Pop-Tart Inventor Bill Post Dies at 96

Early Innovator of the Iconic Toaster-Friendly Breakfast Treat

Grand Rapids, Mich. –

Bill Post, the brilliant mind behind the invention of the beloved Pop-Tart, passed away on February 10 at the age of 96. Post, known for his pioneering work leading the baking company team that developed Pop-Tarts, has left a significant mark on the breakfast food industry, forever changing the culinary landscape.

A Legacy That Continues

A Fruity and Sugary Delight

More than six decades after the creation of Pop-Tarts, this delightful fruity-filled pastry remains a staple in many kitchens and cafeterias worldwide. Offering a unique blend of a thin pastry crust, a fruity filling, and a touch of Space Age sweetness, Pop-Tarts continue to captivate taste buds and fuel breakfast rituals. The pastry has amassed a remarkable $978 million in sales in 2022, marking its continued popularity and enduring appeal.

Pop-Tarts’ Bowl: An Unforgettable Mascot Demise

Pop-Tarts hasn’t just achieved commercial success; it also became a cultural phenomenon. Last season, the pastry sensation became the anchor for the “Pop-Tarts Bowl,” a college football spectacle that culminated in the quirky “death” of its beloved mascot, Strawberry, during a heart-stopping descent into a giant toaster. The victorious team reveled in devouring a larger-than-life Pop-Tart that emerged triumphantly from the bottom.

A Journey Beyond Expectations

From Modest Dreams to Global Icon

William Post, born to Dutch immigrant parents, found himself in a momentous turning point when cereal giant Kellogg’s reached out to him in 1963 for help in developing a delectable breakfast pastry to market. As the former plant manager for Hekman baking company (later known as Keebler’s), Post displayed impeccable leadership skills and gradually transformed the project into the sensational treat known as Pop-Tarts. Initially known as “fruit scones” and later coined for the pop art movement, Pop-Tarts made their debut in 1965 with four classic flavors: strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and apple currant. The mouthwatering frosting, a stroke of pure genius, followed soon after and propelled Pop-Tarts into an unprecedented realm of success, doubling their market overnight.

An Accidental Hit

Post’s children played an unintended yet vital role in the birth of Pop-Tarts. Initially dubious about their father’s baking experiments, they surprised him by fervently requesting “fruit scones.” Recognizing the potential success, Post forged ahead and marshaled the project’s smooth execution, turning a kitchen trial into a global phenomenon.

A Simple Snack Rich in Legacy

A Snack that Reflects the Times

Bill Post’s Pop-Tarts aligned perfectly with the pop art movement of the 1960s. While popular artist Andy Warhol never adorned Campbell’s Soup cans with images of Pop-Tarts, the snacks mirrored the art genre’s emphasis on vibrant and expressive consumer culture. Pop-Tarts sprang off store shelves with the same intensity as Warhol’s paintings, captivating breakfast lovers everywhere.

An Unforgettable Concoction

Post’s creativity didn’t end with the initial concept. When he discovered that Pop-Tarts stealthily withstood toasting, he innovatively ran them through a cookie-icing machine, pioneering the signature, enduring, and delightfully rainbow-coloured frosting. This brilliant idea caught the eye of Kellogg’s visionary executive William E. LaMothe, transforming Pop-Tarts into a transcendent snack that delighted millions.

Remembering a Pop-Tart Pioneer

A Celebration of a Lifetime of Ingenuity

In honor of William “Bill” Post, Pop-Tart enthusiasts everywhere fondly remember the profound impact he left on the breakfast industry. After his success with Pop-Tarts, he ascended to senior vice president at Keebler’s, benefiting from his decades of experience and expertise. Known for his unwavering adoration of his prized invention, Post always carried Pop-Tarts wherever he went and even sported a “POPTART” license plate on his car.

Forever in the Hearts of Pop-Tart Lovers

When asked about his enduring affection for Pop-Tarts, Post shared fondly, “We have a seniors group at church, and you have to bring your lunch every once in a while. I always bring my Pop-Tarts, and of course, they all think, ‘Poor guy, that’s all he can eat.’ But I just like to have them as a snack.”

A complete obituary will be published soon. Source: Express Tribune