1

Colonel Sanders

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

Colonel Sanders, the iconic KFC mascot, is based on Harland Sanders, the chain's founder . He received the honorary title of "Colonel" from Kentucky's governor in 1935.

Sanders embraced the persona, adopting a white suit, goatee, and bow tie, creating the famous image that still represents KFC today.

2

Energizer bunny

Image: Jerry Wang

The Energizer Bunny debuted in 1988 as a parody of Duracell’s "Drumming Bunny." Designed with sunglasses, flip-flops, and a bigger drum, it stood out as a bold contrast to its competitor’s mascot.

The campaign grew into a long-running success, and, obviously, a trademark battle followed, ultimately ending with Energizer securing exclusive rights to the pink bunny in the U.S. and Canada.

3

GEICO gecko

Image: Hunter Masters

The GEICO Gecko debuted in 1999 during an actors' strike, when live talent was unavailable. The idea stemmed from people mispronouncing "GEICO" as "Gecko," inspiring a quick lizard doodle during a brainstorming session.

In his first ad, the Gecko held a press conference asking people to stop confusing him with the company. The quirky concept quickly became a memorable and enduring mascot.

4

Jolly Green Giant

Image: Jun Weng

The Jolly Green Giant began in 1925 with the Minnesota Valley Canning Company’s "Green Giant" peas. The original mascot was a stern, fairy tale–like figure.

In 1936, ad legend Leo Burnett redesigned him with a leafy toga and a friendly smile, making him "jolly." The company later adopted the Green Giant name, and the mascot became a lasting icon.

5

Pillsbury Doughboy

Image: Sonia Nadales

The Pillsbury Doughboy, named Poppin' Fresh, was created in 1965 by ad copywriter Rudy Perz. The idea came to him as he imagined a dough character popping out of a can in his kitchen .

First seen in stop-motion animation, the Doughboy became a cheerful brand icon, starring in over 600 commercials since his debut.

6

Chester Cheetah

Image: Erik Mclean

Chester Cheetah became the face of Cheetos in 1986, replacing the original Cheetos Mouse. He debuted as a cool, animated cartoon character in TV ads.

Known for his smooth voice, catchy rhymes, and laid-back style, the character is depicted as a "cool cat" with a strong craving for Cheetos.

7

Kool-Aid Man

Image: Fotografía de Alimentos

The Kool-Aid Man, a smiling pitcher of Kool-Aid, evolved from earlier iterations and became the brand’s mascot after General Foods acquired the company in the 1950s. He quickly stood out in ads with his dramatic entrances.

Known for crashing through walls and shouting "Oh yeah!", this mascot became instantly recognizable.

8

Tony the Tiger

Image: Dom .

Tony the Tiger has been the mascot for Frosted Flakes since 1952, known for his upbeat catchphrase, "They’re gr-r-reat!" and his iconic presence on cereal boxes. He has also represented other cereals, such as Tony’s Cinnamon Krunchers.

9

Planters

Image: aboodi vesakaran

Mr. Peanut was created in 1916 by Antonio Gentile, a schoolboy who entered a design contest held by Planters. His original drawing featured a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane .

A commercial artist later refined the character by adding a top hat, monocle, and spats , transforming it into the classic Mr. Peanut mascot we know today.

10

Mr. Clean

Image: Clay Banks

Mr. Clean was created in 1957 by an ad agency for Procter & Gamble. Originally conceived as a genie, he evolved into a muscular, bald man dressed in white, sporting an earring and folded arms. Inspired by a Navy sailor, he became a symbol of powerful cleaning.

11

Toucan Sam

Image: Zoshua Colah

Toucan Sam, the colorful blue-and-orange mascot for Froot Loops, was created in 1963. Known for his catchphrase, "Follow my nose!" and his ability to "smell" Froot Loops from afar, Sam’s voice and design have evolved over time, making him a beloved cereal icon.

