Last updated 5 hours ago | Originally Published: October 6, 2024

The 1980s were a vibrant and transformative decade in the United States, marked by booming consumerism, technological advancements, and a rich pop culture explosion. As personal computers and video games like the NES entered households, consumer spending surged, with children and teenagers becoming key drivers of new trends. This era of economic growth and materialism also gave rise to 1980s candy, with brands launching innovative, colorful, and playful candies that mirrored the flashy, bold fashion of the time. 80s candy became iconic, often linked with the era’s cultural shifts, from blockbuster movies to the growing influence of MTV, making these candies an integral part of the decade.

Challenge: If you can think of only one brand of 1980s candy we didn’t list, let us know in the comments. If it’s confirmed to be correct, we’ll give you all the credit, add the brand to our list, and send you a 10% discount code that you can use for anything in our store!

Candy by Decades:

Big League Chew (1980)

Big League Chew was introduced in 1980 by former baseball players Rob Nelson and Jim Bouton. This unique gum was designed to mimic the look of chewing tobacco, offering shredded bubble gum in a pouch. It quickly became popular among young baseball fans and is still produced in many beloved flavors. The brand has maintained its place in the candy world as a fun, baseball-inspired bubble gum. Click below to purchase Big League Chew today!

Hotlix Candy (1980)

Hotlix Candy was founded in 1980 by Larry Peterman and is known for its unique approach to candy by including edible insects in its products. This novelty brand offers treats like lollipops with embedded insects such as crickets or scorpions and chocolate-covered critters. Hotlix made a name by combining daring food experiences with the candy market, appealing to those looking for something outside the ordinary. To learn more, check out Hotlix Candy here at Candy Retailer today!

Ferrero Rocher (1982)

Introduced in 1982, Ferrero Rocher quickly became a symbol of premium chocolate worldwide. Created by the Italian confectionery company Ferrero, these chocolates feature a combination of hazelnut cream, whole hazelnuts, and a thin wafer shell, all wrapped in a signature gold foil. Ferrero Rocher is known for its layered textures and indulgent flavors, making it a popular choice for gifting and special occasions. Click below to purchase Ferrero Rocher here at Candy Retailer today!

Albanese Candy (1983)

Albanese Candy was founded in Indiana in 1983 by Scott Albanese. The brand is particularly known for its high-quality gummies and chocolates. Albanese gained recognition for its gummy bears, which boast a softer texture and more intense flavors than other gummy candies on the market. The company uses real fruit juice and prides itself on innovation and quality in the confectionery industry. Discover the Albanese Candy selection today here at Candy Retailer!

Black Forest Candy (1983)

Black Forest Candy was established in 1983 and is best known for its gummy candies and fruit snacks. The brand emphasizes using real fruit juice and natural ingredients to create its products, which range from gummy bears to sour gummies and licorice. Black Forest has grown its reputation over the years by offering both classic and organic options for candy lovers. To purchase Black Forest Candy, click below to seal the deal here at Candy Retailer!

Nerds (1983)

Nerds, launched by the Willy Wonka Candy Company in 1983, are tiny, irregularly shaped, hard candies that come in many vibrant colors and flavors. Packaged with two separate compartments offering different flavor combinations, Nerds became famous for their tangy taste and crunchy texture. The brand has since expanded into multiple variations, including larger boxes and gummy versions. Click below to purchase Nerds today here at Candy Retailer; we carry them all.

Cow Tales (1984)

Introduced in 1984 by Goetze’s Candy Company, Cow Tales are long, chewy caramel candies filled with a creamy center. These treats are an extension of Goetze’s famous Caramel Creams but in a stick form, making them easier to enjoy on the go. Available in a range of flavors, including original caramel, vanilla, and chocolate, Cow Tales has maintained its popularity over the decades. Click the button below to order Cow Tales today here at Candy Retailer!

Extra Gum (1984)

Launched in 1984 by Wrigley, Extra Gum was one of the first sugar-free chewing gums to hit the market, utilizing aspartame to provide a long-lasting sweet flavor without sugar. The brand quickly became popular for its freshness and range of flavors, including classic mint and fruit varieties. Extra remains a go-to choice for those seeking a sugar-free gum option. To purchase Extra Gum, including all flavors and package options, click below to make it happen today!

Sour Jacks (1985)

Sour Jacks were introduced in 1985, offering a line of sour gummy candies shaped like wedges. Known for their intense sour flavors and chewy texture, Sour Jacks became a popular snack choice for those who enjoy tart treats. The candy is available in various fruity flavors, including watermelon, lemon, and cherry, and remains a key player in the sour candy market. Click below to order Sour Jacks at Candy Retailer today! We have all flavors and package options!

Sour Power (1985)

Sour Power, launched in 1985 by Dorval Trading Co., brought a new level of sourness to the candy market with its sour-coated licorice belts and straws. Known for its bright colors and bold flavors, including sour apple, strawberry, and blue raspberry, Sour Power became a staple for sour candy lovers. The candy’s distinctive tangy coating and chewy texture made it popular among younger audiences. Click the button below to order Sour Power today at Candy Retailer; we carry all flavors, including your favorite!

Airheads (1986)

Airheads were introduced in 1986 by Perfetti Van Melle and quickly became known for their soft, taffy-like texture and bold, fruity flavors. The thin, rectangular, taffy-like candy bars are available in several flavors, from blue raspberry to cherry, and have expanded over the years to include Airheads Bites and Airheads Gummies. Their unique consistency and tangy taste helped Airheads gain a strong following. Click below to order all your favorite Airhead flavors here at Candy Retailer today; we have them all.

Kenny’s Licorice (1987)

Founded in 1987, Kenny’s Licorice specializes in many licorice products, including traditional twists and ropes in classic and sour flavors. The company has made a name by offering licorice in multiple flavors and shapes, catering to fans of both sweet and sour licorice varieties. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients, Kenny’s Licorice remains a key player in the licorice market. Check out Kenny’s Licorice at Candy Retailer today; click below to make them all yours!

World’s Bubble Gum (1987)

World’s Bubble Gum debuted in 1987 and became notable for its innovative packaging, featuring globe-shaped gumballs. This brand quickly stood out in the bubble gum market, offering long-lasting flavors and unique candy options such as bubble gum candy cigarettes and bubble gum crayons! The brand caters to candy lovers looking for a unique and playful product. Click below to purchase World’s Bubble Gum here at Candy Retailer and relive the good old days!

About Candy Retailer

Candy Retailer is a family-operated online business located in Newport, Kentucky, focusing on bringing back popular candies from the 1980s. Our collection includes iconic sweets like Nerds, Big League Chew, and Skittles, which became staples of that colorful decade. Our modern, climate-controlled warehouse ensures every candy arrives in perfect condition, maintaining its original flavor and texture. Whether revisiting your favorite 80s treats or experiencing them for the first time, Candy Retailer offers the best selection of 1980s candy to relive the fun of this exciting period. You can also follow us on Facebook to be the first to catch our latest article, sales, and new candy and snack drops, which are daily here at Candy Retailer!

Candy Retailer Logo