For many of us, the most memorable moments of our childhood often involved the simple pleasures of sweets and treats. These iconic candies were more than just sugary indulgences — they defined the 60s and 70s and were a cherished part of growing up, marking schoolyard moments, family gatherings and after-school treats.
Let’s take a journey back in time and revisit some of the most beloved childhood confections.
Fantales, those delicious caramel-centred chocolates wrapped in trivia-filled wrappers, were a favourite among kids and adults alike. First hitting the shelves in the 1930s, they were especially popular in the 60s and 70s. Many Australians will remember unwrapping a Fantale and reading the fun facts about film stars, making this treat a conversation starter as well as a candy. The chewy texture and rich caramel flavour have remained a nostalgic favourite for decades.
Unfortunately, these few years may be the last we see of Fantales, now that they’ve been discontinued.
Sherbet Bombs, also known as Sherbies, were fizzy, tangy sweets that provided a fun burst of sherbet powder with each bite. Popular throughout the 70s and 80s, these bright orange chews were a staple in many lolly bags. The combination of the tangy outer layer and the fizzy sherbet centre offered a unique experience that many remember fondly. For children, the thrill of that fizzy hit was a treat that kept them coming back for more.
Minties, the classic hard mint chews, were a test of patience and dental fortitude that provided a long-lasting minty flavour that seemed to stick to your teeth. These treats were widely available in milk bars across Australia and became a favourite to enjoy while playing or heading home from school.
The phrase “It’s moments like these, you need Minties” was more than just a jingle — it was a cultural staple.
No trip to the cinema in the 60s and 70s was complete without a box of Jaffas. These round, bright orange, chocolate-coated balls with crunchy shells were perfect for rolling down the aisles of movie theatres — a cheeky habit many kids couldn’t resist. Their sweet chocolate centre and crispy orange-flavoured shell made them a hit both on and off the big screen, cementing them as an iconic Australian treat.
Who could forget Wizz Fizz? This powdered sherbet treat came with a small plastic spoon and was all about the fun and fizz. You’d dip the spoon in and enjoy the burst of sugary, fizzy goodness on your tongue.
Wizz Fizz was a staple for any kid’s party or schoolyard snack, and for many, it symbolised pure joy in its simplest form. The small, colourful packets made it easy to carry and share with friends.
Life Savers, with their distinctive ring shape, were a popular choice for a fruity, sweet treat. Whether it was the classic Pep-O-Mint flavour or the assorted fruit options, these handy rolls of sweets could be found in just about any child’s pocket in the 70s and 80s. Not only were they a tasty treat, but the small roll shape made them perfect for sharing or enjoying one at a time throughout the day.
Violet Crumble, with its crunchy honeycomb centre wrapped in smooth milk chocolate, has been a beloved treat since the early 20th century, but it was especially popular during the 60s and 70s. The satisfying crunch followed by the melt-in-your-mouth honeycomb sweetness made it a go-to chocolate bar for many Australian children. To this day, it remains a favourite, evoking memories of childhood indulgence.