John Harvey Kellogg patents corn flakes.

On May 31, 1884, a significant event took place in the world of breakfast cereals – John Harvey Kellogg patented the invention of corn flakes. This breakthrough would go on to revolutionize the way people start their mornings and establish Kellogg as a household name in the cereal industry. In this article, we will delve into the history of corn flakes, the impact of John Harvey Kellogg’s invention, and how corn flakes became a breakfast staple worldwide.

John Harvey Kellogg, along with his brother Will Keith Kellogg, was involved in the medical field, particularly in the field of nutrition and health. As the superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, John Harvey Kellogg aimed to promote wellness, healthy eating habits, and patient recovery. In his pursuit of a healthy diet, Kellogg inadvertently stumbled upon the idea of corn flakes.

During his work, Kellogg was experimenting with various grains to create a nutritious but easily digestible food for his patients. One day, he left a pot of cooked wheat sitting out overnight, and upon returning, he found it had gone stale. Intrigued, he decided to roll the wheat into thin flakes and toast them, resulting in the creation of what we now know as corn flakes.

Impressed with the taste and texture of the flakes, John Harvey Kellogg recognized the potential of his accidental creation. In 1884, he filed for a patent, which was granted on May 31 of the same year. With this patent, Kellogg had the exclusive rights to produce and sell corn flakes, giving him a significant advantage in the breakfast cereal market.

Initially, Kellogg’s corn flakes were only available to the patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. However, their popularity quickly spread beyond the sanitarium’s walls, and people began requesting the cereal for their own consumption. Recognizing the commercial potential, John Harvey Kellogg enlisted the help of his brother Will Keith Kellogg to start manufacturing corn flakes on a larger scale.

Will Keith Kellogg was a natural entrepreneur and played a vital role in transforming their invention into a successful business venture. In 1906, the Kellogg brothers founded the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, later renamed the Kellogg Company. They revolutionized the cereal industry by introducing innovative packaging techniques and efficient production methods.

The success of corn flakes was not limited to the United States. Kellogg’s vision and relentless efforts to promote his invention made corn flakes a breakfast staple worldwide. The Kellogg Company expanded its operations globally, making corn flakes accessible to people all over the world. Today, Kellogg’s corn flakes are enjoyed in countless households, with various flavors and variations to suit different tastes and preferences.

The invention of corn flakes had a far-reaching impact on society. It not only provided a convenient and nutritious breakfast option but also paved the way for other cereal brands to enter the market. Corn flakes set the stage for the cereal industry to flourish and become a multi-billion dollar industry.

In addition to their commercial success, corn flakes also contributed to a significant shift in breakfast habits. Prior to their invention, breakfast choices were limited, and people often relied on heavier or time-consuming meals. Corn flakes offered a quick and easy alternative, encouraging the adoption of breakfast as an important meal of the day.

John Harvey Kellogg’s patenting of corn flakes on May 31, 1884, marked the beginning of a new era in breakfast cereals. His accidental creation not only laid the foundation for the Kellogg Company’s success but also influenced the way people worldwide approach their mornings. From a simple experiment at a sanitarium to a global phenomenon, corn flakes continue to dominate breakfast tables and remind us of the power of accidental discoveries.