80s and 90s Sweets that’ll bring you straight back…

We all love a cheeky sweet or three, but – when the standard supermarket options just aren’t cutting it, we can’t help but think back to the sweets of our youth. Maybe we’re just looking through rose-tinted glasses, but there really wasn’t anything better! Whether you’re looking to introduce a child to the sweets of your day – or just wanting some sugary snacks for the big kid in you, these are the 80s and 90s sweets that’ll give you a sense of nostalgia…

Aniseed Sweets

Much like liquorice, these divisive sweets were the marmite of their time. You either loved them, or you hated them. But – for those who enjoy the sweet, refreshing and aromatic taste of aniseed, these were classic sweets that no pick and mix would be complete without.

What’s more, they’d come in a variety of textures for you to enjoy too. You could get a satisfactory crunch from hard-shelled Aniseed Balls, or soothe a sore throat by sucking on some hard-boiled Aniseed Twists. No matter your personal preference, you’re sure to get a nostalgic kick when adding these classic 80s sweets to your order.

Black Jacks and Fruit Chews

While we’re talking aniseed, Black Jacks offered a softer version of the flavour to munch on. When they were first invented, these little liquorice treats were harder than the chewy ones we’ve come to know and love today. One thing that’s remained the same though, is their intense flavour. Just one taste of these retro sweets will transport you back to childhood.

In the 80s, other popular chews provided additional flavours to enjoy. Who could forget the deliciously fruity taste of Fruit Salads, or the iconic pear flavour of Anglo Bubbly? They’re similar to US taffy products – such as Jolly Ranchers, but with a load more nostalgia. Chewy, flavourful and very juicy, these retro sweets are enough to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. 

Fizzy Bottles

These lip-puckering bottles were a natural extension of their traditional gummy alternatives. During the 90s, when fizz was all the rage, these pick and mix staples became more popular  than ever before. If you’re anything like us, you’d leave these retro sweets until the end so you could finish your energy-boosting sugar high with an extra sour kick of deliciousness.

What’s more, they came in a variety of mouth-watering flavours – and everyone had their favourites. Perhaps you’re a die-hard fan of sweet and sour Fizzy Cherry Cola Bottles – or maybe you’d rather the explosive flavour of Fizzy Bubblegum Bottles? Whatever your preference, these classic 80s and 90s sweets appeal to the inner child us all.

Candy Letters

Candy letters were firm favourite 80s and 90s sweets for many. Not only were these hard yet soft and sugary candies a delicious treat, they were also a fun activity too. Children from the 80s will have fond memories of dishing out and swapping letters between siblings or friends to spell out all-manner of rude and inappropriate words we can’t repeat here…

Taste and texture-wise, these fun and quirky sweets closely resemble candy necklaces and bracelets. Much like ABC Letters, these strings of candy wafers came with the added fun of accessorising with your snacks before munching on them. Though they were first introduced in 1958, we’re sure big kids from the 90s will remember them as a classic at birthday parties.

Foam Sweets

What’s a pick and mix platter without a helping of some delicious foam goodies? Soft and scrumptious, these light and airy sweets from the 80s and 90s came in two mainstay varieties. Foam Bananas – as the name suggests, had a subtle banana flavour, pale yellow hue and iconic banana-shaped moulding.

Luckily their counterpart – the infamous Foam Shrimps, don’t taste like their inspiration. While these pale pink treats resemble crustaceans, they actually have a soft, raspberry flavour – which is good because we don’t think seafood-flavoured sweets would taste nice anyway. Nowadays it’s unlikely you’ll think of one without the other, so why not pick up both? They’ll make a great addition to any corporate sweets gift, children’s party or charity hamper.

Down Memory Lane with Retro Sweets Now…

These are just some of the delicious treats on offer here at Retro Sweets Now. With our ever-expanding line of options, you’re sure to find all the 80s and 90s sweets you’ve been dreaming of since childhood. From traditional toffee to jelly sweets, bon bons and more, take a look at our online store – and see which sugary delights take your fancy…

We even do vegan, gluten-free and halal sweets – so big kids of all backgrounds and nutritional requirements can get involved in the retro, nostalgic fun.