Remember when a crumpled dollar bill could unlock a golden ticket to sugar paradise? Back in the ’80s, I’d march into the corner store like a kid on a mission, allowance clutched tight, eyes scanning the shelves for candy treasures. The candy aisle of the ’80s was a vibrant kaleidoscope of neon colors, bold flavors, and treats that felt larger than life, a true reflection of the creative and energetic decade. Each bite was a tiny sugar-fueled adventure, with novel creations entering the scene that perfectly captured the era’s spirit. These weren’t just snacks—they were pure, unfiltered joy wrapped in shiny foil and eye-catching wrappers.
The ’80s candy scene wasn’t just about taste; it was about the experience. Bright designs, vivid colors, and neon hues were the norm, heavily inspired by the fashion trends of the time. Sweet creations were often tied to popular TV shows and movies, not only becoming merchandise but sometimes even playing star roles on the big screen. For anyone whose childhood unfolded in the ’80s, these weren’t merely candies; they were pop culture icons, tucked into lunchboxes, eagerly traded at recess, and even immortalized in the hands of movie characters.
While E.T.’s beloved Reese’s Pieces are still around, many other sought-after treats that we savored during the ’80s have sadly left the snack racks. Some vanished due to corporate buyouts, others fell victim to changing tastes, and a few were simply too ahead of their time. No matter the reason, their absence is still keenly felt by those who once tore into their crinkly wrappers with giddy excitement. So, let’s take a sweet, sticky flashback and honor these sugary legends, one nostalgic bite at a time, exploring the magic and mystery behind their disappearance.
1. **PB Max: The Unforgettable Peanut Butter Paradise**Holy peanut butter paradise, folks! If you were an ’80s kid with a soft spot for the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, then PB Max was your jam. This treat was a divine combination of a crunchy whole grain cookie, a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter, and oats, all gloriously dipped in rich milk chocolate. It was a flavor explosion and a textural dream, delivering satisfaction with every single bite.
I first stumbled upon this marvel during a Little League game around 1990, when our coach, in a moment of sheer triumph after our only win of the season, handed them out. That memory is still crystal clear – the perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and smooth. Mars introduced this chunky square treat in 1989, and it quickly became a massive hit, raking in a staggering $50 million in sales. It was undeniably popular, a fan favorite that everyone seemed to love.
What makes its disappearance so utterly bizarre is that it was actually selling incredibly well! It wasn’t a flop; it was a phenomenon. Legend has it that the Mars family, the very executives behind the candy giant, personally disliked peanut butter. Can you even imagine? The audacity! They reportedly were not fans of peanut butter, and despite its widespread popularity, this strange decision led to its discontinuation around 1994. Talk about a nutty business choice! Even with its relatively short lifespan, PB Max cultivated a legion of devoted fans who, to this day, still petition for its triumphant return. Some candy bars, it seems, don’t truly die—they just go into hibernation, patiently awaiting their comeback tour.
2. **Bonkers! Fruit Chews: The Fruity Explosion That Bonked Us Silly**Get ready for some fruit-flavored madness wrapped in colorful packages! Bonkers! were these fantastic rectangular fruit chews that promised an explosion of flavor with every bite. The commercials for Bonkers! were just as wild and unforgettable as the candy itself, often featuring unsuspecting people getting hilariously “bonked” on the head by giant pieces of fruit right after they took a bite. Those ads were pure ’80s gold, adding to the candy’s playful appeal.
I vividly remember trading half my lunch during summer camp in ’89 just for a single pack of strawberry Bonkers! Best deal ever, no regrets. The design was ingenious: an outer layer of one delicious fruit flavor, encasing a center that burst with an even more intense, concentrated version of that same fruity goodness. This soft exterior and flavorful fruity center truly made it a hit among candy lovers, setting it apart from other chews.
Nabisco unleashed these chewy delights onto the market in the 1980s, and they remained a popular staple until their rather mysterious disappearance in the mid-1990s. Sadly, it disappeared in the ’90s, and even revival attempts have fallen flat. Despite occasional whispers and rumors of their return over the years, these vibrant, fruity rectangles remain firmly locked away in the vault of candy history, leaving us only with fond memories of getting bonked.
