Do you remember the fashion of the 1970s? This has been a decade of vibrant fashion and infectious disco music, but perhaps its most enduring legacy lies in the simple joy of movie nights, and legendary candy is a staple in every cinema, making it even sweeter.
Before those big screens lit up with blockbusters, there was a whole ritual that unfolded at the concession stand. It’s wild to think that movie theaters didn’t originally allow food, holding onto strict ‘no-snack’ rules until the Great Depression forced them to get creative. Popcorn made its grand entrance first, mobile and easy, but soon enough, the sweet tooth of America demanded its due. This ushered in an era where candy became a star player, evolving from simple trays carried by salesmen to the glorious, glowing glass cases we recognize today.
The 1970s, in particular, were a huge time for drive-in theaters, where snacks were an undeniable part of the experience. Many of these treats were unique to the era, shaping our cinematic memories and providing that essential sugar rush. Sadly, a lot of these sugary superstars have since faded into obscurity, vanishing due to changing tastes, new health rules, or simply being replaced by the next big thing. Today, we’re embarking on a delightful journey back in time to unearth some of these absolute legends, dusting off their wrappers and reminiscing about the candies that once ruled our hearts and the silver screen.
1. **Marathon Bar**Next, let’s talk about a candy bar that took the phrase ‘going the distance’ quite literally: the Marathon Bar! This wasn’t your average candy bar; it was a long, braided caramel masterpiece, generously coated in rich milk chocolate. But the real showstopper? Its extra-long wrapper, which made it feel like you were getting an epic treat, especially for kids looking for maximum sweet satisfaction.
The Marathon Bar, with its impressive length, offered a prolonged sweetness that was perfect for savoring throughout an entire film, making it a fantastic value and a true companion for any movie marathon.
Sadly, much like a good movie marathon, all great things must come to an end. Mars, the confectionery giant behind this caramel colossus, discontinued the Marathon Bar in the early 1980s. Despite its legendary status and fond memories, it never quite made a comeback. It’s a real shame, as many ’70s kids surely miss that wonderfully long, chewy, chocolatey journey.
2.Flicks Chocolate Wafers were a charming and delicious cinema classic, featuring bite-sized chocolate discs individually wrapped in shiny foil tubes that were both attractive and convenient for moviegoers.
The beauty of Flicks lay in their simplicity and shareability. They were the ideal snack for passing around in a dimly lit drive-in, where clumsy bags or messy chocolate bars just wouldn’t do. Their compact size and neat packaging meant you could easily share with friends and family without creating a commotion or a sticky situation. This made them a staple, especially for those communal movie experiences under the stars.
The Flicks brand had a rich history, dating all the way back to the early 1900s, proving their enduring appeal. They were still a beloved presence in the ’70s, a testament to their timeless charm. Unfortunately, like many good things, their run came to an end in the 1980s. The company closed its doors due to a combination of equipment issues and, sadly, a decline in demand. We still miss those little chocolatey discs in their shiny tubes!
3. **Oompahs**Let’s kick off this next round with Oompahs, a name that just rolls off the tongue with a playful, Willy Wonka-esque vibe – and for good reason! These were super cool chewy, round candies that came with colorful shells, setting them apart instantly. But the real magic was on the inside, where you’d find either a rich chocolate or a creamy peanut butter center. Talk about a double threat!
They were kind of like the bigger, chewier cousins to M&Ms, but with a whole different personality. That unique chewiness and the exciting choice of centers made them a truly distinct snack. You didn’t just pop them in your mouth; you savored the layers of flavor and texture, which was perfect for making a movie last longer, especially during those epic ’70s blockbusters.
And get this, Oompahs came from the whimsical world of the Willy Wonka Candy Company itself! That connection meant they already had a built-in buzz, tapping into the magic and wonder of pure imagination that everyone associated with Wonka. It gave them an instant cool factor, making them a must-grab at the concession stand for any kid who wanted a taste of that fantastical candy kingdom.
Sadly, even the most imaginative candies sometimes have to bow out. Oompahs were eventually phased out in the 1990s, leaving a chocolate or peanut butter-shaped hole in our hearts. There hasn’t really been anything quite like them since, making their memory all the sweeter for those of us who remember their colorful, chewy charm from the ’70s movie experience.
4.Chocolate Babies offered a wonderfully unique and slightly quirky experience, with soft, chewy candies shaped like tiny baby figurines, delivering a deep cocoa flavor that was sophisticated and not overly sweet.
Their delightful chewiness set them apart from harder candies, and their genuine cocoa taste provided a more mature chocolate experience, appealing to adventurous kids and adults seeking a subtle treat.
These uniquely shaped chocolate figures often sparked conversations, with some finding them unusual, but for many, they were a cherished nostalgic treat that perfectly complemented the cozy atmosphere of a ’70s movie night.
However, evolving tastes and societal shifts, including concerns about their appearance and a decline in demand, eventually led to the discontinuation of Chocolate Babies, leaving behind a sweet, albeit bittersweet, memory of a bygone era.
5. **Koogle Spread**Okay, so this next one isn’t a candy bar in the traditional sense, but trust us, Koogle Spread absolutely earned its place in the ’70s movie theater snack lineup, especially at drive-ins! Koogle was a deliciously flavored peanut spread, stepping way outside the usual peanut butter box with amazing varieties like chocolate, cinnamon, and banana. It was pure innovation in a jar!
Imagine this: some of those classic drive-in theaters would actually serve Koogle Spread on crackers or toast as part of their kid snack trays. How cool is that? It wasn’t just about sugary sweets; it was about providing a variety of fun, easy-to-eat options that could be enjoyed right from your car seat. This made it a unique and memorable part of the family movie-going experience.
Koogle brought a playful twist to peanut butter, offering exciting flavors like chocolate sundae and banana split that captured the ’70s spirit of novelty and fun, transforming a simple snack into a delightful flavor adventure perfect for pre-movie munching.
Unfortunately, Koogle had a limited shelf life and struggled to compete with traditional peanut butter brands, eventually disappearing by the late ’70s, remembered as an innovative but short-lived treat that brightened many movie outings.
Reflecting on these candies from the 1970s, from space food sticks to Lik-M-Aid, it can be found that they are not just candies; They are an indispensable part of our film experience, adding fun to every outing and becoming eternal symbols of that era. Their taste and stories will forever remain in our collective memory.
