If you’re a granola bar fan like the rest of us, it’s time to get educated about its origins. Get ready for a bite-sized journey through the crunchy history of these yummy and nutritious bars—the snack that conquered breakfast, hiking trails, and lunchboxes around the world.
The OG Granola Pioneers
Legend has it that the very first granola mix (pre-bar form) was whipped up in New York in 1863 by one Dr. James Caleb Jackson. What inspired this culinary creation seems to have been Jackson’s attempt to create a health-conscious treat for his spa-goers. Fast forward to the 1970s, and granola started appearing as a snack bar, quickly gaining popularity.
The Bar Brawl: Stanley vs. Edward
It turns out there’s no certainty as to who officially invented granola bars, but there are two main historical candidates: Stanley Mason, the granola press mastermind, and Edward Thayer, Sr., the first granola bar seller in California. Both of them tried to claim credit for compacting granola into snack bars, but there was never a definite decision.
Granola Bars Today: Healthy Time Savers
From busy on-the-go workers to last-minute lunchbox fillers, granola bars have become modern-day snacking heroes. Packed with oats and honey, they inject healthy vibes into the way we snack, one crunch at a time.
