General Mills Inc.

09/22/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2025 09:07

Celebrating 40 Years of Pillsbury Toaster Strudel

History
Sep 22, 2025

Celebrating 40 Years of Pillsbury Toaster Strudel

This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most beloved and delicious innovations - the Pillsbury Toaster Strudel. What began as an experiment in the Pillsbury test kitchen has become a household staple and a pop culture icon, with its flaky layers, fruity fillings and signature icing.

The beginning

The journey of Pillsbury Toaster Strudel began in 1982, when the product made its debut in test markets in Tucson, Ariz., and Binghamton, N.Y. The original four flavors (blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and creamy cinnamon) quickly took off, praised as a quality morning pastry that's "good enough for grownups."

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel reached national distribution in May 1985. Two new flavors, apple and cherry, launched that fall and since then, the unique flaky toaster pastry has hit shelves in over 50 flavors.

America's favorite breakfast treat

One of the most charming aspects of the Pillsbury Toaster Strudel is the "Strudel Doodle." Using the icing included with each pastry, fans are encouraged to doodle their own designs during breakfast.

The "Strudel Doodle" gained in popularity, and over the years came to life in different ways, including the Doodle Dream Day contest in 2005. Fans could submit their designs online for a chance to win prizes ranging from $5,000 to a trip to New York City. Celebrities even got in on the fun as "celebrity doodlers."

A legacy of creativity and joy

Today, the success of Pillsbury Toaster Strudel has spurred new product development like savory Toaster Scramblers. All varieties are made with real scrambled eggs and delicious cheese sauce wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. So, grab a Pillsbury Toaster Strudel and start your day off with a delicious morning bite!

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Category: History
Tags: Pillsbury
General Mills Inc. published this content on September 22, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 22, 2025 at 15:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]