Kellogg’s Corn Flakes (118 years old today) was invented to stop sex and masturbation
Spoiler: This article will change the way you look at the world's favourite cereal forever.
A bowl of Kellogg's Corn Flakes. Photo: Unsplash/Deepak N
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes has been found in households around the world for more than a century.
A good bowl of Kellogg’s with hot/cold milk is perfect for breakfast, or midnight cravings.
But how the popular cereal came to be is rather strange.
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes was founded by Dr John Harvey Kellogg’s on this day (19 February) in 1906.
His intention was not to fill hungry bellies.
According to news.com.au, he hoped it would rescue society from evil – more specifically, he wanted people to stop having sex and masturbating.
He believed that a diet of bland foods would lead Americans away from sin.
31 May 1884. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented “flaked cereal”. It later became known as Corn Flakes. Kellogg hoped the cereal would reduce indigestion and discourage masturbation, but why he thought a bowl of cornflakes could do this remains unclear. pic.twitter.com/eBRzr3lEnl
— Prof. Frank McDonough (@FXMC1957) May 31, 2023
Dr Kellogg made it his mission to stop sexual desire, writing several books and hosting talks, Woman’s Day reports.
While the product did not hinder sexual escapades, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes did become a staple in households across the globe.
It was introduced in South Africa in 1923 and continues to be a top-seller to this day.