A pop-culture food moment

Thanks to an eagle-eyed friend, I scored a box of limited-edition, 50th-anniversary Monster Mash cereal. It’s been hard to find, but it’s finally showing up in more places. I saw a box on eBay for 18 bucks!

I regret to report that I was disappointed in one aspect of the product. Monster Mash cereal was marketed as an amalgam of Franken Berry, Count Chocula, Boo Berry, Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy cereals. I was especially intrigued by the inclusion of Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy which, according to one cereal lovers’ website, have been on hiatus for a while. I pictured the factory getting out its Frute and Yummy formulas and reviving them, like Universal Studios always did with Larry Talbot and Kharis.

Alas, this was an overstatement. The “cereal” part of the mix — the crunchy corn-based bits — includes only Franken Berry and Boo Berry. (Mind you, these two are perfect together.) I suppose the other cereals are represented by the marshmallow bits. These are featured prominently at the top of the cereal box.

Here’s the box art. Don’cha just love the vintage look of the characters? And dig this disclaimer: “Marshmallow shapes and colors may vary.”

Here’s the back of the box. Ultimately, I’m happy with the product. I just think General Mills should have been more careful with its messaging. But I’m thrilled that they paid so much attention to the 50th anniversary of Frank and Choc. FYI, Franken Berry and Count Chocula debuted in 1971; Boo Berry in 1972; Frute Brute in 1974; and Yummy Mummy in 1988. My source: The side of the Monster Mash cereal box.

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VIDEO

This mockumentary for Monster Mash cereal is hilarious (even if I resent the fact that Franken Berry’s accent no longer sounds like that of Boris Karloff). Really clever, contemporary stuff. Watch it!