshing taste.

This gum was a novel concept that captured the spirit of the 80s, when experimentation was king. GatorGum was a brief but memorable chapter in the candy storybook, leaving a refreshing legacy in its wake.

7. Choco’Lite

Light as a feather, crunchy as a dream—the Choco’Lite bar was a revelation in the world of chocolate. This textured delight was full of airy bubbles that melted in your mouth, turning every bite into a cloud-like experience.

Choco’Lite wasn’t just a candy; it was an adventure in texture, a unique twist on the traditional chocolate bar. It made you feel like you were indulging in something luxurious, yet light as air.

For those who appreciated the finer things in life, Choco’Lite was a treat that provided both a satisfying crunch and a taste of nostalgia. The memory of its bubbly goodness lingers, like a sweet whisper from the past.

8. Bonkers

Bonkers were the candies that dropped fruity delights and laughter in equal measure. These square candies, with their juicy centers, were famous for their quirky commercials, where fruit would literally fall on people.

Each Bonker was a burst of fruity flavor, perfectly encapsulating the 80s’ love for bold colors and fun. The commercials were as memorable as the candy itself, making Bonkers a staple in the world of confectionery humor.

For those who remember, Bonkers were more than just a candy; they were a moment of joy and silliness in an otherwise mundane day. A piece of Bonkers was like a fruity explosion of happiness, wrapped in a nostalgic joke.

9. BarNone

BarNone was the candy bar with class. With layers of chocolate, wafer, and peanuts, it was like a Snickers that went to finishing school. It was a treat that knew how to satisfy cravings with a touch of elegance.

The original BarNone was adored for its rich layers and the satisfying way it crumbled with each bite. It was a taste of luxury, wrapped in a chocolate bar that made you feel like you were indulging in something truly special.

Although the recipe changed and it’s not quite what it used to be, the memory of the original BarNone lingers sweetly in the minds of those who enjoyed its deliciously classy crunch.

10. Chunky

Square, thick, and unapologetically dense, Chunky was the candy that knew how to make a statement. Wrapped in foil, this chocolate cube was packed with raisins and nuts, built like a tank ready to conquer your taste buds.

Chunky was more than just a candy; it was an event. Opening that foil wrapper was like unlocking a world of rich, nutty chocolate goodness. Each bite was a satisfying chunk of flavor that left you wanting more.

This treat was a fixture in lunch boxes and movie theaters alike, adored for its unique shape and robust taste. Chunky was, and forever will be, a heavyweight champion in the candy world.

11. Zours

For those who lived on the edge of the sour spectrum, Zours were the candy of choice. These tangy cousins of Mike and Ike packed a punch that could make your face do acrobatics with every bite.

Zours were more than just a candy; they were a challenge. How much sour could you handle? Each piece was an exhilarating burst of tangy flavor, testing the limits of your sour tolerance.

For the brave souls who dared to conquer Zours, it was a badge of honor. This candy was both a test of bravery and a delightful treat, offering a taste adventure that was hard to forget.

12. Razzles

First it’s a candy, then it’s a gum—Razzles were the chameleons of the candy world. With an identity as dynamic as its flavors, Razzles were the perfect treat for indecisive sweet tooths.

Starting off as a hard candy, it seamlessly morphed into gum, providing a unique double-layered experience. Razzles were the candy equivalent of two treats in one, delighting kids and adults alike.

For those who remember, Razzles were a playful mystery that kept you coming back for more. The memory of that transition from candy to gum is a sweet reminder of childhood’s simple pleasures.

13. Slo Poke

Slo Poke was the candy that truly lived up to its name—a caramel sucker that defied time with its enduring chewiness. It was a sweet that made licking a marathon event, and chewing an exercise in patience.

This caramel delight was more than just a candy; it was an experience. Whether you chose to lick it or chew it, Slo Poke was a testament to the rewards of perseverance.

For those who enjoyed the slow journey of a Slo Poke, it was a candy that offered both time and taste in abundance. Its nostalgic charm lies in its simplicity and lasting flavor.

14. Now & Later (original formula)

Now & Later candies were the ultimate test of patience and dental resilience. Starting as hard as a rock, they slowly softened into chewy delights, rewarding those who waited with bursts of juicy flavor.

These candies were a staple of childhood adventures, the kind of snack you’d stash away and savor throughout the day. The original formula was known for its bold flavors and the suspense of when it’d finally give.

For those who braved the initial hardness, Now & Later was a journey of taste and texture, proving that some things are worth waiting for. They remain a nostalgic symbol of sweet endurance.

15. Ouch! Bubblegum

Ouch! Bubblegum was the playful way to heal your sweet cravings. Shaped like band-aids and packed in a reusable tin, this gum was a delightful mix of novelty and taste.

It was the kind of candy that made you smile before you even took a bite, thanks to its clever design. Ouch! Bubblegum wasn’t just about the flavor; it was about the experience of unwrapping a tiny band-aid-shaped piece of fun.

For those who remember, each piece was a sweet reminder that sometimes the best remedies come in the quirkiest forms. This gum was as much about the joy of discovery as it was about the flavor.

16. Wax Bottles (Nik-L-Nips)

Wax Bottles, also known as Nik-L-Nips, were the epitome of childhood curiosity and questionable logic. You’d bite off the top, drink the syrupy liquid, and chew the wax like gum. It was a three-part candy act.

Nik-L-Nips were as much about the ritual as they were about the taste. They were a testament to the imaginative ways kids found to entertain themselves with candy.

For those nostalgic for simpler times, Wax Bottles hold a special place in candy history. They were a sweet adventure that encouraged you to play with your food, guilt-free.

17. Candy Cigarettes

Before the days of health-conscious parenting, Candy Cigarettes were the sugary sticks that let kids pretend to be movie villains. They were innocent mimicry, wrapped in a playful nod to adult sophistication.

These candy sticks were more than just a sugar fix; they were part of childhood fantasy, where you could play the role of a mysterious figure with a sweet secret.

For many, Candy Cigarettes were a rite of passage, a playful way to imitate the grown-ups without the consequences. They remain a sweet memory of a time when innocence and imagination ruled the playground.

18. Beeman’s Gum

Beeman’s Gum was the gum with a purpose, marketed as a “digestive” aid with its unique spicy flavor. It was the kind of gum your grandpa swore by, claiming it could cure just about anything.

The chalky texture and nostalgic taste made Beeman’s Gum a favorite among those who appreciated its vintage charm. It was as much about the experience of chewing as it was about the claimed benefits.

For aficionados of retro candy, Beeman’s Gum is a taste of the past that brings back fond memories of simpler times. It’s a sweet reminder that some things never go out of style.

19. Vienna Fingers Candy (not cookies!)

Vienna Fingers Candy was a sweet twist on a classic cookie, dipped in white chocolate. It was a delightful short-lived experiment that left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to have tried it.

These candies were not just a brief encounter with sweetness but a unique take on a beloved treat. They were a fleeting indulgence that combined the familiar shape of Vienna Fingers with the unexpected sweetness of candy.

For those who remember, Vienna Fingers Candy was a sweet surprise, a nostalgic nod to creativity in confectionery. They remind us of the joy found in unexpected candy adventures.

20. Fizzies

Fizzies were the effervescent tablets that turned ordinary water into a bubbling soda experience. They were the DIY soda makers of their time, bringing a sense of wonder and science to your kitchen.

These tablets were more than just a drink; they were an experiment in flavor and fizz. Fizzies captured the imagination of kids and adults alike with their magical transformation.

For those who loved a good science experiment with a tasty twist, Fizzies were a childhood staple. They remain a fizzy memory of playful days and the joy of creating something deliciously unique.