3. **Marathon Bar: The Braided Chocolate Challenge That Lasted… Briefly**Unwrapping a Marathon Bar felt less like opening a candy and more like unveiling a chocolate treasure chest. This distinctive 8-inch braided caramel rope, generously covered in smooth milk chocolate, was my ultimate Friday afternoon reward for surviving yet another week of middle school math. Made by Mars from 1973 to 1981, it came in that iconic red package, and here’s the best part: it had a ruler printed right on the back, proudly proving it was indeed as long as advertised!
My friends and I would turn it into a competition, seeing who could make their Marathon Bar last the longest. I swear Jimmy always won; that kid had superhuman candy restraint! The Marathon’s catchy slogan was “Marathon lasts a good long time,” a playful nod to its impressive length and chewy caramel. But, in a twist of irony, the candy bar itself didn’t last particularly long in production, departing the scene in the ’80s.
Rumors still swirl that the intricate, complicated braiding machine required for its unique shape made production costs simply too high. Whatever the true reason, this sticky, chewy, and utterly delightful twisted treat left a caramel-shaped hole in the hearts of candy aficionados. While fans still crave its return, its closest modern replacement is often cited as the Cadbury Curly Wurly, but for true ’80s kids, nothing quite captured the original Marathon magic.
4. **Reggie! Bar: The Baseball Legend’s Sweet Hit That Struck Out Too Soon**Batter up, candy fans! The Reggie! Bar stepped up to the plate in 1978, a delicious homage to the legendary Yankees slugger, Reggie Jackson. This unique circular disk of creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and rich chocolate wasn’t just a candy bar; it was a phenomenon. Its debut game even caused one of baseball’s sweetest (and most chaotic) riots when fans, in a moment of pure excitement, pelted the field with these very bars after Jackson hit a home run. Talk about a grand slam entrance!
As a dedicated baseball card collector who sadly couldn’t afford tickets to see the games live, I felt a special connection to the greats through this candy. The wrapper featured a fantastic cartoon illustration of Reggie in his iconic batting stance, instantly recognizable even to a kid who had never seen him play in person. It truly captured the spirit of the baseball hero.
Standard Brands, known for its creative candy ventures, launched this sports-themed treat following Jackson’s incredible three consecutive home runs in the 1977 World Series. Despite its initial success and solid sales, the novelty eventually wore off, and the Reggie! Bar struck out, quietly fading away around 1981. Today, it remains a fascinating relic of both candy and sports history. Unlike the Hall of Famer it celebrated, this candy didn’t have the staying power to become a permanent part of America’s sweet lineup, leaving only fond memories of its initial home run.
5. **Choco’Lite: The Bubbly Chocolate Dream That Vanished Too Quietly**In the early 1970s, Nestlé introduced a true game-changer to the candy world: the Choco’Lite bar. This innovative treat was proudly dubbed the first puffed milk chocolate bar in the U.S. that also featured crispy chips. It made its grand entrance across New England and the Midwest, quickly soaring in popularity throughout both the groovy ’70s and the decadent ’80s. However, much to the dismay of its growing fanbase, it was quietly discontinued towards the end of that glorious decade.
Advertisements of the time beautifully described it as featuring “big, thick bites of light and creamy chocolate with crispy chips,” emphasizing that it was truly unlike any other chocolate bar gracing the shelves. Many have fondly compared its aerated milk chocolate texture to that of the Aero Bar, which also boasted a bubbly consistency. Yet, it was undeniably the unique addition of its toffee-like crispy chips that truly set Choco’Lite apart, creating a delightful crunch within the airy chocolate.
Some versions of its vibrant packaging even showcased an image of dark aero chocolate, complemented by a striking logo reminiscent of the ’70s, all wrapped in a luxurious gold foil inner wrapper. Towards the end of the ’80s, without much fanfare or explanation, the bar was removed from shelves, leaving a trail of distraught fans. Enthusiastic social media pages have since been created, rallying in an effort to bring back this beloved bar. However, to date, their passionate efforts have unfortunately borne no fruit. While Nestlé boasts over 2,000 brands today, Choco’Lite, sadly, is not one of them, existing only as a cherished memory.
6. **BarNone: The Wafer Wonder That Hershey’s Couldn’t Resist Changing**Oh, BarNone, you magnificent layered wonder! This chocolate bar was a true symphony of textures and flavors. It perfectly combined crispy wafers, rich chocolate cream, a generous sprinkling of crushed almonds, all lovingly enveloped in a decadent milk chocolate coating. For me, BarNone was the sophisticated candy of my childhood, a reward for triumphs like acing a sixth-grade spelling bee. Grandma would hand me this treasure, and I’d feel like the classiest 11-year-old in town, savoring its complex deliciousness.
