Mascots like Ronald McDonald, the Kool-Aid Man, and Tony the Tiger have been around forever. But we never stop to think about how these popular mascots came to be. Check out these 8 food mascots and their stories. Some of them you definitely won't see coming!
Ronald McDonald
In 1963, McDonald's sponsoring a popular children's show, "Bozo's Circus" to try to boost business. Their sales increased so much they decided to create Ronald McDonald, a burger-flipping clown who resembled the main character, Bozo. Up Next: The Kool-Aid Man.
Kool-Aid Man
The Kool Aid Man was created in 1954, but at that time he was known as the Pitcher Man. It wasn't until 1956 that he got arms and legs! He wasn't even called the Kool Aid Man for years until 1975.
Mr. Peanut
Mr. Peanut for Planters was the created of Antonio Gentile, a student who submitted a design of him. Today, Mr. Peanut is so famous that he has a star on Madison Avenue's Walk of Fame.
Pillsbury Doughboy
Pillsbury Doughboy was originally created for frozen dough in 1965. His name was Poppin' Fresh to symbolize the freshness and quality of the dough. But he was so popular that he became the representative for all Pillsbury brand products. It's no surprise – he's so cute!
Trix Rabbit
The Trix Rabbit was introduced in 1957 and since then he's been trying to get his hands on a bowl of colorful cereal. Only once was he able to try some of the cereal, after the box-top voting campaign in the late '70s.
Snap! Crackle! Pop!
This famous trio has been with Rice Krispies since 1933 and they're actually gnomes. You can tell them apart by their hats: Snap! sports a baker's hat, Crackle! wears a striped stocking hat and Pop! has a military hat.
Jolly Green Giant
The Jolly Green Giant was the mascot of Green Giant vegetable company before it was even called Greek Giant! It used to be Minnesota Valley Canning Company, but they couldn't resist Jolly Green Giant and his popularity.
Tony The Tiger
Tony the Tiger was created in 1952 when he beat out Katy the Kangaroo, Elmo the Elephant and Newt the Gnu for his job. Since then he's been the top tiger on every Frosted Flakes box.
