Nostalgic Candy in Stranger Things
As we inch closer to the Stranger Things final season, we wanted to take a look back at this beloved Netflix series. This nostalgia inducing show is packed with retro pop culture references, including the foods and candies that defined the era. Fans of the show can’t help but get swept up in the retro charm, and the iconic treats that make an appearance – bringing the time period to life.
So, what are the snacks and sweets that make Stranger Things even sweeter? Let’s dive into the most iconic candies and treats featured on the show and why they matter to fans and candy lovers alike!
Eggo
Eggo waffles are probably the most iconic food associated with Stranger Things. Thanks to Eleven’s obsession with the frozen waffles, the brand has become forever tied to the show. Who could forget the scene where Eleven, dressed in a pink dress decides to shoplift some Eggos from a grocery store? It’s become one of the most memorable moments in the series, and it gave Eggo waffles a pop culture revival.
Eggo waffles are a nostalgic breakfast staple for many, but Eleven made them cool again. The waffles are her comfort food, representing her first real taste of freedom and the start of her connection with the gang.
Coca-Cola
In Stranger Things, Coke is a piece of 1980s Americana -- especially with its recognizable retro logo. Coca-Cola is often seen being enjoyed by the characters throughout the series, whether it’s at the arcade or around the kitchen table. But perhaps the most talked-about soda moment is the show’s playful nod to the infamous “New Coke” campaign from 1985. When Lucas defends the new formula, it’s a wink to the real-life controversy that surrounded Coca-Cola’s attempt to revamp their classic soda.
Bologna
Bologna, the lunch meat we all either loved or hated as kids, makes a fun appearance in Stranger Things. It’s the kind of no-frills food that feels quintessentially 80s, harking back to the days of packed lunches and simple, fuss-free meals. While it may not have the same appeal as candy or soda, it’s undeniably a part of the retro food landscape that Stranger Things celebrates.
Ice Cream
No Stranger Things food list would be complete without mentioning Scoops Ahoy, the ice cream shop where Steve and Robin spend their summer scooping sundaes and solving mysteries. Ice cream is a constant presence in Season 3, and the brightly coloured, nautical-themed shop adds a lighthearted, playful vibe to the show, even as the drama unfolds.
Fans immediately fell in love with Scoops Ahoy and the ice cream-filled moments, and it didn’t take long for themed ice cream flavours to pop up in the real world.
Scoops Ahoy was also where we were introduced to Robin, so as fans of the show (and ice cream) this sweet treat holds a special place in our hearts.
Bazooka Bubble Gum
Bazooka Bubble Gum is a quintessential 80s candy, with its iconic pink colour, hard texture, and the little comic strip that came with every piece. On Stranger Things, the kids can often be seen chomping down on gum, and it’s the perfect backdrop for their group hangouts. Bubble gum, especially Bazooka, is the type of candy you shared with friends during long summer days, making it a fitting addition to the show’s nostalgic vibe.
Smarties
Smarties, the chalky, sweet little discs wrapped in clear plastic, are another candy that makes its way into Stranger Things. In an episode where the kids are trying to locate Will, Dustin dumps his bag on the table and out spills surveillance gear and some candy of course! You can spot a few Smarties candies and a tin of Pringles on the table. These 80s snacks are still highly popular today and make snack time just as enjoyable today as it was back then!
Does any of this nostalgic candy remind you of your childhood?
Stranger Things is unequivocally a love letter to the 80s, and the foods and candies that make an appearance only add to that sense of nostalgia. From Eggo waffles to Bazooka Bubble Gum, these treats are more than just snacks – they’re cultural symbols of a simpler time, when a can of Coke or Pringles was enough to bring joy to a kid’s day.
Next time you watch Stranger Things, pay attention to the snacks. They’re not just background props – they’re essential to the show’s retro charm, and they’ll transport you back to a time when candy was everything!!!