Millions know Kellogg's Corn Flakes as a relatively healthy breakfast cereal. However, did you know that when it was first invented (on March 7, 1897), it contained no sugar (rendering it tasteless and bland) and wasn't designed to constitute a whole meal, but simply complement a variety of foods? Created by Dr. John Kellogg, he had intended to serve it solely at his sanitarium, but his brother Will saw the potential in the flake of corn and began marketing it heavily. This caused a rift in the family, that culminated in a legal battle between the two brothers. John won and Corn Flakes went on to become one of the best-selling breakfast cereals of all time.
thanks Rich!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-07-2008 @ 12:31PM
bob said...
lol do cornflakes taste of anything now? I enjoy them for their complete blandness, something moreish about it.
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3-07-2008 @ 1:01PM
Bear Silber said...
Hats off to you Dr. Kellogg, a truely great creation.
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3-07-2008 @ 1:07PM
Sam said...
Even more interesting, Dr. John Kellogg originally served it at his sanitarium because he believed a diet of bland grains would inhibit the deathly harmful practice of masturbation.
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3-07-2008 @ 1:18PM
Sarah said...
My Great Uncle was the one who designed Cornelius the Rooster! :D
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3-07-2008 @ 1:24PM
Doctor Electro said...
Oh, yeah? Well my great grandfather was the founder of Pioneer Flour in San Antonio. =p
That said, corn flakes is one of the cereals I'm allowed regularly. Being a diabetic, a comfort food is nice to have for breakfast.
Hey, if Pioneer Flour is available in your local stores, look at the picture of C. H. Guenther on the package. I look more like him with each passing year.
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3-07-2008 @ 1:52PM
Doctor Electro said...
Oh, I completely forgot to wish Cornelius Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday!!
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3-10-2008 @ 12:20PM
Jason Levine said...
According to Alton Brown, Corn Flakes came about when Kellogg figured he couldn't sell popcorn in a box. Wikipedia says "Corn flakes are said to have come about as a solution to market old popcorn as a breakfast item."
I actually decided to try this yesterday with some popcorn (made with my trusty Whirley Pop) and milk. It came out pretty good!
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