You’ve probably walked past old grocery brands from the ’60s and ’70s without giving them a second thought. They might seem like relics of a bygone era, but there’s more to these names than nostalgia.
Some of these forgotten grocery brands actually hold surprising value today, whether as collectibles or pieces of retail history you didn’t expect to matter. If you grew up around these brands, or just love digging into the past, this article will shine a light on those hidden gems.
Space Food Sticks
You might remember Space Food Sticks as those chewy, chocolate-flavored rods that promised to give you a taste of astronaut life. Created by Pillsbury in the late 1960s, these snacks were actually designed with NASA in mind for use in zero-gravity conditions.
They were marketed as energy-packed treats, combining carbs, fat, and protein in a compact form. While they disappeared from shelves in the 1980s, vintage packs have become surprisingly collectible. For a brief time, eating Space Food Sticks made you feel like you were part of the space race excitement.
Pudding Pops
You probably remember Pudding Pops as the creamy, frozen treats on a stick that were everywhere in the ’70s and ’80s. They were famous for their smooth texture and chocolatey flavor, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Jell-O Pudding Pops were a big deal when they launched, selling millions of boxes fast. But they disappeared in the early 2000s, mostly because they became expensive to produce and keep frozen.
If you’ve ever wished for a comeback, you’re not alone. These nostalgic pops still hold a special place in many people’s freezers—and memories.
Aspic Salad Mix
If you loved those funky gelatin salads back in the day, you might remember Aspic Salad Mix. It was a popular pantry item in the ’60s and ’70s that made creating savory gelatin dishes easy and fun.
The mix helped give your meals a unique texture and added a little flair to family dinners. Even though it’s not as common now, some vintage fans still hunt down the original packs for nostalgia or quirky recipes.
Swanson TV Dinners
If you grew up in the ’60s or ’70s, you probably know Swanson TV Dinners well. They were one of the first frozen meals designed to be quick and easy for busy families.
You’d find classics like turkey and mashed potatoes in those divided metal trays. Swanson really set the bar for convenient dinners that didn’t sacrifice too much on taste.
Today, vintage Swanson TV Dinners can be surprisingly valuable to collectors. They take you back to a time when these dinners were the “royalty” of frozen meals.
Hostess HoHos
You’ve probably seen Hostess HoHos around for decades. These little cylindrical cakes filled with cream and coated in chocolate have been a snack-time favorite since the 1950s.
If you loved them growing up, you know they’ve gone through ups and downs. Despite changes in ownership and brief disappearances, HoHos are still around and surprisingly hold value for collectors and nostalgic fans alike.
Tang Drink Mix
You probably remember Tang as that bright orange powder you mixed with water for a quick, fruity drink. It became famous in the ’60s, especially after NASA used it during space missions. That space connection gave Tang a cool boost, making it a staple in many households.
Over the years, the company tried other flavors, but orange remained the favorite. Even though Tang isn’t as popular now, you can still find it in many grocery stores or online. It’s a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and easy, no-fuss refreshments.