Will Keith Kellogg and the Invention of Corn Flakes on July 30, 1898

Background and Development

On July 30, 1898, Will Keith Kellogg, along with his brother Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, invented Corn Flakes, marking a pivotal moment in the history of breakfast foods and the cereal industry. At the time, the Kellogg brothers were working at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, where John Harvey, a physician and health activist, was the superintendent.

Invention of Corn Flakes

The invention of Corn Flakes was borne out of an experiment aimed at creating a more nutritious and digestible food option for patients at the sanitarium. The brothers were focused on developing a vegetarian food product, consistent with the health principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which they were members. During their experiments, they accidentally left some cooked wheat to sit and when it went stale, they tried rolling the mixture out to create dough. Instead of dough, they ended up with flakes that, once toasted, became crispy and palatable.

With further experimentation, they refined the flaking process using corn, which resulted in the cereal we know today as Corn Flakes. The cereal was popular among the sanitarium’s patients, leading the Kellogg brothers to consider its commercial potential.

Impact and Establishment of the Kellogg Company

In 1906, Will Keith Kellogg founded the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, which later became the Kellogg Company. His foresight and business acumen propelled the company to success, as packaged cereals quickly found favor among the broader public for their convenience and perceived health benefits.

The introduction of Corn Flakes marked the beginning of a new era in breakfast foods. The product’s success led to innovations and expansions in the cereal industry and prompted competitors to develop their own variations. The Kellogg Company became a pioneer in the marketing and mass production of ready-to-eat cereals, forever altering American dietary habits and influencing food industries worldwide.

Legacy

Will Keith Kellogg’s invention of Corn Flakes and his subsequent establishment of a cereal empire reflected a significant shift in consumer preferences towards packaged and processed foods. This transformation played a key role in the development of the modern breakfast food industry. Kellogg’s emphasis on health and nutrition continues to resonate, as the company has grown into a global leader in the food industry.