Dossier
McKee Foods
Coverage of McKee Foods in the Nexus archive.
O.D. McKeeperson1Little Debbieorganization1Oatmeal Creme Pieproduct1Tennesseeplace1Nutty Buddyproduct1Swiss Cake Rollproduct1Consumer Reportsorganization1Yukaorganization1FDAorganization1Kraft Heinzorganization1Ocean Sprayorganization1Amosorganization1Smithfield Foodsorganization1Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Piesproduct1Red 40topic1titanium dioxidetopic1
- Depression-era Little Debbie snack that built a family-run bakery still has Americans hooked
The Oatmeal Creme Pie, introduced in 1935 by O.D. McKee during the Great Depression, became the first snack cake under the Little Debbie brand. Now produced by McKee Foods, a family-run Tennessee bakery, it remains a top-selling product alongside Swiss Rolls and Nutty Buddy bars, with over 200 million cartons sold annually.
- CR Investigation: Concerning levels of additives found in some popular snack foods
Consumer Reports and Yuka tested 40 processed foods/drinks, finding 25% contained concerning additive levels, rising to over a third with contaminants. The FDA declined to comment on specific results but mentioned a stronger post-market review process. Companies like Kraft Heinz and Ocean Spray stated their products meet U.S. standards and plan to remove artificial additives.