Snap, crackle, and pop are iconic onomatopoeic mascots originally created to advertise Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal. The characters are known for the snapping, crackling, and popping sounds they make, mimicking the sound of Rice Krispies cereal when milk is added. Despite their close association with one another, snap, crackle, and pop actually have distinct origins and were introduced at different times.
The Origins of Snap
Snap was the first of the Rice Krispies mascots to be introduced. He made his debut in the early 1930s and was created by Kellogg’s employee David Hutson. Hutson was tasked with developing a fresh radio advertising campaign for Rice Krispies, and he came up with the idea of using an onomatopoeic character named Snap who would talk about the “snap” sound Rice Krispies made. The character quickly became popular with listeners.
In 1933, Kellogg’s decided to add visual representations of Snap and the other mascots to Rice Krispies packaging and advertising. The first Snap looked very different from the Snap we know today – he was a humanized gnome character with a long white beard who wore a chef’s hat and apron. Over the years, the Snap character evolved to become younger looking and his outfit changed several times before reaching his now iconic modern look of a small elf wearing a white chef’s hat.
The Addition of Crackle
A few years after the introduction of Snap, Kellogg’s decided to expand the Rice Krispies spokes-character cast. In 1939, Crackle made his debut. Crackle was devised to represent the “crackling” sound of Rice Krispies after milk is added. He joined Snap and the two characters appeared together in various radio ads and packaging.
Like Snap, the original Crackle looked quite different than he does today. The first Crackle was a humanized gnome character with a long white beard who, like Snap, wore a chef’s hat and apron. Over time, the Crackle character evolved along with Snap, becoming younger looking and changing outfits.
And Finally – Pop!
In 1949, the third and final Rice Krispies mascot was introduced – Pop! True to his name, Pop represented the “popping” sounds of the famous cereal. With the addition of Pop, the trio of Snap, Crackle, and Pop was complete!
The original Pop character was also a white-bearded gnome who looked like the early versions of Snap and Crackle. And over the years, his look also evolved along with the other characters into the young elf with chef’s hat that we identify him as today.
Bringing the Trio Together
Though Snap, Crackle, and Pop were each created years apart by different Kellogg’s employees, it was clear that the characters belonged together representing the iconic sounds of Rice Krispies cereal. By the 1950s, Snap, Crackle, and Pop appeared together frequently in commercials and packaging, and had gelled as a trio.
In the early 1960s, the characters were redesigned by animator Vernon Grant. Grant gave Snap, Crackle, and Pop their now-distinctive, individual looks featuring specific skin tones and facial features. This allowed fans to easily tell the characters apart while retaining their visual unity as elves in chef’s garb.
The Success of Snap, Crackle, and Pop
Snap, Crackle, and Pop were an enormously successful marketing creation for Kellogg’s Rice Krispies. Within a few years of being introduced, the characters were beloved by consumers, especially children. Their popularity endures to this day – they remain active mascots and the icons of Rice Krispies over 80 years later!
A few factors that contributed to the trio’s success and longevity:
- Memorable, onomatopoeic names that echoed the sounds of Rice Krispies cereal
- Distinctive visual appearances
- Whimsical, kid-friendly elf personas
- Long-term consistent use in advertising and packaging
Snap, Crackle, and Pop helped Rice Krispies stand out from the mounting competition in the cereal aisle. The characters gave the brand memorable on-air and on-shelf presence that attracted generations of fans.
Do Snap, Crackle, and Pop Know Each Other?
Though Snap, Crackle, and Pop are closely linked Rice Krispies mascots and appear together frequently, early on they were conceived as individual characters rather than friends. However, decades of joint appearances and commercials showing the characters interacting have led most fans to assume Snap, Crackle, and Pop know each other.
Modern cereal advertising and other media like movies and games routinely portray Snap, Crackle, and Pop as a friend group who live together and have adventures. So whether or not it was the original intent, the characters are now considered to be pals thanks to their shared association with Rice Krispies.
Are Snap, Crackle, and Pop Cousins?
Some fans have speculated that, since they are the same fantasy race and wear similar outfits, Snap, Crackle, and Pop are cousins or otherwise related. However, Kellogg’s has never officially confirmed a familial relationship between the characters.
The similarities in their looks are mainly due to the fact that they were originally conceived and designed as variations of the same white-bearded gnome mascot. Over time, visual similarities like the elfin ears and chef garb remained even as the characters adopted unique looks and skin tones.
So while Snap, Crackle, and Pop aren’t definitively cousins based on any company statements, they could certainly be imagined as extended fantasy family based on their shared elfin heritage!
Conclusion
In summary:
- Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created years apart by different Kellogg’s employees
- The characters were initially designed as individual mascots representing the sounds of Rice Krispies
- Over time, they evolved visually and became a trio through joint advertising
- Modern media has retroactively portrayed Snap, Crackle, and Pop as friends with relationships
- Their connection is imaginary, but fans often consider them either friends or family
Though not originally conceived as a group, the popularity and close association of Snap, Crackle, and Pop has made them an inseparable cereal icon trio over the decades.
