14 things which were huge in the 1970s but you rarely see today, from food and fashion to toys

By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 27th Apr 2025, 07:00 BST

Many things from the 70s have come back into fashion, from bell-bottom trousers and tie-dye tops to platform shoes.

But not everything that was big in the 1970s has resurfaced - thankfully, in many cases.

There are many things which were hugely popular 50 years ago which have virtually disappeared from everyday life or are at least a much less common sight these days.

From food to fashion, toys and household goods, this retro photo gallery takes a look back at some of those things which were so ubiquitous during the 70s but have vanished without a trace.

How many of these items and trends do you remember and what do you miss most about the 1970s?

Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at www.yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.

Raleigh Chopper bikes were top of every child's wish list during the 1970s. The iconic design, inspired by dragsters and 'chopped' motorbikes, epitomoised cool for a generation of youngsters.

1. Raleigh Chopper

Raleigh Chopper bikes were top of every child's wish list during the 1970s. The iconic design, inspired by dragsters and 'chopped' motorbikes, epitomoised cool for a generation of youngsters. | Independent News and Media/Getty Images Photo: Independent News and Media/Getty Images

What better way to wake up than to the smell of a freshly brewed cup of tea? The teasmade, which had a whiff of Wallace and Gromit about it, was the height of time-saving sophistication during the 1970s.

2. Teasmade

What better way to wake up than to the smell of a freshly brewed cup of tea? The teasmade, which had a whiff of Wallace and Gromit about it, was the height of time-saving sophistication during the 1970s. | Raymond Kleboe Collection/Getty Images Photo: Raymond Kleboe Collection/Getty Images

Plastic and, increasingly, wood are today the materials of choice when it comes to play equipment. But in 1970s UK, no playground was complete without a concrete tube for youngsters to crawl through or simply hang out inside.

3. Concrete tubes in playgrounds

Plastic and, increasingly, wood are today the materials of choice when it comes to play equipment. But in 1970s UK, no playground was complete without a concrete tube for youngsters to crawl through or simply hang out inside. | Susan Wood/Getty Images Photo: Susan Wood/Getty Images

This instant dessert was hugely popular in the 1970s, and remains the flavour of their childhood for many people who grew up during the decade. You can still buy Angel Delight, which comes in flavours including butterscotch, strawberry and banana, but it's not as ubiquitious as it was back then.

4. Angel Delight

This instant dessert was hugely popular in the 1970s, and remains the flavour of their childhood for many people who grew up during the decade. You can still buy Angel Delight, which comes in flavours including butterscotch, strawberry and banana, but it's not as ubiquitious as it was back then. | Glenrothes Gazette Photo: Glenrothes Gazette

Memories Nostalgia Photo memories

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.