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From: Independent / Undefined
Introduced in 1889


This product was originally produced by The American Cereal Co. of Chicago, Illinois. The initial packaging was tin with an illustration of a bar on a cliff and the text "manufactured from the best pacific white wheat". The cereal was later sold in a canister similar to oats canisters seen today.

One of the first slogans for the cereal was "all the wheat but the overcoat".

An ad from the early 1900's showed drawing of enlarged wheat flakes and instructed readers to "Note the Bran hidden in luscious flakes". The following copy is from that ad:

Bran aids in good health and good cheer as you know. It should be eaten daily. Then let us help you make it inviting.

Pettijohn's hides the bran in delicious flakes of rolled soft wheat - the most flavory wheat that grows. So it supplies whole wheat nutrition, with its minerals and vitamines [that's how they spelled "vitamins"], plus 25% of bran. Both combined in a favorite morning dainty.

This dish will delight you, as will its results. Try it tomorrow.

In 1893, The Quaker Oats Company acquired Pettijohn's. We believe that Quaker's Pettijohn's Whole Wheat Cereal introduced in the 1920's was a repackaged version of this cereal.


Click here to see all cereals from Independent / Undefined.

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Overall Average Rating = 5 (out of 5)

View all 36 comments for this cereal.


By Lizzy

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

My grandmother used to make this for me. It was SO GOOD! I just turned 60 and would buy a truckload and pass it out to all my friends if I could find it.

Comment submitted: 11/7/2019 (#24656)



By Central Mass

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

Where can I find Pettijohn cereal in Massachusetts. I had it when I was young. It was the best.

Comment submitted: 1/29/2018 (#22669)



By olddozerguy

This cereal was made by some of my ancestors.

Comment submitted: 4/6/2017 (#21593)



By Lobbster

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

I remember this when I was a kid!

Comment submitted: 3/20/2017 (#21522)



By Glo

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

Pettijohn cereal is a favorite flavor (comfort food) memory from childhood. Have looked for it in many stores over many years. I too, would love for Quaker to return it to grocery shelves - or even for purchase online! It fits right in with all the health food emphasis, but tastes better!

Comment submitted: 3/4/2017 (#21440)



By Patti Erickson (Team Breakfast Member)

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

Have searched many states where we have lived (married 58 years Dec.28) for my favorite childhood cereal - Pettijohn's! Lived growing-up years in North Dakota and Pettijohn's carried me throughout a school day. Loved the translucent look of the flakes. No other cereal is like it, feel I have tried ALL the cooked type to duplicate it, nope, it is a jewel, one-of-a-kind. Want it again!

Comment submitted: 1/3/2017 (#21210)



By Prince

My siblings and I were together this past week and we had fond memories of Pettijohn.

Comment submitted: 7/21/2016 (#20598)



By 19don36 (Team Breakfast Member)

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

I remember my Mom preparing this for breakfast when I was a boy. It was delicious and a step above oatmeal in my mind. I used to beg when we went to the store, "Please get some PettiJohn's"! I am now just short of 80 and would buy a case if I could get it! Please bring it back for us oldsters.

Comment submitted: 3/9/2016 (#20039)



By Lizawren

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

My grandmother fed me this cereal for breakfast and I loved it. Please, Quaker, bring it back!

Comment submitted: 3/4/2016 (#20022)



By Lorilea (Team Breakfast Member)

Cereal Rating (out of 5):

My Great-Grandfather was Eli Pettijohn. I remember my dad talking about Grandfather Eli testing out new recipes on the family. Such a great part of our family history!

Comment submitted: 11/27/2015 (#19692)



View all 36 comments for this cereal.