Battle Creek-based Kellogg’s has had a long history of creating some iconic cereals, starting with Corn Flakes in 1906. But not all have made it to our modern day breakfast tables, including a banana-flavored variation of a classic and legendary sci-fi character in breakfast form. Celebrate National Cereal Day on March 7 with a quick trip down memory lane.
OK’s (1959) As a competitor to Cheerios, OK’s were promoted as “the best in oats.” The box and commercials originally featured a muscular Scotsman named Big Otis, but Yogi Bear took over as mascot in 1960. Still, it was short-lived as the cereal was discontinued by 1962. By the next year, the company’s newest O-shaped cereal was introduced: Froot Loops.
Puffa Puffa Rice (1967) Before disappearing in 1975, these brown sugar rice puffs (similar to Rice Krispies) went from cereal boxes featuring tiki masks and volcanoes to trains puffing out smoke. While rebranded multiple times, fans still remember the cereal’s popular commercial featuring Anita Aloha, a hula dancer who later resurfaced on NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2008.
Banana Frosted Flakes (1981) Tony the Tiger, the iconic cartoon cat associated with Frosted Flakes, once graced the façade of Banana Frosted Flakes with a straw hat and a bundle of bananas over his shoulder. The cereal advertised “banana taste in every bite” with real bits of banana adhered to the flakes. While the cereal had “real appeal,” the brand was discontinued three years later.
OJ’s (1985) Discontinued after only a year, this orange juice flavored cereal featured a mascot named O.J. Joe, an orange-corralling, fruit-branding cattleman. The brand marketed the cereal as containing, “all the vitamin C of a 4-ounce glass of orange juice.” Nutrition aside, the idea of orange-flavored milk makes the cereal’s short stint totally understandable.
C-3PO’s (1984) This was the cereal for all those who wanted to be in a galaxy far, far away. Introduced by Kellogg’s a year after the 3rd original Star Wars film hit theaters, the honey-sweetened cereal was packaged along with Star Wars stickers, trading cards, masks, and send-away offers for C-3PO action figures.
Cinnamon Mini Buns (1991) These cinnamon swirls of corn and whole grain oats were advertised as being an easier way for moms to slip some nutrition into their children’s diets. The cereal was replaced by Kellogg’s Mini Swirlz Cinnamon Bun cereal in 1993, and discontinued by 2009. Today, Kellogg’s now carries a similar brand, Cinnabon cereal.
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