The Depression-Era Kitchenware People Collected That Came In Cereal Boxes

Free surprises with our cereal are nothing new. Whenever you grew up, you likely have fond nostalgia for cereal box prizes from the past. But a century ago, people could expect to find things in those cereal boxes far more useful, lasting, and aesthetically pleasing than, say, trading cards or plastic racecars. And today, these items are even more valuable, making them some of the most worthwhile vintage kitchen items to hunt down. We're talking about oatmeal glass. 

Oatmeal glass is called such because it was literally packed into oatmeal boxes in the 1920s and '30s. Shoppers stocking up for their families' breakfast could find teacups, saucers, juice glasses, bowls, creamers, and more. It's hard to imagine finding something this large, not to mention a practical and decorative item, in your cereal, but there's a reason brands like Quaker Oats did this.

This was the era of the Great Depression. People were struggling with unemployment and household budgets were incredibly tight. Brands needed to give consumers an incentive to choose them, and they provided a perk for those who did. Being able to collect serveware through cereal purchases was an incentive indeed. It was made possible by developments in glassware manufacturing that drove production costs down so low that companies could sell pieces for less than 5 cents — and even give them away for free.

Iconic glass cookware brand Anchor Hocking has an eventful history, and it includes crafting the glassware found in the Quaker oatmeal boxes. It increased the production speed of glassware, so it's no wonder companies from cereal makers and flour mills to toothpaste brands started including glass treasures with their products.

The faster production meant that this glass wouldn't be crystal clear — such pieces were too expensive to make. Instead, manufacturers made pieces in brilliant colors and patterns. Some items were made with uranium and have that yellow-green hue, while others are deeper green; glasses were also translucent pink, vibrant cobalt, and warm amber. These pieces are a decorative delight worth looking for today — oatmeal glassware items are must-haves if you have a vintage kitchen motif.

When you're hunting for these pieces, keep in mind not all of them have maker's marks. Those that were made by Anchor Hocking have the anchor symbol; the brand Federal Glass used an "F" in a shield stamp while Hazel Atlas had an "H" over an "A." In general, look for those aforementioned colors, and some of the popular patterns: American Sweetheart with scrolls and medallions, Cherry Blossom, Cameo with a ballet dancer, Sharon with roses, Royal Lace, or Florentine with poppies. Because of the cheaper production at the time, glassware should feel a bit lighter, and can have seams and air bubbles. Something like an Anchor Hocking blush cereal bowl can go for about $30 and brings history and charm into any kitchen.