Wheaties

Wheaties is a brand of breakfast cereal produced by General Mills, a major American food manufacturer. It is well-known for featuring prominent athletes on its packaging and has been a staple of American breakfast tables since the 1920s.

History

Wheaties was first created in 1921 by accident when a health clinician in Minneapolis spilled a wheat bran mixture onto a hot stove. The resulting flakes were tasty and easy to digest, leading to the creation of a new cereal product. The cereal was first introduced to the public in 1924 under the name "Washburn's Gold Medal Whole Wheat Flakes," but was soon renamed to the simpler "Wheaties."

Marketing

Wheaties is perhaps best known for its marketing campaigns featuring athletes. The first athlete to appear on a Wheaties box was Lou Gehrig in 1934, and since then hundreds of athletes from a variety of sports have been featured. This marketing strategy has led to Wheaties being known as the "Breakfast of Champions."

Nutritional Information

Wheaties is made from 100% whole grain wheat, making it a good source of fiber. It is also fortified with various vitamins and minerals, including iron and Vitamin B.

Cultural Impact

The association of Wheaties with athletic achievement has made it a cultural icon in the United States. The phrase "Breakfast of Champions" has entered the popular lexicon, and being featured on a Wheaties box is considered a major honor for athletes.

See Also

• Breakfast cereal
• General Mills
• Lou Gehrig