Bill Post Obituary - Cause of Death News : "Pop-Tart Inventor Passes: Inventive Legacy Lives On"

– Pop-Tart inventor’s death
– Bill Post’s passing.

Bill Post, Co-Inventor of Pop-Tarts, Passes Away at 96

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Bill Post, a key figure in the creation of the beloved toaster-friendly breakfast snack known as Pop-Tarts, has died at the age of 96. His family announced his passing on February 10th, though the specific details surrounding his death have not been disclosed.

More than sixty years after its inception, the Pop-Tart has become a staple in kitchens and cafeterias across the country, rivaling traditional breakfast fare like oatmeal and eggs. In fact, sales of these sugary pastries reached an impressive $978 million in 2022, making them a cultural phenomenon.

Mr. Post’s journey towards inventing the iconic treat began in 1963, when he received a call from Kellogg’s, the cereal giant, seeking assistance in developing a breakfast pastry for the market. As the plant manager of Heckman Baking Company, later known as Keebler, in Grand Rapids, Mr. Post took on the challenge and spent four months tirelessly working to overcome various technical obstacles.

During the development process, the pastry was initially referred to as “fruit scones.” However, it was Mr. Post’s children who ultimately played a significant role in shaping the final product. They constantly asked for more samples, expressing their love for the fruit-filled pastries.

Recognizing the potential of their creation, Mr. Post’s team renamed the product Pop-Tarts, inspired by the Pop Art movement. The pastries were an instant hit, with their popularity soaring as quickly as Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell’s soup cans. Pop-Tarts were first introduced in Cleveland in 1963 and quickly expanded to nationwide distribution by 1965, featuring four original flavors: strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and apple currant.

Building on this success, Mr. Post later introduced the signature frosting that has become synonymous with Pop-Tarts. By running a pastry through a cookie-icing machine, he discovered a method to ensure the frosting did not melt when toasted. This innovation led to a significant increase in sales and solidified Pop-Tarts’ status as a beloved breakfast treat.

Throughout his career, Mr. Post’s contributions to the baking industry were widely recognized. He became a senior vice president at Keebler and spent two decades as a consultant to Kellogg’s. His dedication to the brand was evident, as he always kept a pack of Pop-Tarts in his car and proudly sported a license plate that read “POPTART.”

Mr. Post’s passing leaves behind a lasting legacy. His inventive spirit and commitment to creating delicious and convenient breakfast options have forever changed the food industry. As news of his death spreads, fans of Pop-Tarts around the world mourn the loss of a true innovator.