History and Rise in Popularity of Super Bear Graham Crackers

The History of Graham Crackers

Graham crackers have been a beloved snack in America for over 200 years. First invented in 1829 by Sylvester Graham, these lightly sweetened whole wheat crackers were originally created to be part of a healthy vegetarian diet. The original graham crackers were unsweetened and made only from whole wheat flour and wheat bran. They soon became popular among followers of Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister who promoted dietary reforms based on vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol.

How Graham Crackers Got Their Name

Sylvester Graham named his creation of whole wheat crackers after himself, wanting the graham cracker to be associated with his reformist preaching. The graham cracker was just one part of Graham's recommendations for wholesome eating and living, which also included a bland diet consisting of fruits and vegetables along with lots of fiber. While Grahams push for vegetarianism did not achieve widespread popularity, his graham crackers developed a strong following.

The Evolution to a Sweet Snack

In time, graham crackers evolved from an unsweetened whole grain biscuit to the slightly sweet, refined cracker we know today. Around 1879, the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) began producing graham crackers based on Sylvester Graham’s original recipe. They made some key changes, like adding sugar and refining the wheat flour. This made graham crackers more palatable for the public and kicked off their popularity as a tasty snack food.

The Introduction of Honey Bears

In 1915, Nabisco expanded the graham cracker line by introducing the sweetened Honey Maid Graham Crackers. These were a hit, likely due to the appeal of the honey flavor. The image of the Honey Bear started appearing on boxes in the late 1920s. Since then, the iconic Honey Bear has been a symbol of yummy, golden graham crackers with a touch of honey sweetness.

The Honey Bear Evolves

In the late 1950s, the Honey Bear was given a more defined cartoon image as a grizzly bear in a chef’s hat with a spoon in one hand. This friendly-looking bear captured consumer’s hearts and became a recognizable brand icon over the following decades. Nabisco experimented with various illustrations and poses of the lovable Honey Bear through the 1970s and 80s. In the 1990s the company landed on the cute, perky cub image that still appears on Graham’s boxes today.

Introducing Super Bear

In 2013, Nabisco rebranded the Honey Maid Graham Crackers as Super Bear Graham Crackers. The Super Bear has longer fur and more muscles than his predecessor to highlight the “super” aspect. He wears a red cape to bring home the brave, hero theme. While his appearance changed, Super Bear promises that same irresistible honey graham taste people know and love.

Why Super Bear Graham Crackers Became So Popular

There are several reasons why Super Bear Graham Crackers have become a top-selling graham cracker brand in America:

Childhood Nostalgia

Lots of adults buying Super Bear Graham Crackers today first enjoyed them as kids themselves. The sweet graham flavor sparks nostalgia, bringing adults back to beloved childhood memories. This emotional connection helps fuel continuing purchases of this classic snack.

Cute Brand Mascot

The adorable Super Bear gives this brand of graham crackers extra kid appeal. Children go crazy over the playful bear in the cape and parents know Super Bear signals a tasty, kid-approved treat. The cute Super Bear builds brand loyalty at a young age that can last into adulthood.

Sweet Honey Taste

While the original Graham cracker may have been bland, today’s Super Bear Graham Crackers are crispy, crunchy and sweetened with irresistible golden honey. The light honey flavor makes them appealing to kids and adults alike. This sweet yet mild taste is hard for graham cracker fans to resist!

Versatility

Modern graham crackers like Super Bears are no longer just a plain snack. Their versatility makes them useful for recipes too. From crusts to pie toppings to s’mores, graham crackers are a versatile ingredient. Super Bear’s popularity gets a boost from how handy they are to keep around for impromptu recipes.

Nostalgic Recipes

Speaking of recipes, graham crackers today are still best known for timeless treats like s’mores and graham cracker crust pies. Being integral to recipes many adults have been enjoying since childhood is another source of nostalgia that drives Super Bear Graham Cracker sales. Every bite sparks happy memories!

How to Enjoy Super Bear Graham Crackers

Are you ready to enjoy the beloved graham taste of Super Bear Crackers? Here are some top ways to indulge:

Fun Snacking

The simplest way to enjoy Super Bear Graham Crackers is to snack on them right out of the box! You can’t go wrong with these classic crispy, slightly sweet crackers. Dip them in milk for extra nostalgia.

S’mores

No campfire treat gives graham cracker fans more joy than the classic s’more. You simply need graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate to enjoy this gooey fireside favorite. Super Bear Graham Crackers are sturdy enough to hold those drips!

Pie Crusts

Put those graham crackers to work lining your pie plate too! From cheesecake to key lime, graham cracker crust pies never go out of style. The buttery, hint-of-sweet flavor pairs perfectly with both creamy and tangy fillings.

New Recipes

While the classics are great, don’t limit your graham cracker usage to just s’mores and pie crusts. Lots of candy makers, bakers and food bloggers have innovative recipes putting graham crackers to clever use in lush desserts from bar cookies to parfaits to crunchy toppings. Try Super Bear Graham Crackers in a new way!

FAQs

Who invented graham crackers?

Graham crackers were invented in 1829 by Sylvester Graham. He was a Presbyterian minister who promoted vegetarianism and abstaining from alcohol. His whole wheat crackers were created to be part of a healthy diet.

Why is the bear on the box wearing a cape?

When Nabisco rebranded as Super Bear Graham Crackers in 2013, they gave the bear a red cape to emphasize the “super” aspect and portray him as a brave hero.

What is the best way to eat graham crackers?

Graham crackers can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, dipped in milk, used in classic recipes like s'mores and pie crusts, or incorporated into creative new dessert recipes.

Are graham crackers gluten-free?

No, traditional graham crackers like Super Bear Graham Crackers contain wheat flour so they are not gluten-free. However, some brands make gluten-free graham crackers using alternate flours.