15 Beloved ’70s Snacks That Vanished

The 1970s were a decade of bold flavors, colorful packaging, and plenty of snack experiments. From sugary cereals to quirky packaged treats, many of these snacks became staples of childhood lunchboxes and after-school cravings. But as trends shifted and brands evolved, a surprising number disappeared from shelves. Here are 15 beloved ’70s snacks that once defined the era but have since vanished.

Marathon Bar

This extra-long braided chocolate caramel bar stretched over eight inches and promised “lasting chew.” Its unique design and fun presentation made it stand out in the candy aisle. While loved by kids, its production costs led to its discontinuation, leaving fans nostalgic for its sweet, chewy goodness.

Ding Dongs in Foil Wrappers

In the ’70s, Ding Dongs were individually wrapped in shiny foil, making them feel like little treasures. The snack cakes themselves remain, but the nostalgic packaging disappeared, taking with it the charm and ritual of unwrapping a shiny, chocolate-coated treat.

Space Food Sticks

Marketed as “the food of the future,” Space Food Sticks were chewy energy snacks tied to the space race craze. Kids loved their futuristic appeal, while parents appreciated their portability. However, changing tastes and fading novelty led to their disappearance.

Chocodiles

Essentially chocolate-covered Twinkies, Chocodiles combined two snack favorites into one indulgent treat. While they had a cult following, their limited distribution made them hard to find. Eventually, they disappeared from shelves, though occasional re-releases still spark excitement among fans.

Fruit Brute Cereal

Part of General Mills’ monster cereal lineup, Fruit Brute featured a werewolf mascot and fruity marshmallows. Despite its colorful appeal, it struggled compared to Count Chocula and Franken Berry. The cereal was discontinued in the ’80s, but remains a nostalgic cult favorite from the ’70s.

Seven Up Candy Bar

This quirky candy bar featured seven different fillings coconut, caramel, fudge, jelly, and more separated into sections. Its variety made it exciting for adventurous snackers, but the complexity of production eventually doomed it. Today, it’s remembered as one of the most unique candy bars ever made.

Pink Panther Flakes

This limited-run cereal was inspired by the popular Pink Panther cartoon. Its pink, frosted flakes stood out on shelves and quickly caught kids’ attention. While it looked fun, its sugary sweetness and short-lived novelty kept it from lasting beyond the decade.

Twinkies Banana Flavor

Before switching to vanilla, Twinkies were originally filled with banana-flavored cream. In the ’70s, this flavor made a comeback and gained popularity again. However, vanilla ultimately won out, and banana Twinkies faded back into history, becoming a nostalgic footnote.

Pizza Spins

A General Mills snack, Pizza Spins were bite-sized chips shaped like little pizzas and dusted with cheesy, herby flavoring. They were marketed as the fun way to “eat pizza” without the mess. Despite their unique taste, they didn’t survive long-term, leaving behind fond memories.

Carnation Breakfast Bars

Marketed as a quick, nutritious snack, Carnation Breakfast Bars were filled with grains and chocolate, offering both energy and sweetness. Kids loved them for their candy bar-like appeal, while parents appreciated the health claims. Eventually, they disappeared as healthier options took over.

Peanut Butter Boppers

These peanut butter-filled snack bars were coated in candy, granola, or chocolate, making them a portable treat. Their sweet and savory combo was popular for a time, but competition in the snack aisle and production issues led to their decline.

Magic Middle Cookies

Pillsbury’s Magic Middles were shortbread cookies with gooey chocolate centers. Their soft, melty filling made them a beloved snack, but they were discontinued in the ’90s after a strong run that started in the ’70s. Fans still hope for their return.

Oompas Candy

Made by Willy Wonka, Oompas were large, chewy candies filled with fruit or peanut butter flavors. Their playful branding tied into the popularity of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Despite their fun appeal, they quietly disappeared after a few years.

Regal Crown Sours

These hard candies came in flavors like cherry, lemon, and blackcurrant, delivering an intense sour punch. Packaged in rolls, they were a playground favorite. Though they briefly resurfaced in recent years, they remain mostly a nostalgic treat of the ’70s.

Marathon Energy Snack Bars

Not to be confused with the Marathon chocolate bar, these were marketed as nutritious energy snacks for active kids. They promised long-lasting fuel but never gained a strong foothold, eventually fading as other brands dominated the market.