The Best Candy Super Bowl Ads of All Time
When it comes to The Super Bowl, it’s not just about touchdowns and trophies—it’s also about those epic commercials that leave us talking long after the final whistle. Over the years, some of the most unforgettable ads have been from the candy world, blending humour, creativity, and star power to create moments that have stuck with us.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the best candy commercials that made The Big Game even sweeter.
1. Snickers - “Divas” ft. Aretha Franklin
"You're not you when you're hungry." This iconic line from Snickers' "Divas" ad has become a part of pop culture, and for good reason. Featuring the legendary Aretha Franklin, this commercial is a masterclass in humour and star power. The ad shows a grumpy, hungry backseat passenger (played by Franklin) transforming back into their normal self after a satisfying bite of a Snickers bar.
Aretha Franklin’s cameo brought a touch of class and hilarity to the ad, making it instantly memorable. Of course, the football ad ends with a cameo from Liza Minnelli, making it even more classic!
We’ve all been there—feeling out of sorts until we get a snack. This ad nails that universal experience with humour. The slogan "You're not you when you're hungry" is now synonymous with the Snickers bar and has been used in various iterations since.
2. Snickers - “The Brady Bunch”
Snickers struck gold again with their “Brady Bunch” commercial, which reimagined the classic TV show with a twist. In this ad, Marcia Brady is portrayed the rough-and-tumble Danny Trejo, until she takes a bite of a Snickers chocolate bar and turns back into her sweet self. The clever use of CGI and the nostalgia factor made this one a standout during the Super Bowl.
The seamless integration of CGI to place modern actors into the classic Brady Bunch scenes was a stroke of genius. Once again, Snickers nailed its "You're not you when you're hungry" message, solidifying it as one of the best candy campaigns ever.
3. Skittles - “Plant”
Skittles has always been known for its quirky and offbeat commercials, and “Plant” is no exception. The ad tells the whimsical story of a boy who has a Skittles tree that grows out of him. He’s been destined to harvest all the Skittles candy for his family; kind of a ridiculously sad tale. Despite the more sombre lore, the idea of a boy who grows a Skittles tree is both imaginative and memorable, making the ad a hit among viewers.
Skittles has always embraced its quirky identity, and this ad is a perfect example of staying true to that brand image.
4. Nerds Gummy Clusters - “Flashdance” ft. Addison Rae
In a 2024 football ad, Nerds Gummy Clusters teamed up with social media sensation Addison Rae to recreate the iconic dance scene from the movie Flashdance. This ad combined nostalgia with modern-day star power, making it a hit with both older and younger audiences. Rae’s energetic performance, paired with the colourful, playful nature of Nerds candy, made this commercial an instant classic.
The blend of an iconic 80s movie scene with a contemporary star like Addison Rae made this ad a cross-generational hit. Addison Rae’s popularity brought in a younger audience, proving that Nerds are a treat for all ages!
5. Doritos Dinamita - "Dina & Mita" ft. Jenna Ortega
While Doritos aren’t exactly candy, their Dinamita line, with its spicy, explosive flavours, has become a snack-time favourite. And during the big game, Doritos teamed up with rising star Jenna Ortega for a fiery commercial that had everyone talking. The ad features Ortega and her grandmothers walking through a grocery store.
The real stars of the show were Jenna's abuelas. With their fiery passion and strong will to reclaim the bag of Doritos, this commercial was truly entertaining. This fun ad had us rooting for the grandmas, all while daydreaming about snacking on a bag of Doritos Dinamita ourselves!
Do you agree with our list? What is your favourite halftime candy ad?
So, what makes these candy commercials stand out from the rest? It’s a combination of factors — star appeal, humour, nostalgia, and a strong brand message. Each of these ads took a unique approach to showcasing their candy (or snack) in a way that was both entertaining and memorable.
Whether it’s through a clever twist on a classic TV show, a nod to iconic movies, or just a quirky, whimsical story, these commercials have left a lasting impression on fans using star power and solidified their place in TV ad and Super Bowl ad history!
Candy lovers, next time you’re enjoying the big game, keep an eye out for the next great candy commercial that might just become your new favourite!