Sleepy History Nabisco
Jan 18, 2026
Dive into the delicious history of a beloved snack giant. Discover how humble beginnings transformed into iconic treats like Oreos and Ritz crackers. Explore tales of fierce competition, strategic mergers, and the evolution of marketing in the biscuit world. Learn about noteworthy figures who shaped this culinary legacy and the challenges faced during economic downturns. From innovative packaging to international expansion, the journey of this brand is as sweet as the treats they create!
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Pilot Biscuit Reinvents Hardtack
- John Pearson transformed hardtack into a sweeter, more palatable pilot biscuit that sailors enjoyed.
- The biscuits became a pantry staple and were praised as essential with chowder and on yachts.
Bent's Water Crackers And Local Bakeries
- Retired sea captain Josiah Bent sold his cooling crackers as 'Bent's Water Crackers' and named them for the cracking sound they made.
- Local cracker bakeries then proliferated, producing regionally named products like the Fig Newton.
Consolidation Built A National Biscuit Empire
- Late 19th-century bakers consolidated into trusts to scale beyond local delivery and crush competition.
- In 1898 those mergers formed the National Biscuit Company, soon controlling half the nation's cracker and cookie market.
