Brilliant British snacks that launched the year you were born

Nostalgic eats from decades gone by

From sugar-coated cereals and creamy chocolate bars to fast food classics and store cupboard staples, the food we ate growing up will forever hold a special place in both our hearts and stomachs. Here we've put together a list of the ultimate food releases launched the year you were born, from 1946 all the way to 2000.

Read on to discover the tastiest foods launched the year you were born – did your favourite make the list? 

1946: Sun-Pat

In an era of World War II food rationing, there was a call for easy, convenient and affordable protein sources, and thankfully peanut butter ticked all of those boxes. Sun-Pat, now one of Britain’s most recognisable brands, launched in 1946 and was an immediate success. The spread has been slathered on sandwiches and toast ever since; according to the brand, it’s smeared on 220 million slices of toast every year.

1947: Golden Wonder

Founded in 1947 by Edinburgh-based baker William Alexander, Golden Wonder was an instant success. It’s said that Alexander began experimenting by frying slices of potato in his bakery’s deep fat fryers after service. Realising how delicious they were, he started delivering the crisps by the bag load across the city and by 1966, Golden Wonder was the biggest crisp manufacturer in the UK. It went on to launch brands such as Transform-A-Snack and Ringos.

1948: Walkers

Walkers is such an iconic brand it’s hard to imagine a time before it, and yet the company didn’t launch until 1948. It was founded by local butcher Henry Walker, who began selling hand-sliced potato crisps across the city of Leicester. Over seven decades later, Walkers continues to impress with its innovative new flavours – although you really can’t beat a packet of classic Ready Salted.

1949: Batchelors soup

Set up in 1895, British brand Batchelors was already a family favourite by the time it revolutionised the soup industry in the late 1940s. Famed for its tinned foods, the manufacturer began experimenting with more convenient, easy to transport options and landed on dried soup packets in 1949. In the years that followed Batchelors went on to release several tasty flavours such as Mushroom Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup and Thick Pea Soup.

1950: Spangles

Who can remember these colourful treats from their childhood? Despite food rationing continuing well into the 1950s, a few brands were still brave enough to launch amidst the turmoil, including nostalgic favourite Spangles. Landing on corner shop shelves in 1950, each packet came in a range of fruity flavours. Produced by Mars, Spangles went on to release single flavour varieties, including Peppermint and Acid Drop, before being discontinued entirely in the 1980s.

1951: Bounty

Complete with a sweet coconut centre and milk chocolate coating, Mars released the Bounty in 1951. But, due to its controversial filling, this bar was destined to divide opinion. The product played on the tropical roots of its ingredients, with advertising campaigns centred around exotic island holidays. Over seven decades later and it’s still a treat you either love or hate.

1952: Baxters soup

This British food brand may date back to 1868, but it wasn’t until artist and cook Ena Baxter and her husband joined the company in 1952 that it grew on a national scale. Armed with knowledge and traditional recipes, the pair were responsible for launching the brand’s now renowned Scottish soup range (think Scotch Broth and Chicken Broth). To this day, a tin of Baxters continues to be a nostalgic favourite for many.

1953: KP Nuts

KP Snacks released its first salted peanuts in 1953 – and over seven decades later, no trip to the pub is complete without a cold drink and a bag of these. The brand has gone on to become one of the UK’s most popular snacks, with a range of delicious variations now available – think Salt & Vinegar, Dry Roasted and Thai Chilli.

1954: Tayto

Ready salted crisps may have been available since the beginning of the 20th century, but we have Joe ‘Spud’ Murphy, owner of the Irish snack brand Tayto, to thank for inventing the first seasoned flavour. It’s believed the potato pioneer developed the first cheese and onion variety, releasing them to the Irish public in 1954. Soon after, other brands began experimenting with seasonings, with thousands of options now available across the globe.

1955: Birds Eye Fish Fingers

Birds Eye Fish Fingers landed in the supermarket freezer aisle in 1955, and they’ve been loved by children and adults alike ever since. The breadcrumbed fish bites are a classic midweek meal, usually paired with oven chips and a portion of peas. Parents love them, as they’re reasonably healthy, incredibly quick and guaranteed to go down well with kids.

