The 1980s was the decade of big hair, neon leg warmers, cassette tapes, and unforgettable retro sweets; and all of these things defined this era. Though sweets from the 1980s are still being made today, some are sorely missed and always bring back fond memories!
There was nothing quite like visiting the local sweet shop with a pocket full of change. You'd come out with a colourful mix of treats that would make your day that little bit sweeter.
Whether you were swapping sweets with friends at school, showing off your candy necklaces, or trying not to chew your way through a pack of Love Hearts before lunchtime, the 80s were full of fun, flavour, and memories you just can’t forget.
If you're feeling nostalgic, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite 80s sweets that were a total playground crush - and many of which are still popular today! So grab your Rubik’s Cube and get ready for a taste of the past…
The Retro Sweets
54321 Bar
Who remembers this? It's a true 1980s classic! This unforgettable bar had five delicious layers - wafer, fondant, rice krispie, caramel, and milk chocolate, all wrapped into one bite-sized blast of flavour. Sadly discontinued in 1989, but it still holds a sweet spot in the hearts (and mouths) of most people who remember it.
Wham Bar
If you could bottle the sound of the 80s, it would be fizzy, bright, and wild—just like the Wham Bar! With its tangy raspberry flavour and bits of sherbet inside, this chewy delight was the ultimate chewy sweet for many children. At one point, over 30 million were sold every year! Now that’s a sugar-powered success, and they still feature in our Huge 1980s Sweet Box.
Fruit Salad & Black Jacks
These chewy, pocket-sized legends were a must-have from any sweet shop counter. Fruit Salad had a fruity, slightly pear-like flavour, while Black Jacks delivered a bold, unique flavour of aniseed. Their vibrant wrappers and sticky texture were as iconic as their taste.
Love Hearts
With their sugary coating and cheeky messages, Love Hearts weren’t just sweets- they were childhood romance in a roll.
From “Be Mine” to “Text Me” (eventually!), they added a sprinkle of charm to every sweet stash. Great for parties or just sharing with your friends.
Candy Necklaces
Is it a gift? Is it a snack? Is it fashion? Why not all three? Candy necklaces were edible accessories no 80s kid could resist. Worn proudly around the neck (and nibbled during math class), these crunchy candies added sweet style to any party or playground gathering.
Popping Candy
A truly mind-blowing experience for 80s kids, popping candy (also known as Space Dust) fizzed, crackled, and popped in your mouth like tiny edible fireworks. It was the ultimate fun, fizzy treat that took you on a trip to another world—no spaceship needed.
Wispa
Launched in 1981, Wispa brought a bubbly twist to classic milk chocolate. Its airy texture and smooth mouth feel made it an instant hit, and although it briefly disappeared, fan demand brought it back for good in 2008. Still stocked and still loved.
Boiled Sweets
While flashy treats stole the spotlight, classic boiled sweets like rhubarb & custards, sherbet lemons, and pear drops provided long-lasting, satisfying flavour. Found in old-fashioned jars behind the counter, they were the kind of sweets you’d proudly bring home in a paper bag from the local sweet shop.
Nerds
These crunchy, colourful candies landed from America in 1983 and quickly became a UK hit. Sold in divided boxes with two flavours (like Strawberry & Grape), Nerds had a bright blue packaging and a crazy sweet punch that was impossible to resist.
Flying Saucers
Light, pastel-coloured rice paper filled with tangy sherbet? Sign us up! Flying Saucers were a retro staple with a slightly sour surprise in the centre. Perfect for anyone who loved a sweet treat with a fizzy twist.
Whether you’re throwing an 80s party, shopping for a nostalgic gift, or just craving a taste of the past, our wide range of retro sweets will take you back in time. From chewy classics to fizzy favourites, there's something for every sweet tooth.
Check out our full collection of retro sweet hampers, sweet boxes, and bouquets, all bursting with the flavour, fun, and nostalgia that defined a generation.