Some jingles need only a single note before memories flood back—whether you were watching Saturday-morning cartoons or the Super Bowl. The spots below prove that a clever hook, a lovable mascot, or a catchy tagline can live rent-free in our brains for decades. All thirty commercials are still referenced, replayed, or refreshed today, a testament to their enduring impact.
1. Coca-Cola – “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (1971)
The “Hilltop” ad gathered singers on a sunny hillside to share Coke and harmony. Its upbeat chorus was later released as a pop single that hit radio charts worldwide. Coca-Cola still revisits the melody in modern campaigns, keeping the song in circulation more than 50 years after its original release.
2. Wendy’s – “Where’s the Beef?” (1984)
Clara Peller’s demand for more beef became shorthand for calling out anything skimpy. The three-word question was such a cultural hit that politicians even quoted it on the campaign trail. Wendy’s still references the line in social posts and limited-edition ads.
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3. McDonald’s – “I’m Lovin’ It” (2003)
The five-note whistle and “ba-da-ba-ba-ba” refrain launched in 2003 and never left. Music producers Pharrell Williams and Pusha T contributed to the tune, while Justin Timberlake recorded a full song version. Two decades later, the jingle remains a staple of global campaigns.
4. Oscar Mayer – “My Bologna Has a First Name” (1973)
Little Andy Lambros spelling out “O-S-C-A-R” turned a simple lunch meat into a pop-culture sing-along. The tune even cracked the Billboard charts in 1973. Oscar Mayer occasionally revives the ditty, confident that viewers still know every letter.
5. Kit Kat – “Gimme a Break” (1986)
A crunchy snap followed by the plea for a break has echoed through break rooms since the mid-’80s. The jingle has been used in several campaigns, and while there have been playful adaptations over the years, its catchy, straightforward message remains instantly recognizable. Even without visuals, those five words instantly summon the candy bar’s red wrapper in viewers’ minds.
6. California Raisins – “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1986)
The state’s marketing board turned dancing raisins into overnight celebrities. “Grapevine” climbed the charts again, merchandise flew off shelves, and the mascots even landed a Saturday morning TV special. The campaign remains a gold standard for agricultural advertising.
7. Pepsi – “Joy of Pepsi” with Britney Spears (2001)
Britney Spears starred in Pepsi’s “Joy of Pepsi” campaign, which included an iconic commercial in 2001. In this ad, Spears appeared in a series of pop-history mini-musicals, bringing a fresh, energetic twist to the Pepsi brand. The ad and its catchy jingle quickly cemented the slogan for a new generation, and the commercial continues to be referenced across video platforms.
8. Rice Krispies – “Snap! Crackle! Pop!”
The onomatopoeic trio first hit the airwaves in the 1930s and have narrated cereal bowls ever since. Their playful chatter translates easily across languages, making the slogan globally recognizable. Even newer ads keep the same sound-effect focus.
9. Reese’s – “There’s No Wrong Way to Eat a Reese’s”
Whether you nibble around the edges or freeze them solid, the brand assures you it’s all fair game. Commercials over the years have showcased every quirky method imaginable. The open-minded line has helped Reese’s maintain the best-selling spot among U.S. candy bars.
10. Trix – “Silly Rabbit, Trix Are for Kids!”
The poor bunny’s eternal struggle debuted in 1959 and continues to play out in updated animations. Kids inevitably foil his plan, chanting the now-legendary line. General Mills occasionally lets the rabbit taste victory in limited promotions, delighting long-time fans.
11. M&M’s – “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands”
The insulated shell was a wartime innovation, and the tagline has reminded snackers of it since 1954. Modern commercials feature talking Red and Yellow characters, yet the original promise remains front and center. Few slogans explain a product benefit so succinctly.
12. Campbell’s Soup – “M’m! M’m! Good!”
The catchphrase dates back to radio days but seamlessly transitioned to television. Countless snow-day ads show kids thawing out with a spoonful of comfort. Even new spots with CGI steam keep the original three-note hummed hook.
13. KFC – “Finger Lickin’ Good”
Colonel Harland Sanders coined the line in 1956 after a customer was caught licking his fingers clean. The phrase has weathered temporary retirements—most recently during 2020’s public-health concerns—only to return by popular demand. It perfectly sums up the chain’s indulgent appeal.
14. Dr Pepper – “Be a Pepper” (1977)
Actor David Naughton led high-energy choreography that invited everyone to “be a Pepper” and join the fun. The campaign boosted sales enough to vault Dr Pepper into national top-five status. Diehards can still quote the full dance routine.