1956: Special K

Made with crispy rice, wheat and barley flakes, this Kellogg’s cereal arrived in the UK and Ireland following a successful launch in the US. Decidedly more grown-up than your average cereal advertising campaign, Special K was marketed as a high-protein option and initially aimed at men. Over the years the brand became better known as a diet cereal, with several ad campaigns targeting those wanting to lose weight.

1957: Drumstick

Confectionery brand Swizzles Matlow is known for inventing many of the UK and Ireland’s favourite sweets, from Love Hearts to Parma Violets. A firm favourite, though, was the Drumstick. This chewy lollipop is a raspberry and milk flavoured treat, which comes packaged inside a distinctive red-and-yellow wrapper. Fans can still get stuck into the sugary snack, which comes in a variety of styles including Choos, Squashies and a bubble gum flavour.

1958: Findus Crispy Pancakes

With the rise of the household freezer came an increase in convenience-based frozen products and Swedish brand Findus was one of the first to arrive on the scene. Landing in supermarkets in 1958, Crispy Pancakes became an instant bestseller, with flavours like Minced Beef and Ham & Cheese appealing to adults and children alike. The brand’s popularity only increased over the years, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s.

1959: Caramac

Famed for its signature red-and-white packaging, this creamy bar was a firm childhood favourite for those with a sweet tooth. Produced by confectionery brand Mackintosh, before joining the Nestlé family, Caramac was known for its distinctive caramel flavour. Sadly, despite a loyal fanbase, the bar was discontinued in the UK and Ireland in 2023 due to declining sales.

1960: Opal Fruits

While we know and love them as Starburst today, these rainbow-wrapped chews began life as Opal Fruits in 1960 – and for those who grew up enjoying them, they’ll always be known as such. These box-shaped sweets came individually packaged in an array of fruity flavours, including lemon, lime, orange and strawberry. The Original packet is still available (now featuring blackcurrant and a combined lemon and lime flavour), plus a few other styles have since launched. The treats were renamed as Starburst in 1998 to align with the global branding.

1961: Vesta ready meals

While travelling aboard may have been a novelty in the early 1960s, exploring the world through food was quickly becoming the new norm. Helping to spearhead this exciting eating trend was Vesta, a ready meal range produced by Batchelors. From prawn-filled paellas to chow mein topped with crispy noodles, the brand invited the nation to expand their tastebuds with unfamiliar flavours and exotic dishes.

1962: After Eight

Served with coffee at fancy dinner parties across the UK and Ireland, After Eights symbolised the height of sophistication when they launched in 1962. This rich treat initially came in three variations, though the fondant mint covered in dark chocolate proved the most popular and continues to be a loved choice many years later.

1963: Brunch

Anyone who grew up in Ireland will have fond memories of this frosted treat. Still loved today, the Brunch ice cream bar launched in 1963 and features a pink strawberry centre covered in a biscuit crumb coating. Produced by Walls, it’s hard not to love its sweet, fruity flavour and crumbly exterior.

1964: Cadbury Mini Rolls

So delicious it’s hard to eat just one, Cadbury released its now legendary Mini Rolls in the 1960s and they’ve been a children’s party food favourite ever since. Inside the brand’s signature purple packaging each treat features a chocolate flavoured sponge with a vanilla cream filling and a hard milk chocolate outer coating. Other variations have since launched, including a delectable golden sponge with a raspberry and plum centre.

1965: KFC Original Recipe Chicken

After a successful launch in the US, fast food giant KFC eventually crossed the Atlantic, landing on UK soil in 1965. The first branch opened in Lancashire, and it didn’t take long for news of just how delicious Colonel Sanders’ crispy fried chicken was to spread. Soon outlets spawned across the UK, while Ireland’s first location opened in Dublin in 1971.

1966: Bovril instant beef stock

Bovril had been a household staple since the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until 1966 that the brand really struck gold with the launch of its instant beef stock range. It enabled cooks to easily add a meaty depth of flavour to dishes without having to wrestle with the original tar-like spread. These instant stock cubes were quickly followed by Bovril’s ‘King of Beef’ products in 1971, which could be used for stews, gravy and casseroles. Perhaps not the most exciting launch, but one that’s saved many home cooks in a hurry.

