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The Hilarious Reason Smurf Berry Crunch Cereal Was Discontinued
Breakfast has always been considered the most important meal of the day, and for many people, starting the day with a big bowl of cereal is a beloved tradition. Over the years, there have been numerous cereal options available, ranging from classics like Trix and Fruity Pebbles to more unique offerings. One such cereal that captured the hearts of children and adults alike was Smurf Berry Crunch.
The Popularity of the Smurfs
“The Smurfs was a popular cartoon in the 1980s that followed the adventures of a group of little blue creatures called Smurfs. These charming characters lived in the forest and often found themselves battling an evil wizard named Gargamel. The show was based on a 1950s Belgian comic strip by Pierre Culliford and gained a significant following (via AP News).
The success of “The Smurfs” led to the creation of Smurf Berry Crunch cereal. This cereal was a fun and delicious way for fans of the show to interact with their favorite characters while enjoying their breakfast. However, despite its initial popularity, Smurf Berry Crunch eventually disappeared from grocery store shelves, leaving fans wondering what happened.
The Unintended Side Effect
As it turned out, Smurf Berry Crunch had an unusual and somewhat embarrassing side effect that eventually led to its discontinuation. According to sources, eating the cereal caused one’s fecal matter to turn a dark blue color, reminiscent of the cereal’s titular smurf creatures. This unintended consequence was attributed to the blue dye used in the cereal (via Commonplace Facts).
Blue dyes, commonly used in products ranging from cereal to blue jeans, can have powerful effects. When parents began to notice that their children were talking about the unusual color of their feces after eating Smurf Berry Crunch, it naturally caused concern and backlash. As a result, Post Cereals made adjustments to the cereal’s formula and re-released it as Smurf Magic Berries in 1987. Even with the changes, however, the cereal failed to regain its popularity and eventually faded from Saturday morning breakfast routines (via Mashed).
Interestingly, this is not the only case of a cereal causing such an unnatural side effect. Frankenberry, a strawberry-flavored cereal often associated with Halloween, was infamous for allegedly turning feces a bright pinkish-red color resembling strawberry ice cream. The cause of this phenomenon, known as “Franken Berry Stool,” was later found to be the result of food dyes used in the cereal (via Smithsonian Magazine).
The legacy of Smurf Berry Crunch
While Smurf Berry Crunch may no longer grace cereal aisles, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed it during its brief run. The cereal’s unique side effect has become a source of amusement and conversation, highlighting the unexpected and sometimes humorous consequences that can arise from seemingly innocent products.
It’s worth noting that despite the colorful side effect, there are no known medical papers or studies that have been published denouncing any negative gastrointestinal effects of Smurf Berry Crunch on the human body. The blue stool phenomenon remains an anecdotal and lighthearted aspect of the cereal’s history.
In conclusion, Smurf Berry Crunch cereal brought joy and laughter to many breakfast tables, but its discontinuation was ultimately due to the unintended side effect of turning feces blue. It may have faded into cereal obscurity, but its memory lives on as a quirky and amusing chapter in the world of breakfast cereals.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on content from the following source:
“The Hilarious Reason Smurf Berry Crunch Cereal Was Discontinued” (Link: https://www.mashed.com/866359/the-hilarious-reason-smurf-berry-crunch-cereal-was-discontinued/). Please refer to the original source for additional details and accuracy.
FAQS
Smurf Berry Crunch cereal was a popular breakfast cereal based on the popular cartoon series “The Smurfs”. It featured crunchy, berry-flavored cereal pieces shaped like the show’s iconic Smurf characters.
Why was Smurf Berry Crunch cereal discontinued?
Smurf Berry Crunch cereal was discontinued due to an unexpected and somewhat humorous side effect. Consuming the cereal caused one’s feces to turn a dark blue color, similar to the color of the cereal itself, which understandably led to concerns and complaints from consumers.
Was the blue color of the feces harmful?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that the blue color of feces caused by the consumption of Smurf Berry Crunch cereal has any harmful effect on the body. It was primarily a harmless and temporary side effect caused by the blue dye used in the cereal.
Have any changes been made to the cereal to address the side effect?
Yes, after the side effect of blue colored feces was discovered, Post Cereals made adjustments to the formula of the cereal. They re-released it as Smurf Magic Berries in 1987, but unfortunately it never regained its popularity and was eventually discontinued.
Have other cereals had similar side effects?
Yes, another cereal known as Frankenberry, which is strawberry flavored and associated with Halloween, had a similar side effect. It was rumored to turn feces a bright pinkish-red color resembling strawberry ice cream. The cause of this phenomenon has also been attributed to food dyes used in the cereal.
Is there any scientific research on the effects of Smurf Berry Crunch?
To date, there are no known medical papers or studies that have been published specifically regarding the gastrointestinal effects of Smurf Berry Crunch cereal on the human body. The blue stool phenomenon remains an anecdotal and amusing aspect of the cereal’s history.