12

Ronald McDonald

Image: Erik Mclean

Ronald McDonald first appeared in 1963 in local TV ads in Washington, D.C., portrayed by actor Willard Scott. He was created by the Oscar Goldstein ad agency.

In 1965, McDonald's expanded Ronald’s role to national commercials with a slightly altered look. He became a key figure in McDonaldland, interacting with other characters . Over time, Ronald’s image and advertising style evolved, with updates to his outfit and overall presence.

1

Thelma from The Family Circus

Image: Angel Sanchez

Here’s a little bit of trivia: cartoonist Bil Keane didn’t just imagine Thelma—he sketched her straight from life, inspired by his own wife. Far from being a background character, she stands as an anchor in a house full of wild little adventurers. College-educated and quick on her feet, she is the quiet balance that keeps the comic’s playful family from tipping over.

Since its debut in 1960, fans of The Family Circus have seen in Thelma not just a mother, but the steady rhythm that turns chaos into charm. She reminds everyone that even in the middle of a circus, there’s always someone holding the tent poles steady.

2

Snoopy from Peanuts

Image: somecomputer

What if a simple old beagle could slip into the role of a daring fighter pilot or a famous novelist without ever leaving his doghouse? That’s the magic of Snoopy.

From the 1950s onward, Charles Schulz gave this iconic, innocent dog a wildly imaginative life, where a simple nap on the roof could turn into a trip across the skies. He rarely speaks, yet every tilt of his ear and twitch of his eyebrow says more than words ever could. Snoopy shows readers that the biggest adventures often happen in our heads, proving that silence can tell a story louder than any punchline.

3

Garfield

Image: Jim Davis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Who would have guessed that a fat, sleepy cat introduced in 1978 would become one of the sharpest minds in comic strip history? Garfield never bothers chasing mice or protecting the house—he lets others do the hard work while he perfects the art of comfort.

Fueled by lasagna and armed with sarcasm, he turns laziness into a lifestyle. His famous dislike of Mondays isn’t just a joke—it’s a philosophy. Why suffer through the grind when you can nap through it? In his own sly way, Garfield teaches readers that brains sometimes triumph over brawn, especially when pasta is involved.

4

Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

Image: Michał Turkiewicz

What happens when childhood curiosity meets mischievous behavior? Calvin happens. Bill Watterson’s rebellious and cynical six-year-old, born in the 1980s, can transform an ordinary backyard into a galaxy of adventures.

One moment, he’s a space explorer dodging aliens; the next, a philosopher debating life with a stuffed tiger. All his alter egos are playful but also surreal monuments of imagination. Beneath the pranks and wild schemes, Calvin reminds us that messy questions often lead to the brightest discoveries.

5

Wednesday from The Addams Family

Image: Jon Tyson

Imagine a child who never giggles at the obvious but instead tilts her head and asks the questions no one else dares. That’s Wednesday. When Charles Addams first sketched her in the 1930s, she wasn’t just another character in a gothic family—she was the sharp thinker in braids.

While her relatives reveled in the bizarre, Wednesday cuts straight to the harsh reality with calm precision. Her curiosity is fearless, her observations unflinching, and her wit so dry it makes readers smirk. In a household full of quirks, she is the quiet compass pointing toward reason.

6

Nancy Ritz from Nancy

Image: Tip Top Comics / United Features / Ernie Bushmiller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Long before "less is more" became a fashion motto, Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy was already proving the point. With just a few lines, Bushmiller built a character who could provoke laughs sharper than most elaborate gags. Nancy’s jokes landed fast, like little surprise jabs, and her clean, minimalist style made her humor feel universal. Decade after decade, her zingers have stayed as fresh as if they were written yesterday.

7

Popeye the Sailor Man from Thimble Theatre

Image: E. C. Segar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Believe it or not, a cartoon sailor managed to change America’s dinner plates. When Popeye appeared in 1929, kids suddenly wanted to eat spinach, and sales of the leafy green soared by nearly a third.