Snap, Crackle, and Pop’s Enduring Popularity and Legacy
Snap, Crackle, and Pop have been beloved cereal spokes-characters for over 80 years and counting. They are considered one of the most successful food advertising campaigns in history. The mascots have become ingrained in American pop culture and continue to attract new generations of fans.
Here are some key reasons the Rice Krispies elves have remained popular over the decades:
- Nostalgia factor – Adults enjoy sharing Snap, Crackle, and Pop with their kids and grandkids.
- Adaptability – The characters have been updated over time to stay fresh and modern.
- Entertainment value – The elves are comedic and have starred in cartoons, games, and movies.
- Distinct personalities – Each elf has unique traits that have grown more defined over the years.
- Cuteness – Their cartoonish elf designs appeal to children.
- Memorable jingle – “Snap, crackle, pop!” is one of the most iconic ad jingles ever.
Some key milestones that have kept Snap, Crackle, and Pop relevant in pop culture include:
- Starring in their own cartoons, comics, and animated commercials
- Receiving their own cereal in 1948 – Snap, Crackle, Pops
- Appearing in movies like Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler
- Cameos in video games like Grand Theft Auto and Legends of Ooo
- Being added to the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame in 1999
The elves are active on social media today, with their own Facebook and Twitter accounts filled with pop culture commentary and kid-friendly fun. Their continued connection to youth ensures Snap, Crackle, and Pop will keep popping up in new media for generations to come.
The Impact of Snap, Crackle, and Pop
It’s rare for advertising mascots to make a lasting cultural impact and resonate for decades. Snap, Crackle, and Pop have achieved just that. They have influenced culture in various ways:
- Inspired countless cereal mascots – Toucan Sam, Tony the Tiger, Cap’n Crunch and more
- Helped usher in an era of cartoon “spokes-characters”
- Set a precedent for anthropomorphized food products
- Left a mark on entertainment and pop culture
- Provided a warm sense of nostalgia for generations of kids-at-heart
The elves also represent one of the most successful long-term ad campaigns ever. They demonstrate key aspects of effective branding such as:
- Creating memorable characters
- Telling a story and building a world
- Adapting to stay fresh while retaining brand equity
- Using sensory cues like sounds to create association
- Giving a brand fun, likable personalities
Snap, Crackle, and Pop set the standard for effective kid-focused marketing and built one of the most iconic food brands. Their cheerful elfin faces will continue gracing cereal aisles for generations to come.
Snap, Crackle, and Pop Trivia
Here are some fun facts and historical trivia about Snap, Crackle, and Pop:
- Snap was originally called “Samp” in the 1930s until it was changed to Snap.
- Crackle was almost named “Rustle” until it was changed to Crackle.
- In the 1960s, their skin colors were yellow (Snap), brown (Crackle), and red (Pop).
- The “Snap, Crackle, Pop” jingle was first sung in a 1937 radio commercial.
- Actor Jay Leno voiced Snap in a 1970s Rice Krispies cereal ad.
- In the 1960s comics, the elves time-traveled and had adventures with cave people.
- A Y2K-themed commercial showed the elves partying like it was 1999.
- The elves appeared in a 2009 Super Bowl ad imagining what would happen if you “snapped” a football.
- As of 2022, Snap is the only original character still voiced by his creator – Bill Bennett.
As cultural icons for over 80 years, Snap, Crackle, and Pop have gone through many evolutions and interpretations over the decades. But their cheerful elf spirit remains timeless and beloved.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were Snap, Crackle, and Pop created?
Snap was created in the early 1930s, followed by Crackle in 1939, and finally Pop in 1949. So it took about two decades for the full trio to debut.
Who owns Snap, Crackle, and Pop?
Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created by Kellogg’s company and remain owned by the Kellogg’s brand to this day. Their primary purpose is to promote Rice Krispies cereal.
What are Snap, Crackle, and Pop’s full names?
Snap, Crackle, and Pop are identified only by their one-word first names. Kellogg’s has never given the characters full names or backstories in their promotional materials or ads.
Are the elves brothers?
Snap, Crackle, and Pop are not officially brothers or otherwise related according to Kellogg’s. But fans often speculate they are brothers or cousins based on their similar appearances.
What do Snap, Crackle, and Pop look like?
The elves are depicted as small cartoon elf characters with distinct facial features. They all have pointy ears and wear white chef’s hats and pajama-like outfits with the Rice Krispies logo.
What are the elves’ personalities?
Snap is enthusiastic, Crackle is goofy, and Pop is level-headed. In ads and media, Snap is usually the leader, Crackle provides comic relief, and Pop is pragmatic. The contrast makes for an entertaining trio.
Do the elves live together?
Many Rice Krispies ads, cartoons, and other media depict Snap, Crackle, and Pop living together in a fantastical, oversized treehouse. So canonically, the characters appear to be housemates.
Are Snap, Crackle, and Pop still used by Kellogg’s?
Yes, Snap, Crackle, and Pop continue to appear as Rice Krispies mascots and are featured prominently on cereal boxes and in TV commercials. They remain an integral part of the Kellogg’s brand.