Snack Foods From 1910s - 1970s
Everyone has their favorite snacks, even your great grandparents had their favorites. These indulgences are a special treat, something to eat before the bigger daily meal, or a quick pick-me-up. Having snacks has not changed, just which snacks are the most favored at a certain era.
Still, a favorite is Oreo Cookies, which came on the market in 1912. The market for processed snack foods grew after 1919. In 1920 introduced were Baby Ruth bars, Eskimo Pies, Oh Henry! Bars, then in 1921 was Cheez-It.
In 1923 came Reese’s Peanut Cups, Life-Savers in 1924, Mr. Goodbar in 1925 and Butterfinger in 1928. Also during the 1920s, wrapping and packaging individual servings of food were also perfected during this decade, which made five-cent candies and snacks available across the country.
With the Great Depression of the 1930s, new snack treats became available. Added were Twinkies, Snickers Bars, Tootsie Pops, Three Musketeers bars, Kit Kat bars, Fifth Avenue bars and Lay’s Potato Chips by 1939.
During the early war years of the 1940s and rationing (especially sugar), there were not as many new snacks. M&Ms were added along with Almond Joys, and Fritos by 1949.
In the 1950s things were made more convenient. Coming in the 1950s were Eggo Waffles in 1953; Peanut M&Ms and Marshmallow Peeps in 1954; KFC in 1955; refrigerated cookie dough by 1957; and Ruffles in 1958.
New snacks or treats for the 1960s included Pop-Tarts, Chips Ahoy!, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Doritos and Pringles.
For the 1970s still, new snacks came on the market including: Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn, Egg McMuffins, Mrs. Field’s Cookies, Amos Chocolate Chip cookies, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Reese’s Pieces.
See your favorites? These have stood the test of time.
Photo: Baby Ruth bar for 5 cents in the 1930s.
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