Corner shops have long been a treasure trove of nostalgic treats that many Britons fondly remember. This list covers 17 forgotten corner shop goodies that still spark conversations and cravings today. Whether you’re a foodie looking to rediscover classic snacks or simply curious about the sweet and savory delights of yesteryear, this guide is for you.
1. Spangles
Spangles were a type of boiled sweet beloved in the UK from the 1950s until the late 1980s. Known for their distinctive hexagonal shape and a variety of fruit flavors, Spangles often came in a bright yellow packet. Their unique combination of tangy and sweet made them a staple at corner shops, and many remember them as a symbol of childhood summers.
2. Tizer
Tizer is a bright red, slightly spicy fruit-flavored soft drink that was once a common sight in corner shops. Launched in the 1920s, it gained a cult following for its unique taste that set it apart from more mainstream colas and lemonades. Though still available, many recall the original glass bottles and the fizzy kick that made Tizer a special treat.
3. Quavers
Introduced in the 1960s, Quavers are light, curly potato snacks with a distinctive cheese flavor. Their airy texture and fun shape made them a popular pick for kids and adults alike at local shops. While still produced today, the original packaging and the particular cheese seasoning evoke strong memories for many.
4. Sherbet Fountain
The Sherbet Fountain was a classic sweet combining fizzy sherbet powder with a liquorice stick used as a dipper. Sold in slender tubes, it offered a playful way to enjoy two contrasting flavors in one treat. It became a corner shop favourite because it was both interactive and deliciously tangy.
5. Opal Fruits
Opal Fruits were the original name for what is now known as Starburst. Before the rebranding in the 1990s, these chewy fruit-flavored sweets were iconic in the UK. Their bright colors and juicy taste made them a must-have purchase from corner shops, and many still refer to them by their original name.
6. Black Jack Chews
Black Jack chews are aniseed-flavored sweets wrapped in distinctive black-and-pink paper. Popular from the mid-20th century, their strong licorice taste divided opinions but remained a nostalgic favourite for many. They were a common sight in corner shop sweet jars and evoke memories of old-fashioned sweet counters.
7. Vimto Bars
Inspired by the famous British fruit cordial, Vimto bars were chewy sweets infused with the drink’s unique berry and grape flavor. They were a popular novelty in corner shops during the 1980s and 1990s, offering a portable taste of the beloved beverage. Their tangy sweetness remains memorable to those who enjoyed them.
8. Polo Mints
While Polo mints are still widely available, the original corner shop experience included the iconic metal tins that felt special to hold and collect. Known for their refreshing mint flavor and distinctive hole in the middle, Polos were often bought as a quick palate cleanser or a small treat. Their longevity in British culture is unmatched.
9. Drumstick Lollies
Drumstick lollies are chewy, raspberry and milk-flavored sweets on a stick, wrapped in distinctive red and white paper. These lollies were a staple in corner shops during the 1970s and 80s, loved for their chewy texture and nostalgic flavor. Many adults remember them as a simple yet satisfying childhood delight.
10. Fruit Salads
Fruit Salads are chewy sweets with a fruity, slightly acidic flavor and a distinctive red and yellow wrapper. They have been a corner shop classic since the 1950s, often enjoyed alongside Black Jacks as part of a traditional sweet pick. Their sharp, tangy taste makes them stand out in the world of boiled sweets.
11. Barratt’s Refreshers
Refreshers are fizzy, chewy sweets with a sherbet centre, famous for their tangy lemon and lime flavors. Introduced in the 1950s by Barratt, they were a corner shop staple that combined a chewy outer with a fizzy surprise inside. Many still remember the joy of biting into the sherbet centre during a quick sweet stop.
12. Trebor Mints
Trebor Mints, especially the Classic Peppermint, were a mainstay in corner shops for decades. Known for their strong, refreshing flavor and long-lasting freshness, these mints were often bought for breath freshening or just a small sweet treat. Their simple packaging and consistent quality made them a trusted choice.
13. Fruit Gums
Fruit gums are soft, chewy sweets made from gelatin and fruit juice, often sold in mixed bags at corner shops. Brands like Maynards offered a variety of flavors including blackcurrant, orange, and lemon, making them a versatile treat. Their chewy texture and fruity taste made them popular among children and adults alike.
14. Sherbet Lemons
Sherbet Lemons are hard boiled sweets with a sherbet powder centre, combining a sour and sweet experience. Classic British confectionery, they were often found in corner shops and sweet stalls, prized for their refreshing lemon flavor and fizzy surprise inside. Their bright yellow wrappers are instantly recognizable.
15. Tango Ice Blast Slushies
Though more recent than some entries, Tango Ice Blast slushies became a corner shop and local store favourite in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their icy, tangy orange flavor was a refreshing treat during hot summers and remains a nostalgic drink for many. The frozen slush texture combined with the fizzy Tango taste was a unique selling point.
16. Lilt Cans
Lilt is a tropical fruit-flavored soft drink combining pineapple and grapefruit, often sold in cans at corner shops. Especially popular in the 1980s and 90s, Lilt offered a refreshing alternative to cola and lemonade. Its distinct sweet and tangy flavor still triggers memories of quick corner shop stops.
17. Jelly Babies
Jelly Babies are soft, fruit-flavored jelly sweets shaped like little people and dusted with a fine sugary coating. First produced in the 1910s, they became a common corner shop sweet, loved for their chewy texture and variety of fruity flavors. Their cultural significance was boosted by references in British media, making them a beloved treat.
How to Choose
When selecting from these classic corner shop treats, consider your flavor preferences—do you prefer sweet, tangy, or minty? Texture is also key: some sweets are chewy, others hard or fizzy inside. Nostalgia often guides choice, so picking a treat linked to personal memories can enhance enjoyment. Availability might influence your pick, as some of these treats are harder to find today and may require specialty shops or online vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these corner shop treats still available?
Many are still produced but sometimes under different names or packaging, while others have been discontinued and are only found through specialty shops or online collectors.
What made corner shop treats special compared to supermarket sweets?
Corner shops often stocked unique, local, or nostalgic sweets in smaller quantities, offering a personal and immediate experience that large supermarkets lack.
Why do some sweets like Spangles and Opal Fruits have different names now?
Brand rebranding and marketing updates led to name changes, such as Opal Fruits becoming Starburst in the 1990s to align with global branding strategies.
Are these treats safe for children with allergies?
Many classic sweets contain ingredients like gelatin, nuts, or artificial colors. Always check packaging or consult manufacturers for allergen information.
Where can I buy these forgotten treats today?
Some are available in traditional corner shops, retro candy stores, or online retailers specializing in nostalgic British sweets.
Did corner shop treats differ regionally in the UK?
Yes, some sweets were more popular or exclusively sold in certain regions, reflecting local tastes and supplier availability.
Final Thoughts
These 17 forgotten corner shop treats capture a piece of British cultural history and childhood nostalgia. Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or discovering them for the first time, each sweet or drink tells a story of simpler times and local charm. Exploring these treats offers a delicious way to connect with Britain’s past and keep these timeless flavours alive.
Related
- 15 Pantry Staples You Should Always Buy Canned
- 15 Old Fashioned British Sweet Shops Worth Visiting Today
- 15 Old Fashioned Pickling Ideas That Belong Back on Pantry Shelves