Did You Know America’s Favorite Snack Was Created by an Iowan?

National Snack Day was earlier this week, but let's be honest. Is there really a bad day to enjoy your favorite snack food? The answer is no! And one of the nation's and the state's favorite snacks was created by an Iowa woman!

Snack foods are a staple in many homes, especially if you have kids. A market research group did a study on the most popular snack foods in America and also broke them down by state. Some familiar foods appear in nearly every state. The Des Moines Register reports that popular snacks in Iowa include Doritos, Chex Mix, Fritos, and Goldfish. But the number one snack in Iowa and 17 other states? None other than Rice Krispies Treats!

I can remember my mom making Rice Krispies Treats back when I was a kid. Having one as an adult is a bit of nostalgia, but make no mistake...they're still delicious! And did you know that the Rice Krispies Treat was created by an Iowa woman? Her name was Mildred Day.

Mildred and her co-worker Malitta Jensen, tested recipes at Kellogg's according to the Register. The two were inspired by an earlier recipe that had used puffed wheat and molasses. Their recipe was tested in 1927 and released to the public in 1928, according to the Register.

Mildred Day grew up on a farm near Durham in Marion County, Iowa, and according to the Register would go on to attend Iowa State University. In addition to testing foods at Kellogg's, she also conducted cooking schools for customers across the nation. Mildred passed away in 1996 at the age of 92.

Mildred Day's Rice Krispies Treats are the most popular snack throughout the Midwest. I'm sure she'd be happy to know that her little creation from the 1920s is still going strong today.