15. Frosted Flakes – “They’re Gr-r-reat!”
Thurl Ravenscroft’s deep baritone and a rolling growl made Tony the Tiger unforgettable. Since 1952, only minor tweaks have been made to Tony’s design and the two-syllable roar. It remains one of the longest-running cereal slogans in U.S. history.
16. Dunkin’ Donuts – “Time to Make the Donuts” (1981)
Fred the Baker’s bleary-eyed 3 a.m. trek resonated with anyone committed to early-morning routines. The character appeared in more than 100 spots before retiring in 1997. Dunkin’ occasionally nods to him with subtle cameos in new ads.
17. Budweiser – “Whassup?!” (1999)
The simple greeting spread through phone calls, office hallways, and even voicemail recordings. Originally adapted from an independent short film, the spot has become a staple of Budweiser mentions across pop culture. Parodies still surface every football season.
18. Hershey’s Kisses – “Christmas Bells” (1989)
The “Christmas Bells” ad featuring Hershey’s Kisses debuted in 1989, with a stop-motion animation of the Kisses playing handbells to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The ad became a holiday tradition, airing annually for over three decades. Hershey’s continues to bring fresh behind-the-scenes content to fans while keeping the iconic spot alive for new generations.
19. Folgers – “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up”
The three-second jingle debuted in 1984 and quickly became a morning mantra. Over the years, Folgers has remixed it in gospel, country, and even rockabilly styles. Yet the melody remains identical, instantly signaling fresh-brewed comfort.
20. Subway – “Five-Dollar Footlong” (2008)
The “Five-Dollar Footlong” jingle first emerged in 2008 after a franchisee in Miami created the catchy tune, which quickly became a nationwide hit. The combination of affordable pricing and hand choreography made it irresistible, leading to a massive marketing success. Although prices have since increased, the jingle still resurfaces during limited-time promotions.
21. Doritos – “Crash the Super Bowl” (2006 – 2016)
User-generated ads featuring goats, time machines, and wedding surprises outperformed big-budget rivals for ten consecutive Super Bowls. The contest democratized the ad world and delivered consistently viral moments. Its legacy lives on in Doritos’ ongoing crowd-sourced content.
22. Chili’s – “Baby Back Ribs” Jingle (1996)
The baritone “barbecue sauce” tag and rhythmic “I want my baby back” chorus became earworms overnight. *NSYNC, Guy Fieri, and even Dr. Evil have parodied it. Chili’s re-records the refrain every few years, knowing the core melody needs no adjustment.
23. Bud Light – “Dilly Dilly” (2017)
The phrase premiered during NFL broadcasts and quickly became a topic of conversation at the office water cooler. Though it sounds ancient, the writers confirmed it was invented purely for fun. Limited-edition bottles and apparel kept the mini-catchphrase alive well past its original run.
24. Apple Jacks – “We Eat What We Like!”
Kids push back against adults who wonder why Apple Jacks don’t taste strongly of apples because they eat what they like. The slogan cleverly addresses a common criticism, turning it into a badge of independence and choice. It still closes most of the brand’s animated commercials, reinforcing the brand’s fun and carefree attitude.
25. Gatorade – “Be Like Mike” (1991)
Michael Jordan’s gravity-defying highlights and a buoyant chorus urged viewers to grab a bottle and emulate greatness. The ad drove a double-digit sales bump in its first year. Gatorade revived the jingle for the campaign’s 20th and 25th anniversaries.
26. Cheetos – “Dangerously Cheesy”
Chester Cheetah evolved from a cool mascot into a mischievous schemer, all while repeating the daring tagline. Spots highlight the unmistakable cheese dust left behind, practically a badge of honor for snackers. The phrase remains central to every new flavor launch.
27. Pringles – “Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop” (1996)
The pop of the resealable lid became an audible cue, signaling endless munching. Ads often depict groups unable to resist passing the tube around until it’s empty. The tagline perfectly mirrors the product’s more-ish reality.
28. Red Bull – “Gives You Wings” (1997)
Hand-drawn cartoons paired with the simple promise of a mental or physical lift. The phrase proved memorable enough to become central in a class-action settlement over literal interpretation, yet it still headlines every commercial. Sponsorships, ranging from extreme sports to art installations, keep the slogan globally visible.
29. Hamburger Helper – Helping Hand (1970s)
The talking four-fingered glove debuted in 1977, assuring busy parents that dinner could be ready in a single pan. The mascot pops up in social media memes and throwback ads, often wielding a wooden spoon. Its smiling face embodies weeknight convenience.
30. Popeyes – “Love That Chicken from Popeyes”
The zydeco-infused jingle has been part of Popeye’s branding since 1980. Its energetic refrain plays behind nearly every TV and radio spot, instantly signaling Louisiana-style flavor. Recent ads featuring singer “Annie” keep the melody fresh for new audiences.