The Food That Built America Season 2 Episode 16 Breakfast Barons

The Food That Built America season 2 episode 16 titled "Breakfast Barons" takes a deep dive into the history of breakfast cereals and the competitive industry that shaped it. The episode opens with the introduction of two of the biggest breakfast cereal brands, Kellogg's and Post. While both the brands are synonymous with breakfast cereals now, this wasn't always the case.

The show takes us back to the early 1900s when breakfast was not yet a popular concept. It was the Post brothers who first introduced the idea of breakfast cereals. They had a product called Grape Nuts, which grabbed people's attention. However, it was Kellogg's who took the industry by storm with their cereal, Corn Flakes.

The episode tells the story of the Kellogg brothers, who were both dedicated to finding ways to improve people's health. It was through their research and experimentation that they came up with the recipe for corn flakes. The show highlights the challenges that they faced in the beginning, including a failed partnership and a fire that destroyed their factory.

As the popularity of breakfast cereals grew, so did the competition between Kellogg's and Post. The two brands went head-to-head to capture the market share. The episode highlights the interesting marketing strategies that both companies used, including celebrity endorsements, product placement, and giveaways.

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is the discussion around the invention of the prize in cereal boxes. It was a game-changer for the industry, as it not only made the cereal boxes more appealing to children but also led to increased sales for the companies.

The episode also delves into the lesser-known breakfast cereal brands that emerged during this time. These brands made an impact on the market, even if it was short-lived. We learn about companies like Shredded Wheat, which became a favorite among health enthusiasts and Grape Nuts, which continued to innovate and create new cereal combinations.

As the episode draws to a close, we see how Kellogg's and Post continued to respond to the changing market and consumer preferences. They adapted to new taste trends and introduced new products, including sugar-coated cereals that children loved.

Overall, "Breakfast Barons" is a fascinating look at the history of breakfast cereals and the competitive industry that built it. It is a reminder that even the simplest of products can have a significant impact on our daily lives and that behind every successful product, there is a story of innovation, perseverance, and creativity.