1967: Angel Delight

Creamy and delicious, Angel Delight landed on supermarket shelves in 1967 and transformed the dessert world with the same sort of speed it took to whip the pudding up (all you had to do was mix milk and the sachet ingredients together). Produced by Bird’s, this easy-to-use product was a hit with children and busy parents alike. It still available today and comes in a variety of flavours such as strawberry, banana, butterscotch and chocolate.

1968: Marathon

Transforming the confectionery bar industry for the better, Marathon landed in the UK and Ireland in 1968. The rich caramel, crunchy peanut and chewy nougat treat won over legions of fans, many of whom were disappointed when in 1990, Mars rebranded it to Snickers to align with the product’s global identity. Despite this, it’s still one of the world’s most-loved chocolate bars.

1969: Heinz Spaghetti Hoops

A store cupboard staple, it’s hard to imagine a time when Heinz’s Spaghetti Hoops didn’t dominate the tinned food market. The product, loved for its convenience, launched in 1969 and became an instant bestseller. In our opinion, the ring-shaped pasta swimming in a tangy tomato sauce is best served over buttery toast with a sprinkling of grated cheese.

1970: Curly Wurly

A corner shop favourite since 1970, the Curly Wurly has become one of Cadbury’s best-loved brands and is a nostalgic choice for many. Super chewy, with each mouthful destined to get stuck in your teeth, this bar features a hard caramel centre with a velvety milk chocolate coating. It was created by chance when a factory worker started experimenting with leftover toffee – and thank goodness he did.

1971: Creme Egg

The arrival of the Cadbury Creme Egg in 1971 brought about much excitement. Designed to look like a real egg, this sickly-sweet snack features a hard milk chocolate shell and a runny white and yellow fondant centre. No Easter egg hunt is complete without finding one (or many) hidden in the garden.

1972: Cup a Soup

Following the successful launch of its dried soup range, Batchelors innovated further in 1972 with the release of its instant Cup a Soup products. You simply needed to pop the contents into a mug, pour boiling water over and enjoy – the most difficult part was vigorously stirring the mix to ensure that no clumps of dried powder were left at the bottom. The soups are still a store cupboard staple decades later, with popular flavours continuing to be Cream of Vegetable, Minestrone with Croutons and Potato & Leek.

1973: Hula Hoops

A crunchy potato and corn hybrid, Hula Hoops became an instant family favourite when they landed on supermarket shelves in the early 1970s. Children loved them for their 3D shape, slipping the snacks onto their fingers before eating them one by one. They’re still available today, with popular flavours continuing to be Original, Salt & Vinegar, Cheese & Onion and BBQ Beef.

1974: Skittles

Known for their ‘taste the rainbow’ slogan, these delightfully cheery chews launched in 1975 and have been a sweet treat favourite ever since. Each packet comes filled with the brand’s distinct colourful flavours, including blackcurrant, orange, strawberry, lemon and lime. These days fans can still pick up a packet from their local corner shop, along with newer styles like Wild Berry and Crazy Sours.

1975: Frazzles

Designed to look and taste like rashers of bacon, Frazzles remain a go-to corner shop treat across the UK and Ireland. The salty snack was originally released by Smiths in 1975 (before eventually joining the Walkers family) and is renowned for its intense flavour, which often lingers for hours after eating them. Thanks in part to its retro-style packaging, it’s hard not to love this corn-based crisp.

1976: Yorkie

Renowned for its controversial advertising, the Yorkie was originally released by Rowntree’s to compete again Cadbury’s legendary Dairy Milk. The bar has always been heavily marketed towards men, with its most memorable slogan ‘It’s Not For Girls!’ causing a stir in 2002. Yorkie finally dropped its one-sided campaigns in 2011, though it’s still often what people talk about when they come up in conversation. The chocolate treat has introduced multiple styles and flavours, including Raisin & Biscuit and Orange.

1977: Pot Noodle

Launched by Golden Wonder in 1977 – and inspired by Japanese cup-style noodles – Pot Noodle became a household staple in the years that followed. This was convenience food at its finest, with many loving the fact you only needed to know how to use a kettle and you'd be met with a warming meal. The most strenuous part was mixing the contents of the pot after you’d left the mixture to rehydrate and ensuring that no dusty powder was left at the bottom.

