– Bill Post, Father of the Pop-Tart, Dies at 96
– Bill Post, Creator of the Pop-Tart, Passes Away at 96.
Michigan Man and Pop-Tart Inventor Bill Post Dies at 96
Background and Legendary Accomplishments
William “Bill” Post, the man credited with inventing Pop-Tarts for Kellogg’s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 96, according to an online obituary. Born in 1927 on the south side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Post had a life filled with remarkable achievements, though he never sought recognition for his most famous creation.
Post began his career in the Army Air Corps and served in occupied Japan. After returning home, he married his high school sweetheart and worked his way up to become a plant manager at the Keebler Company, known as Hekman at the time.
The Birth of Pop-Tarts
Post’s journey to creating Pop-Tarts started with a phone call from a Kellogg’s official who wanted to tour his factory. Kellogg’s was in search of a toaster-friendly product and turned to Keebler for assistance. Post assembled a team and spent months perfecting the process of sandwiching filling between layers of dough.
Despite facing skepticism from others, Post remained determined, and his hard work paid off. The first batch of Pop-Tarts, consisting of four original flavors—Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Cinnamon Sugar, and Apple-Currant—quickly sold out in Cleveland, Ohio, where they were tested. The demand exceeded all expectations.
A Phenomenon is Born
Since the 1960s, Pop-Tarts have become a cultural phenomenon, with billions consumed each year. Sales for Kellogg’s snacking division, Kellanova, reached a staggering $978 million in U.S. sales in 2022. The success of Pop-Tarts has led to the creation of numerous flavors, but Post always had a soft spot for the original Strawberry.
Post continued to contribute to the snack food industry even after retiring from Keebler. He worked as a consultant for Kellogg’s for two decades, leaving a lasting impact on the company.
A Lasting Legacy
Bill Post’s contribution to the world of snack foods will always be remembered. His invention, the Pop-Tart, has become a beloved treat enjoyed by millions. Despite his significant achievements, Post remained humble and down-to-earth. To his friends and family, he was simply known as sweet old Bill.
Post’s wife of 72 years, Florence, passed away in 2020. He is survived by his two children, four grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Although Bill Post did not live to see the release of Netflix’s upcoming film, Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story, he expressed curiosity about the project. The film, directed by Jerry Seinfeld, is set in Michigan in 1963 and tells a tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar, and menacing milkmen.
Bill Post’s family and friends will forever cherish his memory and the impact he made on the snack food industry. His legacy lives on through the continued success and popularity of Pop-Tarts.
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– Bill Post, Father of the Pop-Tart, Dies at 96
– Bill Post, Father of the Pop-Tart, Passes Away at 96.
