Depression-era Little Debbie snack that built a family-run bakery still has Americans hooked

What began as a 5-cent snack sold during the Great Depression has grown into one of Little Debbie’s best-selling treats more than 90 years later.

The Oatmeal Creme Pie was Little Debbie’s first snack cake, tracing its roots to 1935, when O.D. McKee developed the treat after selling baked goods from the back of his 1928 Whippet, according to Little Debbie’s website.

In 1934, the McKees had purchased a bakery near Chattanooga, Tennessee, using the family car as collateral, according to the website.

“Our success ultimately means we are delivering a product that people genuinely love,” the company said. “The Oatmeal Creme Pie, for instance, has been a part of family gatherings and shared moments with friends for over 60 years. Being family-run keeps us grounded in our core values.”

Oatmeal Creme Pies have stood the test of time, according to McKee Foods, because the flavor appeals to many different demographics and generations.

“The spiced cookies are nostalgic of a home-baked oatmeal cookie, and the sweet crème middle adds extra whimsy to the product for younger consumers. It’s a little treat that isn’t polarizing.”

A customer recently relayed a story to McKee Foods that the company said captures the essence of how the Oatmeal Creme Pie is often associated with fond memories. The customer would eat an Oatmeal Creme Pie every time he went fishing with his grandfather. 

“Today, every time he eats an Oatmeal Creme Pie, it instantly brings back the good memories of those fishing trips,” the company said. “That powerful sense of nostalgia and comfort is what makes our products so much more than just a snack for so many people.”