Graham crackers weren’t invented for kids. What Mr. Graham was really trying to do...

Graham crackers have been a childhood favorite for centuries – but they weren’t invented for kids. 

Sylvester Graham developed the original bland biscuit as part of a special diet in the 1830s. Graham was an evangelical minister who was convinced his strict diet and lifestyle would combat American culture’s biggest threat: sexual desire. 

He wasn’t alone. Grahamism spread and fears of insanity and eternal damnation had many Americans scrambling for redemption and Graham’s crackers were supposed to help – no cinnamon, marshmallows or chocolate on these boring biscuits. The rest of the Graham diet consisted of bland whole grains, fruits and vegetables, no spices, meat, alcohol, tobacco or even pepper. 

Considered by many to be the first real food activist – Mr. Graham would be rolling over in his grave knowing the only real lasting notoriety he received would be his name on a cracker that represents much of what he wanted to abolish, sweet flavor, mass production and crunchy fun.