6 Forgotten Treats That Still Taste Like Childhood Memories
Some foods weren’t just about taste. They were about school breaks, pocket money, and the little thrills of growing up. From canteen shelves to corner shops and roadside hawkers, these snacks gave kids a sense of ownership and joy. Many have since disappeared, replaced by global brands and glossy packaging, but the memories still bring an instant smile. Here’s a look back at six unforgettable treats.
Gold Spot
“The zing thing” of the 80s and 90s, Gold Spot was the orange soda that matched its tagline—bright, fizzy, and fun. It wasn’t just a drink, it was an energy booster for an entire generation. When Coca-Cola returned to India, it quietly retired Gold Spot, leaving a void that’s never really been filled.
Phantom Sweet Cigarettes
Tiny candy sticks with red tips, packed in boxes that mimicked cigarettes, made kids feel mischievously grown-up. Half the fun was pretending to puff before biting into the sweet chalky sugar. Today, they’d be considered inappropriate marketing, but back then, they were the ultimate guilty pleasure.
Big Babol
Every recess turned into a bubble-blowing contest with Big Babol. The rules were simple: the bigger the bubble, the greater the bragging rights. If it burst all over your face, it only meant you’d won in style. Sweet, stretchy, and addictive, it was playground pride wrapped in pink.
Chiclets
Colourful little squares of chewing gum packed in shiny mini boxes. Chiclets were fun to share and even more fun to collect. Long before gum became all about fresh breath, Chiclets were simply about joy in your pocket.
Orange Candy
Pulled out of glass jars at the kirana shop, these candies left every child with bright orange lips and a sugar rush to match. Tangy, sweet, and impossible to stop at just one, they were the simplest kind of happiness. Today’s packaged sweets may look fancier, but they can’t replace the charm.
Rol-a-Cola
“Cola in a toffee” was Rol-a-Cola’s promise, and it delivered. Each piece carried the taste of fizzy cola in candy form, making it a cheap and cheerful after-school pick. Parle once tried to revive it, but the original magic still belongs to the past.
