Photo via Pinterest, edited in Canva - Credit: Elaine Koh, Spin The NYL, Asian Flavor Finds (Pinterest)

THERE was a time when life was simpler, and our biggest worry was deciding which snack to buy with our pocket money.

Back then, calories and nutrition labels were the least of our concerns, all that mattered was the burst of sweetness, the satisfying crunch, or the fizzy excitement of a treat that made our childhood feel magical.

For many Malaysians, childhood was defined by the colourful array of snacks found at school canteens, roadside stalls, and sundry shops. These weren’t just treats; they were a part of our daily adventures, trading them with friends or saving up coins just to get our hands on a favourite one.

If you grew up in Malaysia, chances are these snacks played a role in your childhood. And if you don’t recognise any of them, well, you might have missed out on some of the best parts of growing up!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, back to the days when happiness came in small plastic packets and every bite was a taste of childhood bliss.

Ding Dang

Ding Dang wasn’t just a snack, it was a complete experience. This chocolate-covered puffed rice treat came in a vibrant, tiny box and the best part? It included a small toy!

It didn’t matter if the toy was a simple plastic figurine or a tiny puzzle, we loved the surprise just as much as the chocolate itself. The moment you saw the red and blue colour box, you knew you were in for a double dose of excitement.

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Tora

From the same makers of Ding Dang, Tora had the same concept—a chocolate-coated snack paired with a mystery toy. But what made Tora extra special was its adorable mascot and catchy jingle that every Malaysian kid could recognise.

“Tora datang lagi!” was a phrase that instantly sparked excitement. The combination of crispy chocolate and the anticipation of discovering what toy was inside made this snack a must-have for many children.

Nano Nano

If there was one candy that could confuse and delight your taste buds at the same time, it was Nano Nano. This tiny, brightly coloured candy was a rollercoaster of flavours, sweet, sour, and salty all in one go!

The moment you popped it into your mouth, your taste buds went on an adventure, shifting from tangy to sugary to a salty zing. It wasn’t for everyone, but for those who loved it, Nano Nano was an unforgettable part of childhood.

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Nyam Nyam

Nyam Nyam was the ultimate childhood treat, fun, interactive, and irresistibly delicious. This iconic snack came in a small cup, neatly divided into two sections, one filled with crispy, puffed rice bites and the other with a smooth, velvety chocolate cream.

Each bite-sized puff was light and airy, making it the perfect vessel for scooping up as much chocolate as possible. The real joy, of course, was in the dipping.

Some kids carefully coated each puff, savouring every bite, while others raced through the crispy treats just to have an excuse to scoop up the leftover chocolate with their fingers. After all, leaving even a single drop of that rich, chocolatey goodness behind was simply out of the question!

Haw Flakes

Haw Flakes were the ultimate “old-school” snack, often associated with childhood and even traditional Chinese medicine. These thin, circular hawthorn fruit wafers came stacked like tiny coins and had a slightly tart, sweet taste.

Some kids ate them one by one, while others popped an entire stack into their mouths for an intense flavour burst. Apart from being a childhood treat, some adults would even sneak these into the hands of kids after a dose of bitter medicine—turning something unpleasant into a moment of sweet relief.

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Marukawa Bubble Gum

Marukawa Bubble Gum, originating from Japan, was a favourite among Malaysian children.

Each small box contained four gumballs bursting with fruity flavours like orange, strawberry, grape, and melon. The vibrant packaging and temporary tattoos included in some packs added to the excitement, making it a must-have treat during recess.

Fruit Candy Tin

These pocket-sized tins were filled with colourful, fruit-flavoured hard candies. The candies often came in flavours such as apple, grape, and peach, providing a sweet burst that lasted.

The reusable tins often featured playful designs, making them a cherished keepsake even after the candies were gone.

Fish Snack

Fish snacks were savoury treats made from dried and seasoned fish, offering a unique umami flavour. They were often thinly sliced and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch.

These snacks were not only delicious but also a source of protein, making them a popular choice among parents and children alike.

