top of page

The Best Retro Candy from the 1980s: A Retro Candy Guide


Mary Janes

The 1980s were a time for neon colors, big hair, and classic arcade games. But even though this era is often associated with junk food and general overconsumption, there’s something about the 80s that makes it the perfect decade for retro candy enthusiasts. The decade was home to some of the most delicious candies ever made, from sugary sweets to hard liquor-infused chocolates. And if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in all things retro right now, then we’ve got just the guide you need!




Cigarette Candy


The Definitive List of the Best Retro Candy

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’re in for a real treat with this guide. Here are some of the best retro candies: - Atomic Fireballs - Jelly beans - Necco Wafers - Pixy Sticks - Sour Patch Kids - SweeTARTS - Tootsie Rolls - Bottle Caps - Candy Cigarettes - Candy Cigars - Candy Corn - Chuckles - Hot Tamales - Squirrel Nut Zippers - Tagalongs - Wax Bottles


What is Retro Candy?

Retro candy is candy manufactured during the 80s. This decade saw the rise of some of the most delicious candies in history, from classic sweets like jelly beans and necco wafers to remarkably creative flavors like sour patch kids and hot tamales. These candies are often rare and hard to find, which makes them sought-after for retro candy enthusiasts. But retro candies are also wonderful because they help us to remember the past. By consuming these candies, we can relive the tastes and experiences of our childhoods. Candy from the 80s is often different from modern versions of the same sweets, and many people find that the classic flavors are far superior to what we have today.


Where to Find the Best Retro Candy

If you’re looking for retro candy, your best bet is to visit a local retro store. These kinds of stores are often stocked with classic candies, and are a great place to explore if you want to find rare and unusual sweets. If you want to find vintage candy online, then we recommend checking online stores like eBay or Etsy. In terms of online retro shops, we recommend checking out sites like Sweet Retreat and Candy Retreat, which specialize in rare and vintage sweets.


Chewy and Crunchy Candy

Retro candy enthusiasts tend to prefer chewy and crunchy sweets, as these types of candies are often hard to come by in modern times. Some of the best retro chewy and crunchy candies include: - Atomic Fireballs - Chuckles - Hot Tamales - Squirrel Nut Zippers - Wax Bottles


Candy Lipstick


Soft Squishy Candy

Soft squishy candies are some of the rarest retro candies, and are therefore very valuable to retro candy collectors. If you’re looking to find a rare and valuable retro candy, then we recommend stocking up on the following: - Bottle Caps - Candy Cigarettes - Candy Cigars - Candy Corn - Pixy Sticks






Hard Liquor-Infused Candies

Hard liquor-infused candies are truly unique. While modern candies are often infused with sweet flavors like raspberry or orange, retro candies were made with a much more interesting array of flavors. You can find retro candies infused with everything from peppermint to absinthe, and they’re sure to bring back memories of the 80s! Here are some of the best retro candies infused with liquor: - Hot Tamales - SweeTARTS - Tagalongs


Final Thoughts

Retro candy is one of the most fun and nostalgic hobbies out there. These rare and unusual sweets are wonderful for bringing back memories of childhood, and can be shared with friends and family members in order to make new memories. If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in all things retro, then we highly recommend starting a retro candy collection. And if you’ve got a very sweet tooth, then we hope this guide helps you to find the best retro candy.


What's your faviorite candy from back in the day?


By: Tahanee

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page