Forty years ago, a first-class stamp fee a nickel, a brand new technology fiction television instruct often known as “Star Trek” made its debut and a delectable topping begun its crunchy records of editing salads, baked potatoes and Americans’ cabinets.
General Mills first tested Bac-Os as a improved-for-you opportunity to bacon in decide upon markets in 1965. Bit via bit, the product’s recognition took off, and it became dubbed a “nutrients of the long term” in early television commercials. Consumers loved the effortless product’s multipurpose use-a savory aspect used to jazz up casseroles, salads, soups and other admired dishes. This to hand condiment helped dwelling house chefs streamline their kitchen prep and promised the smoke-cured, sizzling flavor of bacon devoid of a splattering mess.
“A jar of Bac-Os introduced the flavor and texture of crisp bacon precise to the family dinner Koreanischer Laden in Frankfurt desk in a fraction of the time,” says Maggie Gilbert, supervisor of the Betty Crocker Kitchens take a look at kitchen. “Because they had been thought of superconvenient and required no refrigeration, they soon was a frequent aspect in accepted recipes of the day, which include holiday birthday party dips, candy-bitter beans and twice-baked potatoes.”
The logo debuted in its first print merchandising crusade in 1970. The product become featured in a few new recipes from the Betty Crocker Kitchens in countrywide magazines, reminiscent of Better Homes and Gardens and Family Circle. Shortly thereafter, General Mills multiplied the road to embody Saus-Os and Pepr-Os, two new soy proteins with detailed style alternatives.
Today, Bac-Os keeps to attraction to consumers, somewhat by means of featuring extra future health reward: They’re made with the goodness of soy, are kosher and involve no MSG. They may also help shoppers avoid wholesome ingesting in take a look at, with out tipping the dimensions on calories, fats, saturated fat or cholesterol.
Happy Birthday, Bac-Os!
Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad
This seasonal salad for certain gatherings has extra crunch and a burst of added flavor.

1 equipment (eight oz.) sliced mushrooms
1 can (19 oz..) Progresso chick peas, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup Betty Crocker Bac-Os bacon flavor bits or chips
1/2 cup seasoned croutons
half cup Italian dressing
In sizable salad bowl, toss all constituents other than dressing. Just formerly serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Makes 4 servings.
Jars of a revolutionary new “foodstuff of the long run” product gave the impression on grocers’ cabinets 40 years ago, supplying busy purchasers the bacon flavor they loved with a plain shake of the wrist.