Bisquick can be a lifesaver when you want pancakes or biscuits but dont feel like doing the whole “from-scratch” thing. It cuts out the middleman (basic ingredients), allowing for homemade treats to be prepared with much less effort and time. Its promise of easy baked goods with no kneading or rolling required is something that many home cooks can get behind. Anyone can add a couple eggs and some milk and simply stir, right?
While youve likely reached for that iconic box time and time again, its also likely that you havent given Bisquick itself too much thought. From its origin to whats really inside the box, there are some things you might not know about this baking mix thats been around nearly 100 years.
The evolution of marketing Bisquick
While the origin story is common knowledge (at least to those who know about the origins of Bisquick), it is rarely acknowledged that the chef on the train — who was never identified or given credit for inspiring Bisquick — was Black (via Taste). This lack of recognition is not the only problematic issue with race in the history of Bisquick. In 1933, Bisquick published Betty Crockers 101 Delicious Bisquick Creations, which had no s of Black people. Then, in 1935, How To Take a Trick a Day With Bisquick was published, featuring Black people only as servants.
In 1935, Bisquick began a partnership with child star Shirley Temple. They wanted to encourage children to drink more milk. To do this, they gave away a free childrens mug with a photograph of Temple on it with every purchase of a large box of Bisquick. Of course, you need milk to add to your Bisquick to make biscuits.
In the 1940s, Bisquick became a cheap convenience food. The company began using the slogan, “a world of baking in a box,” to demonstrate that the mix could be used for more than just baking biscuits. Bisquick also began printing recipes for other baked goods on the boxes, such as dumplings, muffins, and coffee cake.
Bisquick further simplifies baking
The Bisquick available today is not the same one sold early on. In the late 1960s, General Mills decided to change the recipe. They wanted to make biscuits lighter and fluffier in texture. To do this, they added buttermilk and more shortening, and then began selling the product as New Bisquick. It was popular and eventually replaced the original version, then reverted to its original name.
Then, in the 1970s and 80s, Bisquick turned its focus to recipes. Betty Crockers Bisquick Cookbook, published in 1971, provided over 200 recipes that used Bisquick. By 1980, there was a fan club called the Bisquick Recipe Club, which sent cookbooks and a newsletter, “The Bisquick Banner,” to fans.
Bisquick would further simplified the baking process with a product called Bisquick Shake n Pour. Now bakers merely had to add water to the container, and as the name says, shake it and pour it. This version of Bisquick eliminated the need to add eggs or milk, or even to measure anything.
The Untold Truth Of Bisquick
FAQ
Does Bisquick still exist?
What’s the difference between old Bisquick and new Bisquick?
What is closest to Bisquick?
Why is Bisquick unhealthy?
What happened to Bisquick & Pillsbury?
While General Mills originated Bisquick, the brand changed hands over the decades: General Mills spun off several brands including Bisquick to Pillsbury in 2001 during an industry merger. Pillsbury was then acquired by Rival Foods in 2007.
How did Bisquick start?
In the 1940s, Bisquick became a cheap convenience food. The company began using the slogan, “a world of baking in a box,” to demonstrate that the mix could be used for more than just baking biscuits. Bisquick also began printing recipes for other baked goods on the boxes, such as dumplings, muffins, and coffee cake.
What do you know about Bisquick?
From its origin to what’s really inside the box, there are some things you might not know about this baking mix that’s been around nearly 100 years. Carl Smith created the recipe for Bisquick in 1930. He was a sales executive at General Mills, and enjoyed some delicious biscuits on a train ride to San Francisco.
Is Bisquick still in business?
For over 90 years, Bisquick has remained an iconic American baking brand. Its original promise of quick and convenient baking changed home cooking forever. While the company ownership has changed, Bisquick continues to hold a special place in many family recipes and food memories.