Ralston cereals

Ralston cereals refer to a range of breakfast cereal products that were originally produced by the Ralston Purina Company. The company, which started as a horse feed company in the late 19th century, eventually expanded its product line to include a variety of human food products, including breakfast cereals. Ralston cereals became known for their health-oriented approach, often marketed towards families and individuals seeking nutritious breakfast options.

History

The Ralston Purina Company, founded by William H. Danforth in 1894, initially focused on animal feed. The name "Ralston" comes from Danforth's involvement with the Ralstonism movement, which emphasized whole grain foods. By the early 20th century, the company ventured into human food products, leveraging its expertise in grain processing to produce breakfast cereals. The Ralston cereal line grew in popularity, especially in the mid-20th century, as the company introduced a variety of flavors and products.

Product Range

Over the years, Ralston introduced several cereal products, including:

• Wheat Chex - One of the earliest and most popular cereals, known for its whole wheat content and crispy texture.
• Rice Chex - A rice-based variant of the Chex cereal, catering to those preferring a lighter taste or unable to consume wheat.
• Corn Chex - A corn-based cereal, expanding the Chex line to include another popular grain.
• Cookie Crisp - A cereal designed to mimic the taste of chocolate chip cookies, aimed at a younger audience.

These products were notable for their emphasis on whole grains and nutritional value, aligning with the company's health-oriented branding.

Acquisitions and Legacy

In the late 20th century, the Ralston cereal line underwent several ownership changes. The Ralston Purina Company decided to focus more on its pet food operations, leading to the sale of its cereal division. The cereal brands, including the Chex line, were acquired by General Mills in 1997, which continues to produce them today.

Ralston cereals played a significant role in the development of breakfast cereal as a staple of the American diet. They were among the first to promote cereals as a healthy, convenient breakfast option, influencing subsequent products in the market.

See Also

• Breakfast cereal
• General Mills
• William H. Danforth
• Chex