With his anchor tattoos, squinty eye, and gravelly mumble, Popeye wasn’t exactly polished—he was tough, funny, and unforgettable. Every can of spinach he cracked open turned into instant muscle, proving that strength, humor, and even vegetables could be downright heroic.

8

Dick Tracy

Image: R Jangaard

Imagine picking up a newspaper in 1931 and spotting a hard-boiled detective with a futuristic radio strapped to his wrist. For readers of the day, it looked like pure science fiction. Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy wasn’t only solving crimes—he was predicting the kind of technology that wouldn’t appear in real life for decades.

Sharp as a tack, with a no-nonsense style, Tracy blends American gothic with futuristic flair, making every strip feel like a peek into tomorrow’s world.

9

Dennis from Dennis the Menace

Image: Alexandra_Koch

On the surface, Dennis seems like every parent’s headache: a freckle-faced kid with a knack for trouble. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a sharp mind hiding behind that mischievous grin.

Since the 1950s, his pranks have been less about chaos and more about clever planning and outsmarting the grown-ups. While Mr. Wilson might sigh in defeat, readers can’t help but laugh, knowing Dennis exposes truths adults often tiptoe around. Mischief is his tool; curiosity is his true engine.

10

Archie Andrews from Archie Comics

Image: Al Fagaly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Picture a small town where jukeboxes hum, soda fountains buzz, and Friday night dances are packed with teenagers. That’s the world Archie Andrews introduces us to. With his bright red hair and everyday charm, Archie isn’t a superhero—he’s the kid next door.

Yet, he manages to shine thanks to his relatable stumbles, from juggling homework to choosing between Betty’s sweetness and Veronica’s sparkle. His stories are funny snapshots of small-town America, frozen in time like a favorite old record.

11

Mooch and Earl from MUTTS

Image: PNW Production

At first glance, they’re just a cat and a dog. But look closer, and Mooch and Earl are small philosophers wrapped in fur. Patrick McDonnell gave Mooch his playful "Yesh" and Earl his gentle kindness, creating a duo that speaks volumes in just a few words.

MUTTS isn’t about big adventures, it’s about simple, tender moments: a nap in the sun, a wagging tail, a shared silence that feels like music. Through their quirks and quiet humor, Mooch and Earl remind readers that wisdom often comes from uncomplicated friendship.

12

Private Carl James "Beetle" Bailey from Beetle Bailey

Image: Mort Walker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When Mort Walker introduced Private "Beetle" Bailey in 1950, he proved that not every comic hero needs ambition—sometimes a nap is enough. Beetle isn’t just lazy; he turns slacking into a survival skill. While others march, plan, or panic, Beetle drifts away with a smirk, always finding the shortest route around hard work.

Although Camp Swampy is a tough setting, the punchline is clear: Beetle’s effortless way of avoiding obligations is almost genius. Somehow, doing nothing becomes his greatest talent.

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2

Jack In The Box

Image: Studbee

And speaking of outer space… Before Mark Hamill became Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, he once worked the drive-thru at Jack in the Box. He was quickly fired, though. Customers complained after he spoke to them using a clown-like voice.

Decades later, in 2022, Hamill reunited with the brand in a comeback ad promoting two revived fan favorites: Spicy Chicken Strips and French Toast Sticks.

3

Taco Bell

Image: PJ Gal-Szabo

The company has pulled off some interesting marketing pranks over the years, but none as unforgettable as its 1996 April Fool’s joke announcing that it had purchased the Liberty Bell.

A full-page ad ran in major newspapers announcing the purchase of the historic bell to help reduce the national debt. The "Taco Liberty Bell" joke did not land well. It caused thousands of complaints; people contacted Taco Bell and the National Park Service demanding answers. Later that day, the company confirmed the story was a hoax, and the stunt went down as one of the most memorable marketing pranks of all time.

