Whether you enjoy it at breakfast, snack time or any other time of day, Post Grape-Nuts cereal isn’t just a part of your healthy diet — it’s been a part of American history for more than 100 years. Developed by C.W. Post in 1897, Grape-Nuts is timeless and versatile. For generations, it has been a morning staple and a healthy (and surprising!) recipe ingredient, and it packs the nutritional power to meet the demands of today’s modern, active lifestyle.
In addition to being the first widespread product to use a coupon (Post’s penny-off coupon was a game-changer in the late 1890s), Grape-Nuts was there for several famous moments in world history.
- In 1933, Post Grape-Nuts sponsored Sir Admiral Byrd’s expedition to Antarctica, where the first two-way radio transmission occurred. At the time, maps of the expedition even appeared on Grape-Nuts boxes. The was a huge milestone in the scientific community, and Grape-Nuts helped make it possible!
- During World War II operations before 1944, Grape-Nuts was part of the Jungle rations that helped fuel US and Allied forces on extended missions to Panama and other tropical parts of the world.
- In 1953, New Zealand explorer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay took Grape-Nuts with them for efficient, nutritious energy as they trekked to the top of Mount Everest, becoming the first climbers in history to reach the summit. It is the ultimate example of man’s persistence in the face of the seemingly impossible feat, and Grape-Nuts was there for every high-altitude step along the way.
What’s in a Name?
Grape-Nuts actually contains neither grapes nor nuts. It’s made from natural wheat and barley. So, why is it called Grape-Nuts? As with many great emblems in history, there are two versions of the story. One says that Mr. Post believed glucose, which he called “grape sugar,” formed during the baking process. This, combined with the nutty flavour of the cereal, is said to have inspired its name. Another explanation claims that the cereal got its name from its resemblance to grape seeds, or grape “nuts.”
Wherever the name came from, it doesn’t change the fact that Grape-Nuts is packed full of goodness. Made with all natural ingredients and fortified with vitamins and minerals, a half-cup serving of Grape-Nuts Original cereal is an excellent source of fibre and provides 100% of your day’s whole grains.
Baked for Goodness
How do we pack all that goodness into those crunchy little nuggets? Originally, C. W. Post prepared a batter that came out of the oven as a rigid sheet. He then broke the sheet into pieces and ran them through a coffee grinder to produce the “nut”-sized nuggets.
Whether you’re pushing through a tough workout, or simply trying to create a wholesome and healthy lifestyle, the natural whole-grain goodness of Grape-Nuts packs the power to help you climb your personal mountain.