The 1960s was a time of great change and cultural upheaval in the United States. It was a decade marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of the counterculture. It was also a time when candy manufacturers were introducing new and exciting sweets to the market. Some of the most popular 60s candy are still enjoyed today, while others have become nostalgic relics of a bygone era.
One of the most iconic candies of the 60s was the Bazooka Bubble Gum. This pink, sugary gum came with a small comic strip wrapped around it, featuring the adventures of a character named Bazooka Joe. Another popular candy from the 60s was the Tootsie Roll. This chewy, chocolate-flavored candy was first introduced in 1896, but it gained widespread popularity in the 60s. It was a favorite among kids and adults alike and is still enjoyed today.
Other popular candies from the 60s include Lemonheads, Red Hots, and Swedish Fish. Lemonheads, with their tangy, citrus flavor, were first introduced in 1962 and quickly became a hit. Red Hots, with their spicy cinnamon flavor, were also popular in the 60s and remain a favorite today. Swedish Fish, with their chewy texture and fruity taste, were introduced in the late 1950s but gained widespread popularity in the 60s.
Iconic Chocolate Bars
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate is one of the most iconic chocolate bars of all time. It was first introduced in 1900 by Milton Hershey, who was a caramel manufacturer. The chocolate bar quickly became popular due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Hershey’s Milk Chocolate is still one of the most popular chocolate bars today, and it is a favorite of people of all ages.
Milky Way
Milky Way is another iconic chocolate bar that was first introduced in the 1920s. It is known for its creamy nougat center and rich chocolate coating. The chocolate bar was originally created to be a lighter alternative to the traditional chocolate bar, and it quickly became popular due to its unique flavor and texture. Today, Milky Way is still one of the most popular chocolate bars in the world.
3 Musketeers
3 Musketeers is a classic chocolate bar that was first introduced in the 1930s. It is known for its light and fluffy nougat center, which is covered in a layer of rich chocolate. The chocolate bar was originally marketed as a “three-part” candy bar, with each part representing one of the three musketeers. Today, 3 Musketeers is still a popular chocolate bar, and it is a favorite of people of all ages.
In the 1960s, these chocolate bars were some of the most popular candies around. They were loved for their rich flavors and unique textures, and they continue to be popular today. Whether you are a fan of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Milky Way, or 3 Musketeers, there is no denying the impact that these iconic chocolate bars have had on the candy industry.
Chewy Delights
If you’re a fan of chewy candy, the 1960s had plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few of the most popular:
Starburst
Starburst was first introduced in the UK in 1960 and quickly became a fan favorite. These fruit chews were originally called Opal Fruits and were marketed as a way to “taste the rainbow.” The candy was later rebranded as Starburst and became a hit in the US as well. Today, Starburst is still a popular candy and comes in a variety of flavors, including cherry, orange, strawberry, and lemon.
Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish were first introduced in North America in the early 1960s and quickly became a hit. These chewy, fish-shaped candies are made with a fruity flavor and a soft texture that makes them easy to chew. Swedish Fish are still popular today and are often found in movie theaters and convenience stores.
Tootsie Roll
Tootsie Roll was first introduced in 1896, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the candy really took off. These chewy, chocolate-flavored candies were a hit with kids and adults alike. Tootsie Rolls are still a popular candy today and come in a variety of flavors, including vanilla and strawberry.
Whether you prefer fruity or chocolatey flavors, the 1960s had plenty of chewy candy options to choose from.
Hard Candy Classics
Jolly Rancher
Jolly Ranchers were first introduced in 1949 but became a popular hard candy in the 1960s. They were created by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen, who originally sold ice cream in Colorado. The candy comes in a variety of fruit flavors, including watermelon, cherry, blue raspberry, and grape. They are known for their bold, long-lasting flavor and are a favorite among candy lovers.
Lifesavers
Lifesavers were invented in 1912 but remained a popular hard candy throughout the 1960s. They were created by Clarence Crane, who wanted a candy that could withstand heat and humidity. The candy comes in a variety of flavors, including cherry, orange, and pineapple. They are known for their unique shape, which resembles a life preserver, and their refreshing taste.
Lemonheads
Lemonheads were first introduced in 1962 and quickly became a popular hard candy in the 1960s. They were created by Ferrara Candy Company and are known for their tart, lemony flavor. The candy is small and round, with a hard outer shell and a chewy center. Lemonheads are still popular today and come in a variety of flavors, including cherry, grape, and orange.