Hershey’s introduced BarNone to candy lovers in 1987, and it was an instant hit. The original packaging featured a distinctive brown wrapper with bold yellow lettering, instantly recognizable among the colorful array of options. Its original slogan, “The chocolate bar that satisfies your chocolate craving,” perfectly encapsulated its appeal—simple, direct, and utterly true. In Canada, it was even known as the Temptation bar. In a 1989 advert, Hershey’s proudly called it “the supreme chocolate extravaganza” and claimed it would “satisfy the chocolate beasty lurking in us all.” It was a hit with both kids and adults due to its satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Alas, in 1992, Hershey’s made a fateful decision that led to its downfall. They chose to change the original bar, transforming it into two sticks instead of one large bar and, adding caramel to the mix. This “improvement” was a critical misstep. It seems the public simply didn’t like the alteration, as sales began to decline. By 1997, this crunchy-creamy masterpiece, which had once been compared to KitKat for its texture and flavor, vanished from shelves, leaving many dismayed. Sometimes, even candy companies need to heed the wisdom: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Though gone from American shelves, rumors persist that it’s still available in Mexico—a tempting thought for nostalgic fans!
7. **Summit Bar: The Cookie Crunch Champion That Couldn’t Beat the Heat**Imagine a candy bar that perfectly blended cookie pieces, crunchy peanuts, and creamy caramel, all nestled beneath a generous coating of smooth milk chocolate. That, my friends, was the Summit Bar. This textural masterpiece from Mars made its appearance in the late 1970s and truly shone in the 1980s. It seemed specifically designed for those of us who could never quite decide on just one candy ingredient, offering a delightful medley in every bite.
During my epic Saturday bike rides to the corner store, I’d often splurge my hard-earned lawn-mowing money on a Summit. The distinctive blue wrapper, adorned with mountain imagery, boldly promised a peak candy experience—and for me, it absolutely delivered! Each bite offered a slightly different ratio of its fantastic ingredients, making every encounter a unique journey rather than just a simple snack. It had a dedicated fan base, with people reminiscing about its perfect mix of crunch and sweetness.
Despite possessing all the hallmarks of a classic, the Summit Bar met an untimely end, disappearing from shelves by the mid-1980s without much explanation. One persistent problem, much like the original Wonka Bar, was its inability to withstand heat, often melting too easily. Even after Mars relaunched it in 1983, promising a “more chocolatey taste” with “30% more chocolate,” some consumers complained they still had to keep it in the fridge to prevent it from turning into a gooey mess. The public wasn’t buying the new version, leading to its ultimate discontinuation. Perhaps it was too complex for consistent mass production, or maybe Mars needed to make room for new innovations. Whatever the reason, this mountainous treat reached its peak too briefly, existing now only as a sweet memory for those who grew up in the ’80s.
8. **Nestle Wonder Ball: The Chocolate Sphere of Mystery**Remember the sheer, unadulterated thrill of ripping open a chocolate sphere, not knowing what tiny treasure lay nestled inside? The Nestle Wonder Ball was a masterclass in suspense and delight, starting its life as a hollow chocolate ball cleverly concealing a Disney character toy. For us kids, it felt like discovering pure magic, a chocolate archaeological dig with every crack.
I can still picture my cousin Timmy and me, pooling our precious allowance money, eyes gleaming as we’d dramatically unwrap these beauties. Nestle initially debuted this marvel in the 1990s as the ‘Magic Ball,’ before a little spat with the Mars company led to its iconic rebranding. It wasn’t just candy; it was an experience, a mini game of chance wrapped in delicious chocolate.
Alas, the joyous era of toy-filled chocolate took a nosedive when some killjoys pointed out a potential choking hazard. Safety first, of course, but man, did it sting! They tried reinventing it with candy inside instead, giving us that unforgettable earworm jingle: “What’s in the Wonder Ball?” Despite various format changes and hopeful comebacks, the original toy-filled version remains a cherished relic of a sweeter, perhaps slightly less safety-conscious, time. Even now, a faint echo of that catchy tune sometimes plays in my head when I’m walking past the candy aisle.
