On Easter morning in 1987, I sprang out of bed and raced to my Easter basket. I may have outgrown believing in the Easter Bunny, but my parents were still holding on to that dream. As I gazed at the vibrant eggs and candy, my eyes landed on the ultimate treasure: a cassette of the Beastie Boys’ new album, “Licensed to Ill.” I spent the morning celebrating my right to party while devouring jelly beans and peanut butter cups like there was no tomorrow. It was, without a doubt, the best Easter basket I ever received. (Well, except for that wine basket my partner gifted me after I gave up wine for Lent. That one was pretty great too, if I’m honest.)
Back in the 70s and 80s, Easter baskets were refreshingly simple. A little fake grass, some hard jelly beans, and maybe a chocolate bunny for tradition, and we were all set. Little did we know that Easter would evolve into the springtime equivalent of Christmas, with our taste buds becoming increasingly sophisticated. While we’ve all indulged in over-the-top treats in our Easter baskets, it’s clear that some candies have stood the test of time, whereas others could easily be sent back with the Easter Bunny.
1. Peanut Butter Eggs
Then: Generic peanut butter eggs from companies like Asher’s, filled with not-so-great fake peanut butter.
Now: Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. Please, Reese’s, never leave us.
2. Mini Sugar Egg Panoramas
Then: Sugar eggs filled with tiny ducks or chicks, overly decorated and totally pointless. These things were designed to survive anything, yet they languished in baskets for weeks.
Now: Why are these still around? I’m genuinely baffled.
3. Cadbury Creme Eggs
Then: Cadbury made “No bunny knows Easter like Cadbury” famous with their commercials featuring auditioning bunnies. You were either Team Cadbury or Team No Creme in My Chocolate.
Now: Stressed-out parents are still buying them in bulk the night before Easter, and they’re still just as gross. #SorryNotSorry
4. Pez Dispensers
Then: The ultimate candy on-the-go with fun characters and refillable joy.
Now: Pez dispensers are still beloved, and Easter baskets wouldn’t be the same without a creepy lamb face dispensing rock-hard sugar squares.
5. Black Jelly Beans
Then: Black jelly beans were the stuff of nightmares.
Now: They still belong in the trash can.
6. Chocolate Easter Bunnies
Then: Waking up to a chocolate bunny nestled in fake green grass was the best.
Now: You still hope for that bunny, but cringe when you see your toddler’s germy mouth chomping on its ears.
7. Malted Easter Eggs
Then: Colorful, crunchy malted eggs were a delight.
Now: You sneak these bright eggs in secret while your kids bang on the door demanding help.
8. Peeps Marshmallow Chicks
Then: Peeps were a cute addition to Easter.
Now: You’re either Team Must. Eat. All. The. Peeps or Team Toothache Just Looking at That.
9. Easter-Themed Candy Corn
Then: This abomination didn’t even exist.
Now: Go home, candy corn, you’re tipsy.
10. Jelly Beans
Then: Brach’s jelly beans were the only game in town, bursting with flavorless Easter sadness.
Now: There’s a jelly bean for every taste, from sweet to sour to savory. What a time to be alive!
11. Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Eggs
Then: The Easter Bunny hid colorful, foil-wrapped eggs, and sibling rivalries ensued.
Now: You still find these hidden eggs months later, patting yourself on the back for your Easter planning skills.
Looking back at Easter 1987, I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of my Irish Catholic mom buying me that Beastie Boys cassette. The joke’s on me now; being the Easter Bunny means snatching up all the candy before the kids do. So if you’ll excuse me, I need to dive into the stash of peanut butter cups and jelly beans I’ve got hidden away. And hey, I should download some Beastie Boys while I’m at it.
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In summary, Easter candy has evolved significantly over the years, with some classics enduring while others are best forgotten. Each generation brings its own preferences and experiences, making Easter a delightful time of nostalgia and sugary indulgence.