1. William Post, Creator of Pop-Tarts, Passes Away at 96
2. Pop-Tarts Inventor William Post Dies at Age 96.
William Post, Co-Creator of Pop-Tarts, Dies at 96
Background and Legacy
William Post, a businessman credited with playing a significant role in inventing Pop-Tarts, the iconic American snack, passed away on February 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was 96 years old. Mr. Post’s son, Dan Post, confirmed his father’s death, stating that he had died of heart failure in a senior living community.
Born on June 27, 1927, in Grand Rapids, William Post was the son of Dutch immigrants, Henry Post and Johanna Jongsta. He grew up in a large family of seven children. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School, he began working part-time at Hekman Biscuit Company, washing trucks. In 1945, he was drafted into the Army Air Corps and served in occupied Japan. Upon completing his military service, he returned to his job at Hekman and started studying at Calvin College.
In 1950, Mr. Post became a full-time personnel manager at Hekman, which later became part of the Keebler Company. It was during his time managing Hekman’s plant in Grand Rapids that Kellogg’s approached him in 1964. At that time, Kellogg’s competitor, Post, was creating a toaster pastry called “Country Squares,” later renamed “Toast’em Pop Ups.” Kellogg’s executives asked Mr. Post if his plant could produce a similar product.
The Creation of Pop-Tarts
Mr. Post embraced the opportunity and assembled a team to develop what Kellogg’s wanted. Over a two-week period, he offered prototypes of the pastry to his children at various stages of development. Through trial and error, they transformed from cardboard-like to pastry-like consistency. Finally, they found the right formula, and the Post family agreed that the product was delicious.
After presenting the recipe to Kellogg’s, the company sold its first shipment of the newly named Pop-Tarts in Cleveland. Originally, Kellogg’s had considered calling them “fruit scones,” but one of the company’s executives, William LaMothe, coined the name “Pop-Tarts” to align with the pop culture movement of the time, inspired by Pop Art.
Initially, the Pop-Tarts were not frosted. However, a few years later, Mr. Post came up with the idea to add icing to the pastries. Despite skepticism that the icing would melt in the toaster, the decision to frost all four flavors was made within a day and proved successful.
A Lasting Legacy
Pop-Tarts quickly became a popular treat in the United States and have since grown into a cultural icon. Today, billions of Pop-Tarts are sold each year, and they have been featured in murals, museums, and parodied on “Saturday Night Live.” They will also be the focus of a forthcoming movie, “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story,” directed by comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
William Post retired at the age of 56 but continued working as a consultant for Kellogg’s until he was 76. He was also actively involved in his church and served on various boards. He is survived by his son, Dan Post, his daughter, Rachel DeYoung, four grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
While Kellogg’s website does not mention William Post, the company acknowledged his significant role in co-creating the iconic Pop-Tarts brand following his passing.
Throughout his life, Mr. Post shared his story with students, inspiring them to do their best and work hard. He often brought samples of his creation, Pop-Tarts, to share with the students, urging them to always exceed expectations.
William Post’s legacy lives on through the continued success and popularity of Pop-Tarts, a snack that has become an American institution.
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– William Post helped create Pop-Tarts
– William Post, creator of Pop-Tarts, dies at 96.
