Pop Tarts: No Fruit Necessary

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh and Chuck delve into the history and cultural impact of Pop-Tarts. They trace its origins from the Kellogg brothers and C.W. Post's cereal rivalry to the convenience food boom of the 1960s, detailing the development of Pop-Tarts as a response to changing societal roles for women. They discuss the initial challenges in creating a toaster-friendly pastry, the introduction of flavors, and marketing strategies, including the ill-fated mascot, Milton the Toaster. They also touch on health concerns, lawsuits, and the product's cultural presence in media like "The Simpsons," and share personal anecdotes about favorite flavors and ways to enjoy Pop-Tarts, including Chuck's recommendation to add butter. The episode concludes with listener mail and a discussion about the current state of Pop-Tarts in the market.