Pop Tarts: Did You Know?

Pop Tarts are not only one of a few popular American Snacks bought online, but are arguably one that is well-known around the world.

It might be the last thing stuffed in a backpack on the way to school, or work. Or a quick snack before a road trip.

But how did Pop Tarts come to be? Where did they get their name? and how do they come up with their new flavours?

The Early Beginnings of Pop Tarts

Would you believe us if we told you that the science behind the delicious fillings was actually developed in a pet food division?

Yes, you heard correctly, the idea for creating a filling that could be savoury, but not require refrigeration was being worked on in the dog food section. They were developing a product called Gaines Burgers, a semi-moist food that didn’t need refrigeration.

Pop-Tarts Not the First-to-Market Product

The consumer packaged goods company took the concept and began working on the idea using fruit filling instead.

They developed the first iteration of shelf-sustainable pastry, called Country Squares, but they took so long in development that they were beaten to market acceptance by Kellogg’s Pop Tarts.

Inspired by the Pop Culture of the time, the name Pop Tarts was branded on those first pastries, and as they say, ‘the rest is history’.

Though beginning with just four original flavours, new flavour concepts are continually brought to market and others are rotated out.

Pop Tarts Come in an Array of Interesting Flavours

A look into the flavour profiling of Pop Tart reveals carefully conducted research and data backing much of their new flavour concepts.

These treats are available in a range of flavours including; Strawberry Milkshake, Cinammon Roll, and Chocolate Fudge – to name a few sold by The Lolli Shop!

Unique Flavours for Pop Tarts Were Made For Specific Stores

Sometimes Pop Tarts works with retailers to develop special-edition flavours that are only offered in their stores. Sam’s Club, for example, featured a patriotic edition of Pop Tarts, chock-full of red-white-and-blue flair.

Also, if you’re living in certain areas, your sweet tooth may not be as sweet as people living in other areas. This is what teams of Pop Tart employees study when they develop a new flavour.

They scour the nation with test studies to get a better handle on what flavours consumers want.

New Flavours are Often Sold in Group Launches

You may have noticed that you never see the launch of ‘a’ new flavour, it’s always in groupings of new flavours.

In this way, they hedge their bets while they have a great opportunity to observe what works and what doesn’t.

Most Popular Pop Tart Flavours

According to Kellogg’s, Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts and Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts are the most popular flavours enjoyed.

No matter which you pick as your favourite, the real question is in the preparation. Even the staff at Kellogg’s are divided between those that toast and those that don’t. And to some, it’s a heated debate.

Impact of Pop Tarts Today

Pop Tart stock has continued to thrive over its lifetime, and it doesn’t look like that trend will end soon.

Here are some good signs Pop Tarts will be around for a while:

• Soda Inspiration: Pop Tarts worked with A&W to release Root Beer and Orange Crush flavours. Innovations continue.
• Shot Inspiration: Even though Pop Tarts hasn’t entered the liquor space, it didn’t stop some clever bartenders from making their own version of the sweet treat with alcohol. The Wild Berry Pop Tart Shot is an example
• Lots of Dough: Pop Tarts sell billions of products each year. That’s a whole lot of pastry!
• Pop Tart Patriotism: In 2001, U.S Troops dropped Pop Tarts over Afghanistan as a goodwill offering.
• The College Years: Kellogg’s made special edition College Pop Tarts
• Three Reign Supreme: Three flavours outperform the rest: Frosted Strawberry, Brown Sugar Cinnamon and S'mores

Now that you know so much about Pop Tarts, don’t you just want to eat one, or a box?

Visit us online at the Lolli Shop and buy Pop Tarts today, or browse our other Breakfast treats and lollies!