1978: Monster Munch

Originally marketed as The Prime Monster (a play on the Prime Minister), this savoury snack was quickly rebranded as Monster Munch in 1978. They were – and still are – as much loved for their monster mascots and distinctive shape as they are for their bold taste. The brand’s signature flavours keep fans coming back for more, with favourites including Pickled Onion, Roast Beef and Sweet & Spicy Flamin’ Hot.

1979: Super Noodle

Launched to compete against Golden Wonder’s Pot Noodle, Kellogg’s unveiled Super Noodles in 1979. Again, all you needed to do was to add boiling water to the noodles and sachet flavours and let the ingredients rehydrate in a pan on the hob or in the microwave for a few minutes. The product, now owned by Batchelors, is still loved today with a range of more modern flavours available – think Pulled Pork, Curry and Thai Sweet Chilli.

1980: Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes

When cereal giant Kellogg’s launched Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes in 1980, they transformed the breakfast cereal market entirely. The brand revisited its already popular Corn Flakes and added in sugar, peanuts and honey to create the ultra-textured treat. Fans can still enjoy the cereal over four decades later, as well as sample a tasty Crunchy Nut Granola variation.

1981: Wispa

Cadbury never fails to impress with its innovative flavours and styles and the Wispa, launched in 1981, was no different. This bar features a bubbly, aerated centre finished with a smooth milk chocolate casing – and it’s simply delicious. It was briefly discontinued in 2003, but thanks to its loyal fanbase it returned to supermarket shelves shortly after and has remained there ever since.

1982: Egg McMuffin

Arriving in the UK in 1974 and Ireland in 1977, McDonald’s quickly became the go-to spot for a fast food fix. But when the chain announced it would be opening for breakfast – bringing with it the arrival of the Egg McMuffin – its fanbase grew exponentially. Made up of a griddled egg, bacon and American cheese sandwiched in a toasted English muffin, the item revolutionised the breakfast food market and remains one of the brand’s bestsellers.

1983: Party Rings

As the self-describing name suggests, Party Rings became an instant favourite with children and began to line every birthday party buffet table from the moment they launched. These treats, produced by Fox’s Biscuits, were loved for their ring shape and pretty pastel icing. Fans of the snack can get their hands on other varieties too, including a tasty chocolate version.

1984: Cadbury Twirl

Though it was originally sold as a single-finger bar in the 1970s, Cadbury completely rebranded the Twirl in 1984, launching with the now distinctive two-finger variety. Similar to the brand’s already popular Flake, this delicate bar is sealed with a smooth milk chocolate coating, offering fans a (marginally) less messy option. It’s best enjoyed when dipped into a hot drink and left for a few moments to go all melty.

1985: Hobnobs

Produced by McVitie’s, Hobnobs landed on supermarket shelves in 1985 and were an immediate hit. The biscuit brand is loved for its flapjack-like consistency, sweet oaty flavour and satisfying crunch, pairing brilliantly with a milky cup of tea. Its instant appeal saw the brand unveil a chocolate covered variety just two years later.

1986: Tracker

While shelf upon shelf of cereal bars now dominate the supermarket, there was a time when only one featured and it came in the form of the Tracker bar. Introduced by Mars in 1986, this nutty layered bar became an instant hit in the UK and Ireland. Fans can still get their hands on the high-fibre favourite, which now comes in a few different flavours.

1987: Space Raiders

The cheapest savoury snack around, Space Raiders became a permanent fixture in 1987 and continue to be a nostalgic favourite for those who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s. The crunchy corn and wheat–based treat comes in four tangy flavours, including Beef, Pickled Onion, Spicy and Saucy BBQ.

1988: Kettle Chips

Pioneers of the ‘posh’ crisp movement, Kettle Chips landed on supermarket shelves in 1988 – and haven’t looked back since. Produced in Norfolk, England, each packet features hand-cooked potato crisps that are thicker, crunchier and more flavourful than most on the market. The brand has rolled out many variations over the years, from classics like Lightly Salted and Sea Salt & Crushed Black Pepper to innovative options like Beetroot Slices with Goats’ Cheese & Caramelised Onion Seasoning.