9. **Seven Up Bar: The Multi-Chambered Marvel That Defied Monotony**Before the soda of the same name became a household staple, there was another Seven Up that reigned supreme in the candy world: the Seven Up Bar! This was no ordinary chocolate bar; it was a feat of confectionery engineering, featuring seven distinct, connected chambers, each boasting a different, delicious filling. Imagine biting into cherry, then coconut, then caramel, then a Brazil nut—it was a flavor journey in every single bite!
My grandfather, a man of great candy wisdom, would carefully slice this segmented sensation into sections, making a single bar last an entire week of after-school snacks. Created by the Pearson Candy Company way back in the 1930s, this vibrant, rainbow-packaged treat leapt off the shelves, offering an unparalleled variety that felt incredibly luxurious for its time. It truly proved that variety isn’t just the spice of life, but also the secret to a seriously good candy bar.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, especially when lawyers get involved. Legal pressure from the 7UP soda company eventually forced its retirement around 1979. It’s a real shame, because in an age where modern candy bars often stick to one flavor profile, the Seven Up Bar stands as a testament to audacious innovation. It was like seven candy bars rolled into one, a multi-sensory delight that’s sorely missed by those of us who remember its glorious, segmented existence.
10. **Willy Wonka’s Dina-Sour Eggs: The Prehistoric Pucker with a Prize**Even before ‘Jurassic Park’ brought dinosaurs roaring onto the big screen, these magnificent beasts were captivating kids everywhere in the 1980s. Scientists were unearthing new species, cartoons were filled with prehistoric pals, and the candy industry, ever-savvy, jumped into the dino-mania with Willy Wonka’s Dina-Sour Eggs! Launched in 1981, these jawbreaker-style candies quickly became an iconic ’80s treat, blending a crunchy outer shell with a sweet, sour surprise inside.
These weren’t just any jawbreakers; they were marketed as the only “giant sour jawbreaker” of their time, with advertising claiming they could last a whopping 60 minutes! Willy Wonka himself supposedly hailed them as his “biggest breakthrough,” and kids absolutely devoured them. You could snag them as a single egg or a convenient two-pack, and they even had their own mascot: ‘Dee Dee DinaSour.’ It was pure, unadulterated fun, an edible adventure with every lick.
But like the dinosaurs themselves, even these mighty eggs faced extinction. By 1987, the “giant” claim had faded, and the eggs began to shrink in size. By the 1990s, they officially joined the ranks of discontinued candies, fading into the sweet annals of ’80s nostalgia. Today, original packaging is a sought-after collector’s item, a testament to the enduring love for that flavorsome mix of grape, orange, cherry, and lemon. While we may never know what real dinosaurs tasted like, we’re pretty sure it wasn’t as deliciously sour as Dee Dee’s eggs!
11. **Mr. Bones Puzzle Candy: A Sweet, Spooky, and Buildable Treat**For generations, parents have issued the golden rule: don’t play with your food! But in the late ’70s, the Fleer Company threw that rulebook right out the window with the ingenious Mr. Bones Puzzle Candy. This wasn’t just a sugary treat; it was an interactive experience, allowing kids to construct a full skeleton character out of edible pieces. It was a candy *and* a puzzle, a true sweet brain-teaser!
Each set of sugary bones came housed in a cool, plastic coffin—the perfect spooky container for Halloween treats, or really, any day of the year you wanted to feel a little macabre. After you assembled and devoured your sugary skeleton, that little coffin became a treasure trove for whatever trinkets and doodads an ’80s kid wanted to keep hidden. Fleer Company, by the way, has some serious candy cred; they’re also credited with bringing bubble gum to the masses thanks to Walter Diemer’s invention in 1928.
While bubble gum continues to reign supreme, our bony friend, Mr. Bones, didn’t make it past the mid-’90s before being discontinued. Fans, still holding onto those sweet, spooky memories, have launched Change.org petitions in vain attempts to bring him back from the great candy graveyard. It just goes to show, sometimes even the most unique and playful candies can’t escape their fate, leaving us with only the fondest memories of building—and eating—our food.
12. **Nestlé Alpine White Bar: The Sophisticated, Snowy Delight**Amidst the vibrant chaos of ’80s candy aisles, the Nestlé Alpine White bar stood out as a beacon of sophistication. This wasn’t your average milk chocolate; it was a distinctive white chocolate treat, generously studded with crunchy almonds, that truly captured a sense of elegant indulgence. It did exceptionally well through the ’80s and into the early ’90s, becoming a go-to for anyone craving something a little more refined.
