Sweets have always been a delightful part of growing up, with each generation having its own special treats that invoke memories of simpler times. The older generations had a variety of unique sweets that today’s youth might not recognize but are still cherished by those who remember them. This collection of 13 tasty sweets will surely take you on a sugary journey down memory lane, bringing back flavors and fun from the past. Whether enjoyed after school or shared with friends, these sweets hold a special place in the hearts of many.
1. Black Jack Chews

Black Jack chews were a favorite among kids with their distinct aniseed flavor. These chewy sweets, wrapped in black and white stripes, were often traded in playgrounds. Their intense taste and texture made them a memorable treat.
The joy of finding a few pennies in one’s pocket and rushing to the local sweet shop to grab these was unmatched. A small bite leads to a burst of flavor that lingered for a while. Even today, those who enjoyed them reminisce fondly about their unique taste. Black Jack chews were more than just a sweet; they were a social currency for trading and sharing amongst friends.
2. Flying Saucers

Flying Saucers were pastel-colored delights filled with tangy sherbet. Their wafer shells, reminiscent of communion wafers, dissolved quickly in your mouth.
Inside, the fizzy sherbet would create an exciting sensation, often surprising first-time tasters. These sweets were a staple at birthday parties, their bright colors catching everyone’s eyes immediately.
Flying Saucers weren’t just sweets; they were an experience of fizz and flavor, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Sharing them was a common joy, with kids giggling at the tickling sensation from the sherbet.
3. Sherbet Fountain

The Sherbet Fountain offered a fun and interactive way to enjoy sweets. Packaged in a distinct yellow tube, it contained a licorice stick and tangy sherbet powder.
The method of dipping the licorice into the sherbet was both messy and enjoyable, often resulting in sticky fingers and grinning faces. The combination of the sweet licorice and the tart sherbet made it a beloved treat.
Many remember the anticipation of getting to the fizzy sherbet after the initial taste of licorice. This sweet brings back memories of long summer days and sharing with friends, making it a timeless classic.
4. Fruit Salads and Black Jacks

Fruit Salads and Black Jacks were often sold together, offering a mix of fruity and aniseed flavors. Their small, colorful wrappers were a familiar sight in sweet shops.
Fruit Salads had a sweet, fruity flavor, contrasting sharply with the bold taste of Black Jacks. This duo was perfect for those who loved variety in their sweets.
These chews were easy to share, making them popular among friends. The contrasting flavors ensured there was something for everyone in this sweet pairing. Reminiscing about these treats often brings smiles to those who enjoyed them in their youth.
5. Candy Cigarettes

Candy Cigarettes were a cheeky treat that made kids feel grown-up. These chalky, sweet sticks were harmless fun, wrapped in paper to resemble real cigarettes.
While promoting childhood make-believe, they were often a source of amusement for pretending to be adults. Their mild, sugary taste was subtle but satisfying.
They have since become a nostalgic item, often remembered fondly despite the controversy surrounding their concept. The excitement of holding one and pretending was part of the charm, making them a memorable part of many childhoods.
6. Toffee Bonbons

Toffee bonbons were small, round delights that offered a chewy, sweet experience. Coated in a dusting of sugar, they were a favorite among children and adults alike.
The initial crunch gave way to a deliciously chewy center, with a flavor that lingered pleasantly. These bonbons were often enjoyed during family gatherings, providing a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Their simple yet delightful taste makes them memorable to those who cherished them. The joy of unwrapping one and savoring its rich toffee flavor is a fond memory for many who indulged in these treats during their childhood.
7. Pear Drops

Pear Drops were classic boiled sweets known for their vibrant pink and yellow colors. These hard candies, with their sweet and slightly tart flavor, were a staple in sweet jars.
Their pear-like shape and distinctive taste made them a recognizable favorite among many. The slow dissolve of these candies allowed one to savor their delicious flavor over time.
Often enjoyed during long car trips, they provided a sweet distraction for kids. The memory of selecting a few from a jar is a nostalgic moment for those who grew up with them, making Pear Drops a cherished sweet.
8. Jamboree Bags

Jamboree Bags were a treasure trove of small toys and sweets, offering more than just a sugary treat. Packed with surprises, they were a child’s delight, bringing joy at birthday parties.
Each bag contained a mix of candy and toys, making them exciting to open and explore. The anticipation of discovering what lay inside was part of the experience.
These bags offered a magical mix of excitement and nostalgia, often remembered as a highlight of childhood celebrations. Their varied contents made them a unique treat, fondly remembered by those who enjoyed them.
9. Love Hearts

Love Hearts were more than just sweets; they carried messages of love and friendship. These small, pastel-colored candies featured endearing phrases like “Be Mine” and “Love You.”
Sharing them was a way to express affection, especially during school days around Valentine’s Day. The mild, sweet taste was pleasant, but the real charm lay in the messages.
Each candy was a small gesture of friendship or love, making them a popular choice among youngsters. The nostalgia of giving and receiving these candies is treasured by many who grew up with them.
10. Rhubarb and Custard

Rhubarb and Custard sweets were known for their distinctive red and yellow swirl, capturing the classic dessert’s flavor. These boiled sweets offered a perfect balance of tart rhubarb and sweet custard.
Their unique taste was both comforting and refreshing, making them a favorite for many. The hard candy gradually dissolved, releasing the delightful flavor over time.
They were often enjoyed as a treat during outings, adding a sweet touch to memorable days. The joy of savoring this flavor combination brings back fond memories for those who relished them in their youth.
11. Coconut Mushrooms

Coconut Mushrooms were charming treats with a chewy, coconut-flavored marshmallow topped with a dusting of cocoa. Their mushroom-like appearance added to their whimsical appeal.
The texture was a delightful mix of softness and chewiness, making them an enjoyable treat. Often enjoyed as a special snack, they were loved for their unique taste and appearance.
These sweets bring back memories of simpler times, where sharing a few with friends was a moment of pure joy. The nostalgia associated with Coconut Mushrooms is cherished by many who remember them fondly.
12. Gobstoppers

Gobstoppers, or jawbreakers, were known for their size and variety of layers. These hard candies could last for ages, providing a long-lasting sweet experience.
Each layer revealed a new color and flavor, adding an element of surprise and delight. Kids often challenged each other to see who could keep theirs the longest.
These sweets were a test of patience and endurance, making them a beloved part of childhood. The excitement of reaching the center was a small victory, fondly remembered by those who grew up enjoying them.
13. Barley Sugars

Barley Sugars were classic hard candies, known for their soothing properties and sweet, honeyed taste. They were often enjoyed during travel, believed to help with motion sickness.
Their warm, amber color and smooth texture made them an attractive choice for kids and adults alike. The slow dissolve of these candies offered a prolonged sweet experience.
Many remember enjoying them during family trips, with their comforting taste adding to the joy of travel. Barley Sugars hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember their delightful taste and soothing properties.

Well, hello there!
My name is Jennifer. Besides being an orthodontist, I am a mother to 3 playful boys. In this motherhood journey, I can say I will never know everything. That’s why I always strive to read a lot, and that’s why I started writing about all the smithereens I came across so that you can have everything in one place! Enjoy and stay positive; you’ve got this!