Well, folks, grab your handkerchiefs because we’re about to get a little misty-eyed remembering some of the sweetest treats from our youth. Back in the 1960s, the candy aisle was a magical place filled with unique flavors and creative concoctions that today’s kids can only dream about. Let’s unwrap some memories and revisit these beloved candy bars that we wish would make a comeback.
Table of Contents
1. Seven Up Bar
No relation to the soda, this innovative candy bar featured seven different cream-filled chambers, each with its own unique flavor. Manufactured by Pearson’s Candy Company, it offered flavors like cherry, orange, lemon, clove, fudge, coconut, and buttercream. The bar was discontinued in 1979, but those of us who remember it still talk about how each segment was like getting a whole new candy bar.
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2. Powerhouse Bar
Peter Paul’s Powerhouse bar was a hefty combination of fudge, peanuts, and milk chocolate that could satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. What made it special was the rich combination of chewy caramel and chocolate coating, and it was a favorite until it disappeared in the late 1960s. Its rich, dense texture remains unmatched.
3. Chicken Dinner Bar
Despite its peculiar name, this candy bar tasted nothing like poultry! The Sperry Candy Company created this nutty, chocolatey delight during the Great Depression, and it remained popular through the 1960s. The unusual name suggested it was nutritious enough to serve as a meal, though we all knew better. Its combination of peanuts and chocolate made it a unique treat.
4. Coconut Grove
This tropical delight, produced by Peter Paul, featured fresh coconut covered in dark chocolate, making it stand out from the typical milk chocolate offerings of the era. What made it special was the real coconut shavings used instead of artificial flavoring. The sophisticated taste made us feel quite grown-up when enjoying one after school.
5. Milk Shake Bar
Hollywood Brands created this malted milk masterpiece that truly tasted like a chocolate shake in bar form. The combination of malted milk nougat, chocolate coating, and a hint of caramel made it a unique treat that captured the soda fountain experience. Many of us would save our allowance just to get one of these after school.
6. Caravelle Bar
The Caravelle was produced by Peter Paul and featured a unique combination of crisped rice, caramel, and milk chocolate that created a satisfying crunch with every bite. While similar to today’s Crunch bars, old-timers like us remember its distinctive lighter, crispier texture.
7. Marathon Bar
Introduced by Mars in 1973, this braided caramel bar covered in chocolate lived up to its name – it took a marathon to eat it! The unique spiral shape made it fun to unwind and eat, and the wrapper even included a ruler to show its impressive 8-inch length. No candy bar since has matched its playful eating experience.
8. Summit Bar
This sophisticated treat, introduced by Mars in the 1970s, combined creamy chocolate with toasted coconut and roasted almonds. What set it apart was its perfect balance of textures – smooth chocolate, chewy coconut, and crunchy nuts. The Summit Bar was a more grown-up candy bar that made us feel sophisticated when eating it.
9. Butter-Nut Bar
The Butter-Nut bar, produced by Hollywood Brands, was a unique combination of maple-flavored nougat and fresh peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate. The real maple flavor made it special, which gave it a distinctive taste unlike anything else in the candy aisle. It was like having a piece of New England in candy bar form.
10. Bonomo Turkish Taffy
While not technically a candy bar, this taffy was sold in bar form and deserves a spot on our list. The unique texture allowed you to smack it against a hard surface to break it into pieces, making it both a treat and an activity. Available in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and banana flavors, it was a movie theater favorite during the 1960s.
