Our Oat Origins

For 140 years, we've been inspired by the wholesome goodness of the humble oat.

Blue_Strip_Slideshow

BEGIN SLIDE SHOW


1850_history

1850 - Company Founded

Ferdinand Schumacher founds German Mills American Cereal Company in Akron, OH. During the same period, John Stuart established the North Star Mills Company in Canada.
1877_history

1877 - Quaker Oats Trademark Registered

Quaker Oats registered as the first trademark for a breakfast cereal. The trademark was registered with the U.S. Patent Office as "a figure of a man in 'Quaker garb.'" Both former owners, Henry Seymour and William Heston, claimed to have selected the Quaker name as a symbol of good quality and honest value.
1881_history

1881 - Quaker Mill Acquired

Henry Parsons Crowell buys the bankrupt Quaker Mill in Ravenna, OH, and its most important asset – the brand name Quaker.
1882_history

1882 - First National Advertising

Crowell launches the first national magazine advertising program for a breakfast cereal.

1888 - American Cereal Company Formed

Seven of the largest American oat millers--including the Consolidated principals--unite as the American Cereal Company.
1890_history

1890 - First Trial Size Samples

The American Cereal Company runs a special all-Quaker Oats train from Cedar Rapids, IA to Portland, OR, and introduces the first ever "trial-size samples." 1/2 oz. sample boxes of Quaker Oats are delivered to every mailbox in Portland, OR.
1891_history

1891 - First Recipe on Box

The Quaker brand becomes the first brand to feature a recipe on its box (Recipe for Oatmeal Bread).

1901 - Company Name Changed

American Cereal changes its name to The Quaker Oats Company.
1908_history

1908 - Oat Cakes Introduced

Oat Cakes become the first oatmeal cookie to appear on the Quaker Oats package.

1911 - Mother's Oats Acquired

Quaker acquires Mother's Oats, giving Quaker ownership of half of all milling operations east of the Rocky Mountains.
1915_history

1915 - Round Package Introduced

The familiar round Quaker Oats package is introduced.
1922_history

1922 - Quick Oats Introduced

Quaker introduces Quaker Quick Oats, one of the first convenience product.
1961_history

1961 - Life Cereal Introduced

Life® Cereal is introduced in its original flavor.
1966_history

1966 - Instant Oatmeal Introduced

Quaker Instant Oatmeal is introduced.
1970_history

1970 - First Instant Flavor

The first instant oatmeal flavor is introduced – Maple & Brown Sugar.
1981_history

1981 - Chewy Granola Bars Introduced

Quaker introduces the world to Quaker Chewy granola bars.
1987_history

1987 - First Celebrity Endorsement

Actor Wilford Brimley is the first celebrity to work with The Quaker brand.
1997_history

1997 - First Health Claim Approved

The Quaker brand introduces the first food-specific health claim for oatmeal, which is approved by the FDA. The new heart health claim appears on Quaker Oatmeal cereals which qualify. The claim reads: "Soluble fiber from oatmeal as part of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet, may reduce the risk of heart disease."
2017_history

2017 - 140 Year Anniversary

Quaker celebrates our 140 year anniversary.

Vanishing Oatmeal
Raisin Cookies

Vanishing Oatmeal
Raisin Cookies
GET RECIPE