They do, however, have one thing in common: a highly-recognizable mascot.
A great mascot is a key factor in the success of a breakfast cereal, especially in the 4 year old to 10 year old demographic. Think about it. When you were a kid, would you have even thought about eating a corn puff that only vaguely resembled a "T" if Mr. T hadn't been on the box? I know I wouldn't have.
Let's face it, without a likable cartoon character of some sort promoting a cereal, it's destined to fail. That's why I spent hours and hours of research compiling a list of what I believe to be the best of the best, the "Top 5 Cereal Mascots."
5. Trix Rabbit. You have to feel sorry for this guy. For years and years, all he's ever wanted is a bowl of cereal. Is that too much to ask? Yet, all those evil kids just keep taunting and laughing at him. "Silly Rabbit. Trix are for kids," they chuckle. One of these days he'll starve to death and then they'll be sorry. Better yet, he'll unload on them with a shotgun and they'll be even more sorry. (That wasn't family-friendly.)
4. Toucan Sam. This dude is way underrated when it comes to cereal mascots. His colorful appearance makes him appealing to young kids, and his demeanor keeps him appealing to those same kids as they get older. Seriously, Fruit Loops aren't even that good, yet they're still one of the most popular cereals thanks to the hard work of this colorful character. Plus, he can find a bowl of Fruit Loops no matter where it's hidden just by following his nose because it always knows.
3. Lucky the Leprechaun. First of all, let me just say that Lucky Charms is the best cereal ever. Period. So, Lucky's job is automatically a bit easier based on that fact. However, he earns his spot on this list through his ability to adapt to change. They're always changing things up with the Lucky Charms marshmallows, whether they're bringing in a new one, getting rid of an old one, or just combining two existing ones, yet Lucky continues to insist that they're "Magically Delicious." And, of course, he's right.
2. Cap'n Crunch. It could be argued that Cap'n Crunch deserves the top spot on this list. While most cereal mascots promote one or two cereals during their career, the Cap'n has been the spokesman for OVER 10! This old dude obviously stays quite busy. Not to mention, he'll travel to the center of the Earth to ensure the crunchiness of Cap'n Crunch cereal. That's dedication.
1. Tony the Tiger. This guy is perhaps the most well-known of all cereal mascots, and with good reason. For over 50 years, Tony has been convincing people to buy what are essentially generic Corn Flakes covered in sugar. He's done this by calling them Frosted Flakes and making us believe "They're Grrrrrrreat!" Simply put, Tony the Tiger is a con-artist. But, he's so good at it that no one even notices. That, my friends, is grrrrrreatness.
What about Sugar Bear? Too hip and too smooth for his time.
ReplyDeleteAs for Lucky Charms, yeah, it was pretty good, but there was another one that predated it. I don't remember the name, but it had freeze-dried fruit in it. Cutting edge.
Stax was one of my favorites. Like Wheaties on steroids. Wheaties got all soggy and stuff, but Stax kicked milk's ass.
Great post theme.
Sugar Bear did get some consideration. Had it been a "Top 7", he and Dig 'Em Frog would've rounded it out.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the freeze-dried fruit thing that you mentioned, but Stax seems to ring a bell. Guess I need to do some more research.
Toucan Sam is the only mascot I look at and then actually feel hungry for the representative cereal. It's almost like Sam's beak would taste like Froot Loops.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Dalton. I have to agree with Shawn. I am now having a major Froot Loops craving.
ReplyDeleteI'll agree. Toucan Sam is a sexy beast.
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