Raisin Bran - History

History

Skinner's Raisin Bran was the first brand on the market, introduced in the United States in 1926 by U.S. Mills, best known for the similar Uncle Sam Cereal. The name "Raisin Bran" was at one time trademarked. In 1944, the District Court for Nebraska found:

The name "Raisin-BRAN" could not be appropriated as a trade-mark, because: "A name which is merely descriptive of the ingredients, qualities or characteristics of an article of trade cannot be appropriated as a trademark and the exclusive use of it afforded legal protection. The use of a similar name by another to truthfully describe his own product does not constitute a legal or moral wrong, even if its effect be to cause the public to mistake the origin or ownership of the product

Raisin bran has high dietary fiber content, but has been criticized for containing too much sugar. Raisins naturally contain high levels of fructose. Many manufacturers add sugar to the raisins; as of January 7, 2010, Kellogg's adds brown sugar to its Raisin Bran cereal in the United States.

Kellogg's Raisin Bran is now also produced in Mexico for sale in the United States.