Nestlé, a company with a long history of tasty sensations dating back to 1866, launched a memorable 30-second TV ad in 1986 that beautifully positioned the Alpine White as an ‘adult’ chocolate. The commercial featured glamorous young men and women against a picturesque, snowy Swiss mountain backdrop, with a sultry voiceover extolling the “creamy white” of the bar. It was first released in 1948, making it the pioneer of mass-distributed white chocolate in the U.S.
Even decades later, its legacy endures. In 2022, ‘The Tonight Show’ paid homage to that iconic advert with a hilarious parody starring Jimmy Fallon and his team, bringing a new wave of attention to this forgotten gem. Comments from nostalgic fans flooded in, begging Nestlé to bring it back. But alas, to date, the Nestlé Alpine White bar remains a beautiful, creamy white memory, existing only in our wistful dreams of snowy peaks and luxurious chocolate.
13. **Powerhouse Bar: The Energy-Packed Pioneer of the Candy Aisle**Long before “protein bar” became a buzzword cluttering grocery store shelves, the Powerhouse Bar was already delivering vigor and vitality, disguised as a delicious chocolate treat! This substantial bar was a dense, satisfying combination of peanuts, chewy caramel, and rich fudge, all enveloped in dark chocolate. What made it truly unique was its marketing: it was pitched as energy food, not just mere candy.
My uncle, a dedicated marathon runner back in the ’70s, swore by these. He’d insist they fueled his races, though I suspect his real motivation was just a deep love for chocolate. Created by the Walter H. Johnson Candy Company in the 1930s, the Powerhouse Bar featured a bold, muscular arm on its wrapper—decades before fitness trends swept the nation. It was ahead of its time, a high-protein bar marketed as an energy booster, a concept that feels incredibly modern even today.
The name “Powerhouse” perfectly encapsulated its hefty weight and the promised surge of energy. Peter Paul, the company behind Mounds and Almond Joy, created it in the late 1960s, enjoying a popular run for over two decades. However, after a series of corporate mergers and acquisitions—Peter Paul merging with Cadbury, then Hershey’s buying the U.S. division—the Powerhouse Bar was ultimately discontinued in the late ’80s. Its legacy, however, lives on, proving that combining indulgence with functional benefits is a concept that truly stands the test of time.
14. **Milkshake Bar: A Malted Dream in Solid Form**Get ready to take a delicious trip back to the soda fountain, because the Hollywood Candy Company’s Milkshake Bar was like a malted milkshake, but in glorious, solid form! Originally crafted in the 1920s as a rival to the Milky Way, it shared some classic ingredients like caramel, nougat, and milk chocolate. But what truly made the Milkshake Bar a standout was its delightfully fluffier, lighter texture and, crucially, its distinct malted nougat.
This candy bar wasn’t just a treat; it was an experience, especially during those sweltering summer months. Many candy lovers swore by freezing them and eating them like an ice cream bar, turning a simple chocolate bar into a cool, refreshing indulgence. The Hollywood Candy Company, founded by Frank Martoccio in Hollywood, Minnesota (yes, that’s where the name came from!), was also responsible for other beloved treats like the PayDay bar.
The Milkshake Bar enjoyed a popular run in candy aisles for decades, a true favorite for those craving that unique malted flavor. However, its sweet journey came to an end in 1988 when the Hollywood Candy Company was sold to the Leaf Candy Company. Following this acquisition, most of Hollywood’s original candies were phased out, with only the Zero Bar and PayDay surviving the corporate reshuffle. The Milkshake Bar thus became another cherished casualty of changing hands, leaving us with only delightful, malted memories.
And there you have it, fellow sweet tooths! Another journey down the candy aisle of yesteryear, where dreams were made of chocolate, caramel, and sometimes, even puzzles. These weren’t just sugar rushes; they were indelible parts of our childhoods, marking movie nights, recess trades, and whispered secrets. Though their wrappers may be crinkled only in our memories and their flavors linger just on the edge of recall, the stories of these vanished treats remind us that even fleeting moments of joy can leave the sweetest, most lasting impressions. So here’s to the ’80s, a decade where candy bars were truly larger than life, and to the hope that maybe, just maybe, one day a few of these legends might just return for an encore.”
