Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: William A. Mitchell: Food Inventor
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May 21, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of William A. Mitchell, the mastermind behind beloved snacks like Tang, Pop Rocks, and Cool Whip. Discover his humble beginnings, shaped by family hardships, and his dedication to food science over management roles. Hear about his life-changing experiences, including a near-fatal explosion that didn’t stop him from securing over 70 patents. Reflect on how his sugary creations became childhood staples and icons during the space race, leaving a lasting impact on American food culture.
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Mitchell's Lab Genius
- William A. Mitchell was a research chemist at General Foods for 35 years who preferred lab work over management roles.
- Colleagues praised him for his skill in amplifying flavors and solving tough food science problems.
Early Hard Work Shaped Mitchell
- As a child of a Minnesota farm family, Mitchell worked hard to support his family after his father's death.
- He later worked overnight shifts in sugar crystallization, which influenced his food science career.
Burn Injury and Career Resilience
- Mitchell survived severe burns from a lab explosion but continued his career in food science.
- After recovery, he landed a research position with a major food company in White Plains, New York.