From Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Came One of the Worst Cereals Ever

How could something that took the country by storm in 1963 (and still holds it) be turned into one of the biggest flops of all time? How, indeed.

In 1963, Kellogg’s came up with the idea for a crusty, fruit-filled rectangle that you shoved into a toaster and heated for a yummy, quick breakfast – or anytime – treat. So, working on the theory that ‘toast and jelly’ were American public favorites, the 'Kellogg’s Kitchen Krew' "kame" up with a product they called “Fruit Scones.”

Bad name. They finally changed the name to ‘POP-TARTS”. Was the name referring to when it pops out of the toaster? Or because the filling tastes fruity like pop? NO. The name derived from the 60s ‘Pop Culture’ atmosphere – you know, like ‘pop music’, ‘pop art’, et cetera.

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In 1964 the first four flavors were unleashed on us: Strawberry, Blueberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon & Apple-Currant. Apple-Currant was the first to get the axe, because back then, nobody knew what a ‘currant’ was. A year later, it re-emerged as just ‘Apple’ Pop-Tarts.

It was in 1967 when Pop-Tarts got the frosted treatment.
In 1968, colored sprinkles were added.

Then, in 1994 the POP-Tarts cereal was created. Why? Because a trend was taking place among Americans, who were breaking their Pop-Tarts into pieces into a bowl, pouring milk on them, and eating with a spoon, like cereal. And whaddaya know: Kellogg’s took the cue and created their own Pop-Tarts cereal, “Pop-Tarts Crunch”. Available in Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon, they were advertised as “Pop Tarts for your spoon" and "crunchy inside and out".  it didn’t last for one year. It was discontinued in 1995.

“Crunchy inside AND out”? Aren’t the insides supposed to be fruity, soft, and delicious? Whatever the reason, the cereal was given the boot. However, years later, Kellogg’s re-introduced the product as simply “Pop-Tarts Cereal” and is currently available.

Over the years, Pop-Tarts Crunch’ has been listed as one of the worst cereals ever. Never tasted it myself, so I can’t comment on the taste. It probably was simply a bad seller.

By the way, that little cartoon toaster that used to be the Pop-Tart mascot?
His name was Milton the Toaster.
He debuted in 1971 and was retired in 1979.