Nothing beats the joy of biting into a timeless candy bar. The crunch, the chew, and the exquisite flavors can instantly transport you to simpler days when all that mattered was the thrill of exchanging lunch money for sweets. Unfortunately, not all our favorite treats have survived the test of time. Vintage candy bars like Seven Up, Chicken Dinner, and Marathon have become nostalgic memories for many candy enthusiasts. Dive with us into the world of discontinued candy bars and relish the stories behind these long-gone delights that once brought us immense joy.
The Seven Up Bar: A Chocolate Lovers' Dream
Decades before it became a popular soda brand, the Seven Up bar tantalized taste buds as a unique candy featuring seven different fillings in one go. Launched in the 1930s by Trudeau Candy, this treat was designed for the indecisive sweet lover. Each bar edged with creamy milk chocolate housed an assortment of fillings, including mint, nougat, fudge, and more, allowing candy lovers to experience a diverse flavor adventure in one bite.
Historically, the Seven Up bar endured several changes. After being acquired by Pearson's in 1951, the brand updated the fillings to match contemporary tastes. Sadly, the bar was discontinued in 1979, likely due to conflicts with the soda brand's name, leaving only Sky Bars and nostalgic memories behind.
Chicken Dinner: A Sweet Surprise
Imagine enjoying a candy bar whimsically named after a savory meal! The Chicken Dinner bar, produced by the Sperry Candy Company since 1923, was an intriguing delight that was all about promotion. This nut roll was rolled in chocolate, featuring crushed peanuts and marketed as the candy that could stand on its own. In a bold promotional move, Sperry distributed 12,000 samples in a publicity stunt that cemented its place in candy lore.
Tying into the political climate of its time and the famous slogan “a chicken in every pot,” the Chicken Dinner bar gained popularity during the Great Depression, but ultimately faded away by the 1960s. Its quirky name and captivating marketing campaigns continue to evoke smiles today.
Marathon Bar: The Endless Chew
When you think of candy bars that dominated the ‘70s, the Marathon bar comes to mind. It was an 8-inch long, braided caramel candy that somehow felt like an eternity in your mouth. The chewy bar, covered in luxurious milk chocolate, tagged the slogan “the candy bar that never ends.” Launched in 1973 by Mars, the Marathon bar quickly gained a loyal following, only to compete against similar products, including Cadbury's Curly Wurly. Unfortunately, by 1981, this beloved sweet also saw its demise.
Choco'Lite: The Light and Crispy Experience
Nestlé ventured into diet culture in the late ‘70s with the Choco'Lite bar, introducing a candy with lower fat content while claiming to deliver the same chocolatey indulgence. Bursting onto supermarket shelves in 1972, this unique milk chocolate treat boasted pockets of air that enhanced its crispiness and offered a lighter alternative to its competitors. Though the Choco'Lite brand didn’t thrive long and vanished by 1982, its innovation in texture and flavor resonated with those who experienced its delightful crunch.
No Jelly: A Unique Spin on Peanut Butter
Peanut butter enthusiasts can appreciate the cleverness behind No Jelly – a bar by Peter Paul that embraced the pure allure of peanut butter wrapped in a crunchy outer layer. Despite the intriguing name and the delicious combination of milk chocolate and crispy rice, the No Jelly bar struggled to maintain its identity in the busy market filled with other peanut butter offerings. By the late 1970s, it transformed into the more straightforward Peanut Butter Bar, though it simply couldn’t compete with the demand generated by its sibling bars like Mounds and Almond Joy.
Ruth's Home Run: A Taste of Baseball Nostalgia
Babe Ruth’s legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond with his candy bar legacy, Ruth's Home Run. In the 1920s, this bar was launched to capture the spirit of America's favorite pastime. This candy combined chocolate with various delightful fillings, winning over fans and sports lovers alike. Produced by Babe Ruth Candy Co., the vibrant packaging featured Ruth himself and promised bonus goodies, like a chance to win a baseball. Despite the excitement surrounding it, the evolving candy market and legal battles ultimately spelled doom for Ruth's Home Run.
Z-Carb: The Low Carb Craze
Candy trends echoed through the years, and the early 2000s brought about the concept of low-carb indulgence with the Z-Carb chocolate bar. Aiming to steal thunder from established products, this airy delight attempted to capitalize on the diet culture sweeping the market. It didn't survive but left behind lessons on the balance of health and indulgence in confectionery.
The Legacy of Vintage Candy Bars
Though old favorites like Seven Up, Chicken Dinner, and Marathon may no longer find their place in stores, they still hold a significant part of candy history. Nostalgia for these vintage candy bars continues to thrive, with many enthusiasts hunting for remakes or modern interpretations. The charm of nostalgia candy trends serves not only as a sweet reminder of childhood but also as a testament to the creativity of retro candy brands.
Celebrating these childhood candy favorites not only connects us with our past, but also lightens our hearts, reminding us that sometimes the simplest pleasures linger the longest. Whether you discover a remnant or simply reminisce, these candies will live on in our memories, representing sweet moments forever cherished.