Originally called “Cerrioats,” Cheerios debuted 70 years ago in June, 1941. A technological marvel during that time, creative minds dreamed up Cheerios from whole grain oats and months of trial-and-error figuring out how to puff the oats. Through heating balls of dough, then shooting them out of a puffing gun at 100 mph, the puffed Os we know today were born.
I love Cheerios, but my appreciation for them has grown stronger having a 9-month-old daughter! They’re my daughter’s favorite snack. At home or on the go, these round little wonders make her happy and keep her entertained {oftentimes sticking to her cheek as she misses her mouth}. Actually, in our household, we’ve renamed Cheerios to “QPs” or “Quiet Puffs.” So, I suppose we love Cheerios for more than their flavor!
Fun Facts:
General Mills sold 21.6 million boxes in the first year, 1941. {How many do you suppose they will sell in 2011?}
Honey Nut Cheerios, introduced in 1979, have outsold the originals since 2009.
Cheerios timeline:
1941: Cheerioats debuts as the first ready-to-eat oat cereal
1945: Cheerioats changes name to Cheerios
1954: Cheerios becomes the number one cold cereal at General Mills
1974: Cheerios begins advertising its cereal as a food for toddlers
1979: General Mills Introduces Honey Nut Cheerios®
1988: General Mills introduces Apple Cinnamon Cheerios ®
1992: General Mills introduces MultiGrain Cheerios®
1995: General Mills introduces Frosted Cheerios®
1997: The Food and Drug Administration issues a claim that Cheerios® and other oat products can lower the risk of heart disease.
2003: General Mills introduces Berry Burst Cheerios®
2006: General Mills introduces Fruity Cheerios®
2009: General Mills introduces Banana Nut Cheerios®
2010: General Mills introduces Chocolate Cheerios®
by Jennifer Bucholtz at Navigating the Journey
Tags: cheerios, cheerios 70th birthday
