Top Five Retro Snacks We Wish They’d Bring Back

Let’s face it—modern snacks just don’t hit the same. Once upon a time, the UK’s sweet shelves were stacked with unforgettable treats that defined school breaks, bus rides, and secret midnight munching. But over the years, some of the best-loved snacks have disappeared, leaving behind only memories (and occasional online petitions).

So grab your Walkman and rewind the flavour clock as we count down the top five retro snacks we’d give anything to taste just one more time:

5. Toffo

What it was: A roll of individually wrapped chewy toffees, available in plain, mint, or fruity flavours.

Why we loved it: Toffo was the kind of simple treat that stuck in your teeth—and your heart. Whether you picked them up at the corner shop or had a roll rolling around in your coat pocket, they were a British classic.

What happened: Discontinued in the mid-2000s, briefly revived, then quietly vanished again. And no, Werther’s is not the same.

“A man’s gotta chew what a man’s gotta chew.” – actual slogan. Iconic.

4. Pacers

What it was: Soft peppermint chews with green and white stripes, originally called Opal Mints.

Why we loved it: Imagine if chewing gum and mints had a baby in the '80s, and it wore a tracksuit. That was Pacers. They were fresh, unique, and super satisfying.

What happened: Disappeared from shelves in 1985. Some say it was changing tastes, others blame branding confusion—but either way, we still miss them.

Bonus nostalgia: Football fans from the time swore the stripes looked like Celtic’s away kit.

3. Spangles

What it was: Small square boiled sweets in flavours like cola, orange, spearmint, and even acid drop.

Why we loved it: Spangles were pocket-sized happiness. They came in retro packaging and had a satisfying hard crunch followed by a slow dissolve of sweet, tangy goodness.

What happened: Phased out in the early 1980s, they remain a nostalgic favourite—even topping UK polls of “sweets we’d most like to see back.”

Rumour has it that a few people still carry one around “just in case”.

2. Mars Delight

What it was: A light, crispy chocolate bar with creamy caramel and coconut layers—like a tropical cousin of the regular Mars Bar.

Why we loved it: Mars Delight was indulgent without being heavy. It had a soft wafer texture, a silky middle, and a melt-in-the-mouth finish that made it feel fancy.

What happened: Discontinued in 2008. Fans are still campaigning for its return, with Facebook groups and Change.org petitions keeping the hope alive.

Bring. It. Back. We mean it, Mars.

1. Tooty Frooties

What it was: Fruity, chewy sweets with a crisp sugar shell, each colour packing a different burst of flavour.

Why we loved it: Tooty Frooties were playful, colourful, and impossible to eat just one of. They had that perfect balance of crunchy shell and chewy centre—ideal for sharing, or absolutely not.

What happened: Nestlé cruelly pulled the plug in 2019, citing "low sales." Fans were devastated. Some still write to Nestlé asking for a miracle.

Honestly, we haven’t been the same since.