1989: Magnum

From its inception Magnum was the ice cream brand everyone wanted to try. The treat launched in the UK in 1989, before quickly arriving in Ireland in 1990, and featured a velvety vanilla ice centre with a rich, crunchy milk chocolate coating. These days, it’s estimated that Magnum sells one billion units annually and they now come in a host of flavours, from classic Almond to Pink Lemonade.

1990: Pop-Tarts

Launched in the US in 1964, it took Pop-Tarts almost three decades to enter the UK market. By the 1990s fans could finally fulfil their American movie dreams, popping these handheld treats into the toaster. But, despite coming in a range of flavours and styles, Pop-Tarts weren’t as big of a hit in the UK and Ireland as expected. That said, they're still readily available in most supermarkets today.

1991: Pringles

‘Once you pop, you just can’t stop’ so the slogan went – and that’s certainly true of Pringles. Launched in the US in the 1960s, these curved-shaped snacks eventually arrived in the UK and Ireland in the early 1990s and have been a popular choice ever since. While many flavours are now available, a tube of Sour Cream & Onion continues to be the go-to for most people.

1992: Time Out

Back when school lunchboxes didn’t have to be filled with healthy alternatives, Time Out bars dominated the mix. Joining the Cadbury collection in 1992, this bar featured two wafer fingers coated in velvety milk chocolate and came packaged inside a shiny blue wrapper. While they were popular with kids, the snack was eventually discontinued in 2016 and replaced with the single-finger Time Out Wafer.

1993: Goodfella’s

Taking inspiration from old-school New York pizzerias, Irish brand Goodfella’s launched its famous deep-pan pizzas in 1993. The brand rolled the product out across the UK two years later and has been loved for its chewy crust, oozy cheese and variety of topping options ever since. By 1999, Goodfella's had introduced its popular thinner and crispier base.

1994: Doritos

Whether you’ve a penchant for Tangy Cheese or Cool Original, these triangular tortilla chips are the perfect party snack. Launching in the US in 1966, Doritos eventually landed on the other side of the Atlantic in 1994 and have been a firm favourite ever since. These days the brand is known for its wild flavours, though for a taste of nostalgia you can’t beat its original varieties.

1995: Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza

Pizza Hut may have opened its first UK store in 1973, but it wasn’t until 1995 that it really grew its fanbase – and it was all thanks to the launch of a certain stuffed crust pizza. The chain even reeled in TV presenter Johnson Ross and model Caprice Bourret as part of the style’s massive advertising campaign. The pizza went down a storm, with people raving about the epic cheese pulls and soft crust.

1996: Cheestrings

Thanks to the distinct purple packaging and zany mascot, Cheestrings were an instant hit with both kids and parents, who didn’t mind stuffing them inside lunchboxes as they were rich in calcium. This tube-shaped cheese, produced by Strings & Things, could be bitten into chunks or you could handily peel strips off, a fun process that kids relished. You can still buy Cheestrings in shops almost two decades later.

1997: Rice Krispies Squares

While it's not hard to whip up your own Rice Krispies treats at home, Kellogg's launched their own version in 1997 to much excitement. Sticky and delicious, this moreish snack sees the crispy cereal bound together with gooey marshmallow, all wrapped inside the brand's distinctive blue packaging. Fans of the bar can still tuck into them today, along with a chocolate and a caramel variety.

1998: Dairylea Lunchables

A favourite for kids growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, Dairylea Lunchables were the item everyone wanted to find inside their school lunchbox. Lucky kids would peel off the packaging to unveil miniature rounds of pink ham, plastic-like cheese and crackers, which could be sandwiched together to make a tasty savoury treat.

1999: Cadbury Heroes

Can you remember when Cadbury Heroes landed in shops? The chocolate giant launched this tasty selection box filled with miniature versions of its bestselling varieties, from Dairy Milk and Twirl to Wispa and Crunchie in 1999. Supermarket shelves are always lined with row upon row of Heroes at Christmastime, and for many households tucking into a tub is a festive ritual.

2000: McFlurry

Following a successful launch in the US, the McFlurry was introduced to the UK and Ireland in 2000 – and fans still can’t get enough of them. The icy treat features a smooth soft serve ice cream that’s topped with everything from Oreo pieces to Dairy Milk chunks.

Now discover the best British chocolate bars of all time

Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.