– Who invented Pop Tart?
– William Post dead at 96.
William Post: The Man Behind the Iconic Pop-Tarts Pastry
Last year, Strawberry, a giant, anthropomorphized Pop-Tarts pastry, captivated college football fans and the internet. As the mascot at the Dec. 28 Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, Strawberry stole the show. After the game, Strawberry descended into a giant toaster and emerged as an edible version of itself, which was then devoured by the victorious team. This moment became an instantly iconic meme, capturing the essence of life in 2024.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl drew a record-breaking 4.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched bowl game of the year. Additionally, Pop-Tarts received an estimated $12.1 million in media exposure. The event transformed the 60-year-old brand into a symbol of post-modernity, resonating with many, especially Gen Zers.
However, amidst the excitement surrounding Pop-Tarts, the news of William Post’s passing brings a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. William Post, the widely credited inventor of the iconic American snack, passed away on Saturday in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 96.
From Truck Washer to Snack Innovator
William Post’s journey in the snack industry began as a truck washer for Hekman Biscuit Company in Grand Rapids when he was just 16 years old. The Michigan plant was a hub of snack activity, with the state having a long-standing history in the snacks industry.
The roots of American snacking in Michigan can be traced back to Will Keith Kellogg, who founded the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company in 1906. The Kellogg family, devout Seventh-Day Adventists, followed a vegetarian diet and played a significant role in shaping the snacking landscape.
Post’s rise in the industry was remarkable. Starting as a truck washer, he worked his way up to become the plant manager. It was during this time that he received a call from Kellogg’s, seeking assistance in creating a toaster-friendly snack. Post and his team collaborated with Kellogg’s to develop the iconic Pop-Tarts.
The process wasn’t without challenges. The heavy machinery required to bake the pastries initially raised eyebrows among the bakery staff. However, after months of experimentation and refining, the first Pop-Tarts were born. Initially called “Fruit Scones,” the name was eventually changed to Pop-Tarts to reflect the pop culture movement of the time.
An Instant Success
In 1964, Pop-Tarts officially launched in Cleveland, Ohio, with four flavors: strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and apple currant. The product quickly gained popularity and had to scale production to meet the rising demand.
It wasn’t until 1967 that the brand introduced their frosted offerings, as developing a topping that wouldn’t melt in the toaster oven proved to be a challenge. However, the introduction of frosted Pop-Tarts further cemented the snack’s place in American households.
Although William Post is often recognized as the official inventor of Pop-Tarts, he humbly acknowledged the collective effort behind its creation. In his family’s obituary, it was stated that Post assembled an incredible team that brought Kellogg’s concept to life in just four months.
Post’s love for Pop-Tarts extended well into his 90s. His personal favorite flavor was strawberry, the original flavor that launched the brand’s success. He always kept sleeves of Pop-Tarts in his car, and they became his go-to snack.
William Post’s contribution to the snacking world will always be remembered. His pioneering work on Pop-Tarts not only revolutionized breakfast options but also became a cultural phenomenon. As we bid farewell to this snack innovator, let us remember his remarkable journey and the joy he brought to millions of Pop-Tarts enthusiasts around the world.
.
1. “Inventor of the Pop Tart”
2. “William Post, Pop Tart inventor”.
