Andy’s SoapBox

I’m a big fan of breakfast cereal.  I’ve even been known to buy Frank ‘n Berry by the case.  I also hold the belief that state of breakfast cereal is a window into the state of the world.

Take Lucky Charms.  Yes, they are still magically delicious, but look at what has happened with the marshmallow’s over time (side note:  the marshmallows are officially called “marbits” – which would make a cool blog name for me since my initials are MAR). 

When Lucky Charms was invented in 1962, there were 4 marbits. That was plenty for kids of the 60’s.  As the world got busier, the lineup changed.  New marbits were added and old one’s were phased out.  Currently there are around nine different marbits, including the “Hidden Key” marshmallow – “unlock the door with milk!”).  There are also three varieties: Classic, Berry, and Chocolate.  What’s happened to us as a society that we now need this amount of choice and stimulation from our breakfast cereal?

In case you care, here is some marbit history, according to wikipedia 

1962: pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers

1975: blue diamonds added

1984: purple horseshoes added

1989: red balloons added

1992: rainbows added

1994: pots of gold added, yellow moons become blue moons, and blue diamonds phased out

1996: leprechaun hats added

1998: shooting stars added