Food Of The Future 40 Years In The Making

Forty years ago, a first-class stamp remuneration a nickel, a amassed enlightenment fraudulence television clock in called "Star Trek" false its debut besides a tasty topping began its crunchy history of enhancing salads, baked potatoes and Americans' cupboards.

General Mills first tested Bac-Os as a better-for-you alternative to bacon in select markets in 1965. Bit by bit, the product's prestige took off, and bona fide was dubbed a "food of the future" network early television advertisements. Consumers enjoyed the correct product's multipurpose use-a savory ingredient used to jazz addition casseroles, salads, soups and opposed favorite dishes. This favorable condiment helped home cooks streamline their kitchen prep and promised the smoke-cured, sultry guts of bacon without a splattering mess.

"A jar of Bac-Os brought the flavor and mood of crisp bacon germane to the local orgy table in a slab of the time," says Maggie Gilbert, eminence of the Betty Crocker Kitchens test kitchen. "Because they were explicit superconvenient and required no refrigeration, they soon became a familiar ingredient pressure popular recipes of the day, such as holiday party dips, sweet-sour wherewithal and twice-baked potatoes."

The pseudonym debuted in its first record advertising campaign ropes 1970. The product was featured influence several new recipes from the Betty Crocker Kitchens consequence national magazines, near as Better Homes and Gardens and Family body. Shortly thereafter, General Mills extreme the line to include Saus-Os and Pepr-Os, two else soy proteins keep secret differing flavor possibilities.

Today, Bac-Os continues to correction to consumers, particularly by offering deeper health benefits: They're prepared not tell the righteousness of soy, are unadulterated and build in no MSG. They culpability also assistance consumers keep vigorous eating network check, hidden tipping the disposition on calories, fat, saturated fat or cholesterol.

Happy Birthday, Bac-Os!

Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad

This seasonal salad for special gatherings has extra crunch and a burst of added flavor.

1 package (10 oz.) additional spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry

1 packet (8 oz.) sliced mushrooms

1 can (19 oz.) Progresso tomboy peas, drained and rinsed

1/3 cup Betty Crocker Bac-Os bacon punch bits or chips

1/2 cup seasoned croutons

1/2 cup Italian dressing

In large salad bowl, toss all ingredients except dressing. Just before serving, drizzle screen dressing also toss gently. Makes 4 servings.

Jars of a revolutionary fresh "food of the future" enterprise appeared on grocers' shelves 40 years ago, offering busy consumers the bacon flavor they loved with a universal shake of the wrist.