The 1970s gave us unforgettable products that defined the era. Some paved the way for future innovations, while others quickly disappeared, leaving only memories behind.
Though many of these items have vanished from store shelves, their impact still lingers. From favorite snacks to groundbreaking gadgets, they captured the spirit of the time.
In this article, we’ll revisit some of the most iconic items from the ’70s that you’ll never see again. While they’re long gone, their legacy remains.
1. National Lampoon Magazine
National Lampoon magazine hit the scene in 1970, initially struggling to sell even half of its printed copies. However, as the decade progressed, it became a key player in shaping American humor.
The magazine’s satirical, edgy style won over readers, and its influence expanded into films like Animal House, Caddyshack, and the Vacation series. Despite its prominence in the ’70s and ’80s, the magazine’s popularity declined, and by 1998 it ceased production.
National Lampoon had a significant impact on pop culture and remains a symbol of ’70s counter-culture comedy. While you may still see its name associated with films, the iconic magazine itself is a relic of the past, forever etched in the memories of its original readers.
2. Buc Wheats Cereal
Buckwheat cereal was introduced by General Mills in 1971 and quickly became a household favorite. The cereal featured toasted wheat flakes with a sweet maple glaze, making it a unique choice for breakfast.
Unfortunately, General Mills altered the recipe to use honey instead of maple, a change that did not sit well with consumers, leading to its discontinuation in 1983.
For many, the original maple-flavored Buckwheat cereal brings back fond memories of their childhood mornings. Its departure left a gap in the cereal aisle, and it remains one of those forgotten gems from the ’70s.
3. Toaster Eggs
Toaster Eggs, produced by Downyflake’s in 1972, were an ambitious product aimed at riding the toaster breakfast wave that had gained popularity with items like Pop-Tarts. These eggs were designed to be toasted and ready for breakfast, targeting kids who loved convenience.
However, the concept of cooking eggs in a toaster didn’t quite stick. By 1975, Toaster Eggs were discontinued, leaving them as a quirky but failed experiment in breakfast innovation.
4. Playgirl Magazine
Playgirl magazine launched in 1973, catering to women and gaining a notable following among gay male readers. It featured nude and semi-nude male models, a bold move for the time. The magazine was published monthly until 2009, and then quarterly before ceasing print production in 2016.
Although Playgirl had a brief revival as an online publication in 2020, its heyday was undoubtedly in the ’70s. Its legacy as a controversial yet groundbreaking magazine lives on, but you won’t see the iconic print issues again.
5. Gerber Singles
In 1974, Gerber, famous for its baby food, ventured into the adult food market with Gerber Singles, ready-to-eat meals marketed towards young adults and college students. Unfortunately, the mushy texture and unappetizing flavors didn’t appeal to its intended audience, and the product was quickly discontinued.
While the idea of single-serve meals was ahead of its time, Gerber’s execution missed the mark. Gerber Singles is now remembered as a humorous misstep in the brand’s history.
6. Betamax
Sony’s Betamax cassette tape was introduced in 1975, offering a way for consumers to record television shows. It was revolutionary for its time, but Betamax soon faced fierce competition from VHS tapes, which had longer recording times and lower prices.
Though Betamax continued to be used by media companies for years, VHS ultimately won the format war. Betamax tapes remained in production until 2016, but by then, it had become a relic of the past, overshadowed by the rise of digital media.
7. Coleco Telstar Gaming Console
In 1976, Coleco released the Telstar gaming console, offering an affordable way for families to enjoy the Pong craze. Over the years, nine versions of the Telstar were produced, but as consumers shifted to cartridge-based gaming systems, Coleco had to discard over a million unsold units.
While Telstar may have been a short-lived sensation, it marked a significant step in the evolution of home gaming. Today, it’s a distant memory as video game technology has advanced far beyond those early consoles.
8. Town Dump Board Game
Milton Bradley’s Town Dump board game came out in the 1970s, featuring a unique setup where players used a motorized bulldozer to push trash out of a central dump onto their opponent’s side. Despite its novelty, the game didn’t gain enough traction and faded from popularity.
Like many other oddball games of the era, Town Dump has now been buried in history, only to be remembered by those who once pushed around tiny plastic garbage pieces.
9. Farrah Fawcett Shampoo
Farrah Fawcett’s iconic hair was the dream of many women in the ’70s, which is why Farrah Fawcett Shampoo became a huge hit when it hit the market.
The shampoo was marketed with the promise of helping women achieve her famous hairstyle, and many young girls were eager to try it.
Although the shampoo is no longer available, it represents a time when celebrities were heavily influencing beauty standards. Whether it worked or not, Farrah Fawcett Shampoo holds a nostalgic place in ’70s culture.
10. Sony Walkman
In 1979, Sony revolutionized portable music with the release of the Walkman, allowing users to carry their music and listen to it through headphones on the go. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, particularly in the ’80s, as people took their music with them everywhere.
The Walkman’s cassette version was retired in 2010, replaced by modern digital devices. However, for anyone who lived through the era, it remains a symbol of the early days of portable music.