Overall, these hard candy classics remain popular today and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Bubble Gum Favorites
Bubble gum was a popular treat in the 60s, and three brands stood out among the rest: Bazooka, Double Bubble, and Fruit Stripe.
Bazooka
Bazooka bubble gum was invented in the 1940s but gained popularity in the 60s. It was known for its signature flavor and the small comics that came with each piece. The comics often featured a character named Bazooka Joe and his friends. Kids loved collecting and trading the comics, and they became a staple of the brand.
Double Bubble
Double Bubble was another popular bubble gum brand in the 60s. It was known for its bright pink color and fruity flavor. Double Bubble was also famous for its ability to blow big bubbles, making it a favorite among kids. The brand is still around today and remains a popular choice for bubble gum lovers.
Fruit Stripe
Fruit Stripe gum was introduced in the 60s and quickly became a favorite among kids. It was known for its colorful packaging and fruity flavors, which included cherry, lemon, and orange. Fruit Stripe was also unique in that it had colorful stripes on each piece of gum. While the flavor didn’t last very long, kids loved the fun and colorful experience of chewing Fruit Stripe gum.
Overall, these three bubble gum brands were favorites among kids in the 60s. They were known for their unique flavors, fun packaging, and ability to blow big bubbles. Today, they remain popular choices for those who want to relive the nostalgia of their childhood.
Novelty Sweets
Candy Buttons
Candy Buttons were a popular 60s candy that came in a strip, with small colorful candy dots stuck onto a strip of paper. Kids would peel the dots off the paper and eat them one by one. These candies were a hit among children, and they were often sold in small packs that were perfect for sharing with friends. The candy buttons were available in different flavors, including cherry, lemon, and lime.
Pixy Stix
Pixy Stix were another popular 60s candy that kids loved. These were thin straws filled with flavored sugar. Children would tear off one end of the straw and pour the sugar into their mouths. Pixy Stix came in a variety of flavors, including grape, cherry, and orange. They were affordable, and kids could buy them with their pocket money.
Fun Dip
Fun Dip was a candy that consisted of a pouch of flavored sugar and a stick made of candy. Children would dip the stick into the sugar and lick it off. Fun Dip came in a variety of flavors, including grape, cherry, and orange. It was a fun way for kids to enjoy candy, and it was a hit among children in the 60s.
In conclusion, Novelty Sweets were a big part of the 60s candy scene. Candy Buttons, Pixy Stix, and Fun Dip were among the most popular novelty sweets of the era. They were affordable, fun, and delicious, making them a hit among children.
Minty Freshness
Peppermint Patty and Junior Mints were two of the most popular minty candies of the 1960s. These candies were known for their refreshing taste and cool sensation that left a lasting impression.
Peppermint Patty
Peppermint Patty is a classic candy that has been around since the 1940s. It was popularized in the 1960s and became a staple of the decade. This candy is made of a smooth, creamy peppermint filling covered in dark chocolate. It was a favorite among those who loved the combination of mint and chocolate. Peppermint Patty was also known for its iconic shape, which resembled a hockey puck.
Junior Mints
Junior Mints were introduced in 1949 and quickly became a popular candy in the 1960s. This candy is made of a soft, creamy mint filling covered in a smooth milk chocolate shell. It was a favorite among those who loved the cool, minty flavor and the creamy texture. Junior Mints were also known for their unique packaging, which included a small cardboard box that made them easy to carry around.
Both Peppermint Patty and Junior Mints were a hit among candy lovers in the 1960s. Their minty freshness and delicious taste made them a popular choice for those who wanted a refreshing treat. Whether you preferred the smooth, creamy filling of Peppermint Patty or the soft, creamy texture of Junior Mints, both of these candies were sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sugar-Free Options
For those who want to indulge in the nostalgia of 60s candy but are looking for sugar-free options, there are a few popular choices available.
One option is Jolly Rancher Zero Sugar Hard Candy, which offers classic flavors like raspberry, apple, grape, and watermelon without any sugar or aspartame. Another option is Stevita SteviaSweet Sublime Hard Candy, which uses stevia as a natural sweetener and comes in flavors like cherry, grape, and orange.
For those who prefer chocolate, Atkins Endulge Treat Caramel Nut Chew Bar is a sugar-free option that combines caramel, peanuts, and chocolate for a satisfying treat. SkinnyDipped Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are another option that offers a low-sugar alternative to traditional peanut butter cups.
Overall, while there may not be as many sugar-free options for 60s candy as there are for modern candy, there are still some tasty options available for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat without the added sugar.