Have you ever found yourself standing in the grocery store aisle, staring at the price of your favorite candy and thinking, “Didn’t this used to cost just a nickel?” If you’re a baby boomer, you’ve probably had that thought more than once.
Fast forward a few decades, and those same nostalgic goodies now come with a serious price tag. It’s hard to believe that some of the treats we used to buy with pocket change can now cost up to $10 or more! Still, there’s something comforting about remembering the simple joy of a candy bar or soda shared with friends after school.
So, let’s take a sweet stroll down memory lane and revisit some of those beloved snacks, the ones that defined a generation and remind us just how much times (and prices) have changed.
1. Cracker Jack
The snack that promised a prize in every box, Cracker Jack was a staple at every baseball game and neighborhood gathering. Back in the day, you could score a box for just a few cents. Today, a 24-pack box of this caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts mix is priced around $10 on Amazon.
2. MoonPie
Who can forget the marshmallow-filled goodness of a MoonPie? This classic Southern snack was once a bargain at five cents per pie. Now, a box of twelve costs around $9, making each MoonPie nearly a dollar.
3. Hostess Twinkies
Once upon a time, two Twinkies would set you back just a nickel. These cream-filled sponge cakes are now sold in packs of ten for about $10, or a dollar each. The price increase hasn’t diminished their popularity, though.
4. PEZ Candy
Remember the joy of popping a PEZ candy out of your favorite character dispenser? This fun candy used to cost just a penny per piece. Today, a pack of 12 PEZ candy refills costs around $10.
5. Goo Goo Clusters
A Southern classic, Goo Goo Clusters were the first combination candy bar, mixing peanuts, marshmallow, caramel, and milk chocolate. Once costing a dime, a box of Goo Goo Clusters now retails for about $10.
6. Candy Buttons
Candy Buttons, those tiny colorful dots stuck on a strip of paper, were a simple pleasure of many a childhood. Once selling for just a penny per strip, a pack of 24 now costs around $10 online.
7. Necco Wafers
These chalky yet oddly satisfying candies were a staple in the American household. Once costing just a nickel a roll, a pack of Necco Wafers now goes for around $10, if you can find them – they’ve become a rare commodity since the Necco company closed its doors.
8. Pop Rocks
Pop Rocks were a true sensation, literally popping in your mouth. They were the talk of every schoolyard when they hit the market in the ’70s. Once costing 15 cents per pack, a box of 24 packs now retails for about $10.
9. Sugar Daddy
This caramel on a stick was a popular treat that could last for hours. Once costing just 10 cents, a pack of 24 Sugar Daddy candies now costs around $10.
10. Candy Cigarettes
Despite their controversial nature, candy cigarettes were a popular novelty in the mid-20th century. Once selling for a penny per pack, a box of 24 now costs around $10.
11. Whistle Pops
Remember the fun of Whistle Pops, the candy that doubled as a musical instrument? These were a hit at every birthday party. Once costing 10 cents each, a pack of 48 now goes for nearly $10.
It’s clear to see that the cost of our favorite childhood snacks has risen quite a bit over the years. But the sweet memories they evoke are priceless. So, the next time you see one of these snacks, why not splurge a little? After all, you can’t put a price on nostalgia.