If you were a fan of Mad Magazine in the 1970s, chances are you also loved Wacky Packages—those hilarious collectible stickers that parodied everyday products. Created by Topps, these stickers took well-known brands and gave them a comedic, and sometimes edgy, twist.
Whether you collected them for fun or simply enjoyed their satirical humor, Wacky Packages became a pop culture phenomenon that still resonates with collectors today.
What Were Wacky Packages?
Wacky Packages were originally introduced in 1967 by Topps, the same company known for baseball cards. These collectible stickers, designed by cartoonist Art Spiegelman, mocked household products in a way that felt like they belonged in the same irreverent universe as Mad Magazine.
The first series included 44 different stickers, but 14 of them faced legal challenges and had to be pulled from circulation. Among them were:
- Moron Salt (a parody of Morton Salt)
- Jolly Mean Giant (a twist on the Jolly Green Giant)
- Ratz Crackers (a take on Ritz Crackers)
Despite the legal trouble, Wacky Packages became a massive hit among kids and collectors, making fun of everything from snacks to cleaning supplies.
A Window into 1970s Pop Culture
Beyond their humor, Wacky Packages provide an interesting glimpse into the cultural landscape of the 1970s. The jokes, while aimed at kids, often contained references that may have gone over their heads at the time. Looking back, some of the themes feel shockingly bold by today’s standards.
While modern conversations about “political correctness” or inclusivity weren’t as prominent back then, these stickers still challenged societal norms in their own way—sometimes playfully, sometimes controversially.
Are Wacky Packages Still Around?
Absolutely! Wacky Packages continue to entertain both nostalgic fans and new collectors. In 2023, Topps released a new series featuring fresh parodies such as:
- Rot Wheels (instead of Hot Wheels)
- Frosted Cakes (a take on Frosted Flakes)
- Taser Strudel (a twist on Toaster Strudel)
Although not as edgy as their 1970s counterparts, they still carry the playful spirit of the originals. Collectors can find vintage Wacky Packages on sites like eBay, with some rare stickers fetching high prices.
Controversial Wacky Packages from the 1970s
Some of the original Wacky Packages featured themes that, by today’s standards, might raise eyebrows. Here are 10 examples that you might find surprising:
1. Gyppy Pop Popcorn
This parody of Jiffy Pop used the term “gypp,” which was once common but is now recognized as a slur against the Romani people.
2. Nutlee’s Quit
A take on Nestlé Quik chocolate milk, this one referenced alcoholism—a theme unlikely to appear in kids’ collectibles today.
3. Hostage Filled Cupcakes
A parody of Hostess Cup Cakes, this sticker depicted a hostage situation—complete with firearms—something unimaginable in modern children’s entertainment.
4. Hawaiian Punks – Bloody Nose Red
Inspired by Hawaiian Punch, this card exaggerated the word punch by showing a violent mob scene.
5. Hurtz Crazy Canary Food
A twist on Hartz pet products, this sticker humorously implied harm to birds—something animal lovers wouldn’t appreciate.
6. Mrs. Klean
Flipping the popular Mr. Clean brand, this parody hinted at domestic violence, making it one of the more unsettling entries in the series.
7. Chef Girl-ar-dee Feminist Spaghetti
This sticker took on the women’s liberation movement by turning Chef Boyardee into Chef Girl-ar-dee, complete with “approved by Women’s Lib” on the label.
8. Weird Chicks Smith Sisters Feminine Cough Drops
A parody of Smith Bros. Cough Drops, this card played on 1970s gender stereotypes with the term “chicks.”
9. Camals Jerkish Blend
A take on Camel cigarettes, this sticker mocked smoking with a dead camel, reflecting the era’s more casual attitude toward tobacco ads.
10. Ditch Masters
This card featured cigar-smoking characters—a stark contrast to today’s anti-smoking stance in kids’ media.
