Kellogg Is Teaming Up With Little Debbie On Another Unique Cereal

Partnerships between food-based companies and brands outside their industry orbit are not uncommon. Back in 2005, snack maker Little Debbie sponsored its own NASCAR team, recalls CSP Daily News; And in 2018, British fashion label Away to Mars released a limited edition, Froot Loops-inspired clothing line, per Esquire. Of course, such collaborations also take place within the food industry, when two brands come together to produce one unique product. These types of partnerships are much more rare, however, and thus all the more special.

Kellogg's and Little Debbie, for instance, have now partnered on three cereal collaborations during the past two years, all based on iconic Little Debbie snack foods. The first collaboration took place in December 2020, according to PR Newswire, when the two brands joined forces to make Kellogg's Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies Cereal. The stated reason for that unveiling was the 60th anniversary of Little Debbie. The snack brand is owned by McKee Foods, and was originally founded in 1960, confirms the company's website, with its name inspired by O.D. McKee's granddaughter.

A second collaboration quickly followed in May 2021, notes Kellogg's, when the two brands again teamed up to produce Kellogg's Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies Cereal. The joint efforts must have been well-received, because a third collaboration was just announced earlier this week.

The two food brands have announced their third collaboration, according to the press release, and it's Kellogg's Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Cereal. The Nutty Buddy, like the Oatmeal Creme Pie, actually predates the existence of Little Debbie as a brand. Per the company's website, founder O.D. Mckee began selling Oatmeal Creme Pies in 1935 and launched his Nutty Buddy wafer bars in 1959. Given this rich history, the new Kellogg's Little Debbie Nutty Buddy Cereal should appeal to multiple generations.

"Through our continued partnership with Kellogg's, we're able to share Little Debbie's beloved treats with fans in new ways," notes Jeff Badger, vice president of marketing at McKee Foods, in the press release. "This new cereal captures the nostalgic chocolate and peanut butter flavors of a Nutty Buddy bar. It's delicious at breakfast or as a treat any time of day."

The cereal will be sold at Walmart stores beginning in October and at other stores around the country in December. The price will depend upon the size of the box, naturally. Per the press release, the smaller 8.2 ounce boxes will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $4.99, while larger 13.1 ounce sizes should sell for $5.99. 

The press release doesn't mention any plans for future collaborations, but a Kellogg's cereal version of Little Debbie's Christmas Tree Cakes would seem to be a possibility, based on their similarly legendary status.