Fruit rollups have been a favorite snack for both kids and adults since they were first introduced in the 1980s. these tasty treats, made of pureed fruit and sweeteners, rolled into a convenient snack, have been a staple in lunchboxes and pantries alike for decades. but what is the history of fruit rollups? how did they come to be, and who can we thank for their deliciousness?
The origin of fruit rollups goes back to the early 1970s when a man named richard c. hartel, a food scientist at the university of california, was researching a way to convert fruits into dehydrated fruit leather. it was hartel who discovered that he could spread pureed fruit on a flat surface to create a thin layer of fruit leather.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and hartel’s innovation caught the attention of general mills. the massive food conglomerate saw the potential for fruit rollups and added the product to its growing line of snacks in 1983. under the brand name fruit corners, fruit rollups quickly became a hit, and by 1986, sales had reached over $70 million.
One of the reasons fruit rollups became so successful is that they were an innovative snack. in the 1980s, snacks were typically not as healthy as they are today, with most options containing high levels of sugar and low nutritional value. fruit rollups, on the other hand, were marketed as a healthy alternative to traditional snacks, making them popular with parents looking for better snack options for their kids.
Today, fruit rollups are still a popular snack and come in a range of flavors, including strawberry, wildberry, tropical punch, and many more. while nutritional awareness has changed over the years, fruit rollups continue to have a place in snack history and remain a go-to option for many people.
In conclusion, fruit rollups have a fascinating origin story. starting as an innovative method for dehydrating fruit, they quickly became a hit with the public when general mills added them to their lineup. now, decades later, fruit rollups remain a popular snack option and a testament to the power of innovation in the food industry.
So, if you’re a fan of fruit rollups, grab a pack and enjoy a delicious treat while contemplating its incredible history.