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Football Chocolate

Shaped like miniature footballs, these chocolates were wrapped in foil designed to resemble a football's exterior. Biting into one revealed a creamy milk chocolate centre that melted in your mouth.

Collecting the different foil designs and trading them with friends added an extra layer of fun to this sweet treat.

Eyeglass Candy

Eyeglass candies were a playful confectionery that doubled as a toy. Shaped like spectacles, they were made from chocolate from different colours.

Children would often wear them playfully before indulging in the sweet, milky treat. The novelty of combining candy with wearable fun made it a memorable part of many Malaysian childhoods.

Kokomas Chocolate

Kokomas chocolate was the go-to cheap chocolate treat that melted in our mouths (and sometimes, unfortunately, in our hands too).

Packaged in tiny packets, these chocolates had a creamy texture that made them irresistible. Whether it was eaten straight from the packet or shared among friends, Kokomas was a must-have after-school indulgence. It wasn’t just chocolate; it was a small but significant part of our childhood happiness.

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Lipstick Candy & Push Pop

Long before we had real lipsticks, we had lipstick candy! These bright, sugary sticks shaped like lipsticks made us feel fancy and grown-up as we “applied” them before taking a bite.

And then there was the Push Pop—a candy that you could savour for hours, pushing it up bit by bit, making sure it lasted as long as possible. The sticky fingers were worth it, and we all had our own strategy of either licking it slowly or biting right into it.

Pocket Mint Paper Candy

These thin, transparent sheets of mint-flavoured candy dissolved instantly on the tongue, giving a cool, refreshing sensation.

We felt like secret agents carrying them around, discreetly slipping one onto our tongues in class. It was fun, unique, and made us feel extra cool—even if our breath didn’t actually need freshening up at that age!

Magic Popping Candy

The ultimate thrill in a packet—magic popping candy was a sensory experience like no other. The moment the tiny granules hit our tongues, they started crackling and popping, creating a tingling sensation that never failed to amaze us.

It was a snack, but also an adventure, and we always looked forward to that fizzy, popping surprise. Some of us even tried to hold them in our mouths without chewing, just to prolong the fun!

Bin Bin Rice Crackers

These crispy, lightly salted rice crackers were a school snack staple. Wrapped in individual packs, Bin Bin crackers had a unique umami flavour with a touch of sweetness, making them addictive.

The slightly glossy surface and crisp texture made every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether eaten alone or shared with friends, this snack was the perfect balance between crunchy and savoury goodness.

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Gold Coin Chocolate

No childhood in Malaysia was complete without the excitement of unwrapping a gold coin chocolate. These little treasures were more than just a snack—they felt like actual wealth in a child's eyes!

Wrapped in gold foil, they had a sweet, milky taste that may not have been the finest chocolate out there, but as kids, it was pure joy to collect and eat them. Some of us even pretended they were real money, using them in imaginary shop games before eventually giving in to temptation and eating them!

Nini Stick

Simple yet unforgettable, Nini Stick was a childhood favourite that brought pure joy with every bite. This crispy biscuit stick came with a deliciously rich chocolate dip on the other side, allowing kids to enjoy the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.

Whether you carefully coated each stick with just the right amount of chocolate or went all in with a generous scoop, the experience was just as satisfying as the taste. The fun of dipping made it feel like more than just a snack—it was a little treat that made childhood all the more special.

So Chews

This chewy fruit-flavoured candy was a favourite for those who loved a snack that lasted a little longer. So Chews came in various fruity flavours, from grape to strawberry, each packed with a sweet and slightly tangy taste.

The best part? Trying to chew them slowly to make them last or attempting to stretch them like bubblegum before they disappeared into our mouths. They were the perfect pocket-sized treat for a quick burst of flavour in between classes.

These childhood snacks were more than just treats—they were part of our everyday lives, our school breaks, our friendships, and our happiest memories.

Though some of them may be harder to find today, they will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up enjoying them. If you ever come across one of these nostalgic snacks, don’t hesitate to grab a pack, it might just transport you back to the carefree days of childhood.