4

Domino’s Pizza

Image: Erick Galván

Back in the ’80s, when Domino’s expanded into Japan, the company ran into a problem: there was no Japanese word for "pepperoni." And, since it was the best-selling topping in the US, they could not risk leaving that pizza out of the menu! So, the brand had to coin a Japanese word for pepperoni. They went for ペパロニ (pronounced "peparoni").

5

Pizza Hut

Image: Joshua Hoehne

Pizza Hut has always been known for some memorable marketing stunts. When Back to the Future Part II hit theaters in 1989, the chain handed out "futuristic" sunglasses with every pie. In 1995, they recruited Donald Trump and Ivana Trump to introduce their first stuffed-crust pizza.

And who could forget the time, in 2001, when they delivered the first pizza ever sent into space, straight to the International Space Station (ISS)?

6

Starbucks

Image: Gema Saputera

Starbucks is such an iconic franchise that its presence can signal rising real-estate values. Studies show that neighborhoods with a new Starbucks often experience property-price increases above the usual rate.

Another interesting tidbit about the brand: inside its stores, employees are required to avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or other strong fragrances to prevent interfering with the aroma and taste of the coffee.

7

Coca-Cola

Image: Samuel Bryngelsson

From 1886 until 1959 (over seventy years!), a 6.5-oz glass or bottle of Coca-Cola cost exactly 5 cents. The company had strategic reasons for keeping the price so low and stable.

At the time, it was easier to get customers to insert a single nickel into vending machines rather than require multiple coins. The 5-cent price helped make Coca-Cola a simple, affordable choice.

8

McDonald’s

Image: Brett Jordan

The Golden Arches giant has had a long, sometimes on-, sometimes off-, relationship with Disney. McDonald’s began doing Happy Meal tie-ins with Disney characters in 1987 to promote Disney films.

For about ten years, the partnership was exclusive, but it fell off because Disney wanted to work with other food brands, and McDonald’s with other movie studios! Today, they still share a non-exclusive alliance.

9

Wendy’s

Image: Brian J. Tromp

Wendy’s square hamburger patties weren’t an accident; the idea reportedly came from a chain called Kewpee Hamburgers, a Kalamazoo favorite known for its square-shaped burgers. Founder Dave Thomas has said that as a child, he often ate at a Kewpee, and that those square patties inspired the look and feel of Wendy’s burgers.

Thomas had always loved those because corners poking out of the bun created the impression of a larger burger and made the meat easier to see.

10

KFC

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

KFC’s legendary "11 herbs & spices" recipe is kept under tight lock and key; the company splits the production of the spice mix between different suppliers so that no single person outside knows the full formula.

However, there was a time when Colonel Sanders offered that recipe at a very affordable price: he would license the recipe to restaurant owners for just 4 to 5 cents per chicken piece sold, giving them the right to cook and sell his secret-recipe chicken themselves.

11

Betty Crocker

Image: Lalada .

Betty Crocker was never a real person. Did you know? She was invented in 1921 by the Washburn-Crosby Company as a friendly, approachable name to respond to consumer letters.

Even though she was fictional, by 1945, Fortune magazine named "Betty Crocker" the second most famous woman in America, second only to Eleanor Roosevelt.

12

M&M

Image: Pixabay

There’s a long-standing debate about America’s favorite chocolate nuggets: Do different colors of M&M’s actually taste different? While many fans swear their favorite color has a distinct flavor, the brand consistently states that the only difference between colors is their dye; all other ingredients remain the same.

That said, some people claim that mini M&M’s taste sweeter than the regular ones. Some analyses suggest that mini M&M’s have a higher candy-shell-to-chocolate ratio, which could make them taste sweeter.

13

Heinz

Image: JEFERSON GOMES

Though ketchup is by far Heinz's flagship product, that was not the first one Henry J. Heinz sold. You probably could never guess what it was that he personally started selling back in 1869!

Horseradish! The first thing he ever sold, out of his house, under his name, was horseradish and other pickled goods like vinegar, sauerkraut, and pickles. This early business laid the groundwork for the now-famous condiments empire.