Forty years ago the cost of a first-class stamp of a nickel, a new sci-fi TV show called “Star Trek” debuted and a delicious crunchy topping began its history of improving salads, baked potatoes and American cabinets.

General Mills first tested Bac-Os as better-for-you alternative to bacon in selected markets in 1965. Piece by piece took from the product’s popularity, and it was a “Food of the Future” in the early television advertising called. Consumers enjoy the convenience-product multi-purpose use a tasty ingredient used to jazz up casseroles, salads, soups and other favorite foods. This practical home cooks spice helped to optimize their kitchen prep and promised the smoke-cured bacon sizzling taste of chaos, with no splashes.

“A glass of Bac-Os brought the taste and texture of crispy bacon right of the family table at a fraction of the time,” says Maggie Gilbert, manager of the Betty Crocker Kitchens test kitchen. “Because they were superconvenient and requires no refrigeration, they soon became a familiar ingredient in popular recipes of the day, such as holiday party dips, sweet and sour beans and twice baked potatoes.”

The brand made its debut in the first print ad campaign in 1970. The product was new in several recipes from the Betty Crocker Kitchens in national magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle and featured. Shortly thereafter, General Mills expanded the line and pepř Saus-Os-Os, two new soy proteins with distinctive flavors include options.

Today is Bac-Os, to appeal to consumers, especially health by offering additional benefits: are you with the goodness of soy, are kosher and contain no MSG. You can also help consumers to keep a healthy diet in check without tipping the scale on calories, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

Happy Birthday, Bac-Os!

Italian Spinach and Mushroom Salad

This salad of the season for special meetings has added extra crunch and a burst of flavor.

1 package (10 ounces) fresh spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry

1 package (8 ounces) sliced ​​mushrooms

1 can (19 ounces) Progresso chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 / 3 cup Betty Crocker Bac-Os bacon flavor bits or chips

1 / 2 cup seasoned croutons

1 / 2 cup Italian dressing

In large salad bowl, throw all ingredients except dressing. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Makes 4 servings.

Jars of a revolutionary new “food of the future” product appeared on grocery shelves 40 years ago, offering busy consumers the taste they love bacon with a simple shake of the wrist.