Introduction
Retro sweets are more than just sugar—they are a trip down memory lane. From the chewy Fruit Salads of the 70s to the fizzy Sherbet Fountains of the 80s, and the novelty gift boxes of the 90s, each decade introduced candies that defined childhood for generations across the UK.
In this article, we explore the most iconic retro sweets by era, popular brands, and how you can enjoy these nostalgic treats today.
1. Retro Sweets of the 1970s
The 1970s marked the rise of affordable, mass-produced sweets. Corner shops and supermarkets brought a wide range of candies to children across the UK.
Popular 70s Retro Sweets:
- Fruit Salads – Chewy sweets with fruity flavours, often sold in pick n mix bags.
- Black Jacks – Licorice and aniseed-flavoured chews.
- Sherbet Lemons – Hard boiled sweets with a fizzy centre.
- Fizzy Cola Bottles – Sugary cola-flavoured gummies shaped like miniature bottles.
Popular Brands: Taveners, Barratt, Swizzels Matlow.
2. Retro Sweets of the 1980s
The 1980s introduced a wave of pick n mix culture and creative marketing aimed directly at children. This decade is synonymous with messy, interactive, and playful sweets.
Popular 80s Retro Sweets:
- Sherbet Fountains – Lemon sherbet with a liquorice stick for dipping (Barratt).
- Flying Saucers – Chalky wafers filled with fizzy sherbet (Swizzels Matlow).
- Dip Dabs – Strawberry-flavoured candy with a packet of sherbet.
- Refreshers – Fizzy, chewy sweets with an intense tangy flavour.
- Parma Violets – Distinctive floral-tasting candies still loved today.
Why They Were Popular:
- Television adverts and colourful packaging.
- Interactive and fizzy textures.
- Affordable for pocket money.
3. Retro Sweets of the 1990s
The 1990s brought a novelty factor to retro sweets. Gift boxes, mixed pick n mix, and chocolate-based retro candies gained popularity as adults sought nostalgic treats for themselves or as gifts.
Popular 90s Retro Sweets:
- Novelty gift boxes – Curated sweets often themed by decade or brand.
- Retro chocolate bars – Classic chocolate flavours reintroduced for adults.
- Pick n mix packs – Pre-packaged bags of mixed sweets for sharing or gifting.
- Retro candy sticks – Often used in Dip Dab-style combinations.
Brands to Note: Barratt, Swizzels Matlow, Cadbury’s retro editions.
4. Why Retro Sweets from Each Era Remain Popular
- Nostalgia Factor: They trigger fond memories of childhood.
- Unique Flavours: Modern candies often lack the tangy, fizzy, or floral qualities of classic sweets.
- Collectibility: Vintage packaging and rare sweets attract collectors.
- Gift Appeal: Hampers, jars, and themed boxes make them perfect for nostalgic gifts.
Physical Shops:
- UK cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and Darlington still house classic retro sweet shops.
- Look for pick n mix sections, gift hampers, or jars for authenticity.
6. FAQ
Q1: What are retro sweets?
A1: Retro sweets are candies from past decades, typically the 70s, 80s, and 90s, loved for their classic flavours, textures, and nostalgic packaging.
Q2: Which sweets were popular in the 80s?
A2: Sherbet Fountains, Flying Saucers, Dip Dabs, Parma Violets, Refreshers.
Q3: Can I buy retro sweets online in the UK?
A3: Yes. Popular options include Amazon, eBay, and specialty stores like The Retro Sweet Shop UK.
Q4: Are retro sweets still produced today?
A4: Yes. Brands like Swizzels Matlow, Barratt, and Taveners continue producing classic retro sweets.
Q5: Can retro sweets be used as gifts?
A5: Absolutely. Hampers, jars, and gift boxes of retro sweets are ideal for birthdays, holidays, or nostalgic treats.
Conclusion
From Fruit Salads to Flying Saucers, retro sweets capture the magic of childhood. Each decade—from the 70s, 80s, to 90s—introduced memorable treats that continue to delight collectors, gift givers, and sweet lovers today.
Whether you’re buying online, visiting a retro sweet shop, or creating a gift hamper, these classic candies remain a timeless indulgence.
