What’s a brand without a mascot, really? Nothing but a bland name that gives nothing to the imagination! Okay, well, maybe the reality isn’t as harsh, but we’d love ourselves a good dramatization, as any ole writer does. Anyway, we’re here to talk about the most famous advertising mascots that left their mark on marketing and cultural history and not about literary devices. Thus, let us present to you our list of the most iconic mascots from cereal brands, cleaning product companies, insurance policy sellers, and everything in between!
So, what creates a good brand mascot? One glaring similarity that ties most of them is the fact that they are usually anthropomorphic animals. And, although we cannot relate to a claymation sheep or a dashing tiger, we cannot resist their charms! Of the very few human-like (notice the suffix -like here) mascots, they all seem to be a bit long in the tooth and grey in their hair to evoke the feeling of trustworthiness and stature. Like, you know, if your grandma or grandpa tells you that this is the best cereal, you’re bound to believe and trust them. At least, that’s our theory. And lastly, all of these famous mascots are through the roof with joviality, have memorable faces, and are there to entertain us with their quirks and punchlines. However, if you do have your own theories on the best brand mascot creation, do share them in the comments section; we’re very curious!
Ready to take a look at our popular brand mascots list? If so, you know what to do! However, since these famous characters are in no particular order as of right now, be sure to give your vote to those you think deserve a prime spot on the top of our list.
#21 Snuggle Bear By Snuggle Fabric Softener
Since its debut in 1986, the Snuggle Bear has served as the mascot for the Snuggle brand of fabric softeners. People immediately responded very positively to seeing him because who would dismiss a fluffy cute teddy bear?
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12points
#22 Mr. Peanut By Planters
This year marks the 107th birthday of this well-known peanut man. In 1916, 10 years after the company was started, a 14-year-old boy created Mr. Peanut, not some famous illustrator. Since then, the public's acceptance of this brand mascot design has developed to such an extent that when Planters polled the public on whether to add a bow tie, a pocket watch, or some cufflinks to it ten years ago, the response was: Don't alter a thing! A fantastic design is timeless, isn't it?
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11points
#23 Cap'n Crunch By Cap'n Crunch Cereal
Did you know that Quaker Oats created Cap'n Crunch before they even penned the recipe for the cereal? Crazy, huh? Anyway, Cap'n Crunch is portrayed as a naval captain from the late 18th century. He is dressed in a naval uniform inspired by the American Revolution, which includes a bicorne hat with a "C" on it and a blue coat with gold epaulets and bars on the sleeves. While an American navy captain generally wears four bars on his sleeves, the team's mascot has occasionally been shown donning only one bar (ensign), two bars (lieutenant), or three bars over the years (commander).
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11points
#24 Quaker Oats Man By Quaker Oats Company
Now that's a mascot that has been with us since, well, forever! Beginning in 1877, the Quaker Oats logo featured a full-length Quaker man carrying a scroll with the word "Pure" printed across it, evoking the iconic woodcuts of early Quaker and philosopher William Penn (founder of the Province of Pennsylvania). William Penn was indeed identified as the "Quaker man" in Quaker Oats advertisements from as early as 1909, and he was referred to as the "standard bearer of the Quakers and of Quaker Oats."
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11points
#25 The Laughing Cow By The Laughing Cow
This happy cow, born in 1921, has always been featured on the packaging of the company's goods, giving them a well-known identity. This mascot immediately conjures images of high-quality dairy products and relaxes viewers because it is always grinning. A tactic that works!
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11points
#26 Miss Chiquita By Chiquita Brands International Inc
Though she might not look it, “First Lady of Fruit” is over 50 years old now! She initially appeared as a banana that cartoonist Dik Browne had dressed up in clothes and a fruit hat. That is, up until 1987, when Oscar Grillo, another artist, reimagined her as the human woman who now adorns every bundle of Chiquita bananas we purchase from the supermarket.
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11points
#27 Snap, Crackle, And Pop By Rice Krispies
The charming trio's names are actually onomatopoeia and come from one of Rice Krispie's early ads aired on the radio in 1930. The trio of gnomes, though, were first used as brand mascots a few years later, in 1933.
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10points
#28 Ernie Keebler And The Keebler Elves By Keebler Cookie Company
One of the most well-known characters in advertisements is "Ernie" Keebler. He's the leader and friendliest of the Keebler Elves group. The elves have been depicted baking their distinctive goods In various television commercials, and the public has definitely grown to love them!
10points
#29 Scrubbing Bubbles By S. C. Johnson & Son
The smiling anthropomorphic soap bubbles had been the brand's mascots since the early '70s. Because we could all do with a bit of fun while washing dishes, right?
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10points
#30 Fred Flintstone Fruity By Pebbles/Cocoa Pebbles Cereal
Now, although The Flinstones already existed before Fruity Pebbles did, the company's choice to turn Fred into their spokestoons was truly ingenious. The match between cereals and an iconic cartoon character was a huge marketing hit and became two almost inseparable entities.
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9points
#31 Jolly Green Giant By B&G Foods
Another mascot that has endured all these years is the Jolly Green Giant, seen on all Green Giant products. He's been with us since 1928! The brand is now distinct from its rivals thanks to the upbeat, friendly superhuman, making it one of the leading brands in the frozen and canned vegetable sectors.
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9points
#32 The Goldfish By Goldfish Crackers
If we were to think about childhood staples, this is it - the goldfish crackers. Also, who could resist a cartoon goldfish with sunglasses telling you that these crackers smile right back at you while you eat them?
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9points
#33 Cornelius (Corny) Rooster By Kellogg’s Cornflakes
Although it wasn't always the brand's spokesperson, the iconic rooster cartoon figure was the most recognizable since it was created with deep significance. Cornelius, the cheery, colorful rooster, was intended to be more than just a cute and playful animal brand mascot. He also represented rising early and getting an excellent start to the day with a nutritious meal.
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9points
#34 Coco The Monkey By Coco Pops
This friendly, playful monkey with a cap has become a favorite face of many children, smiling at them from the box of their favorite breakfast cereal. He appeared as a brand cartoon representative in different countries for quite different timeframes (e.g., for just two years in the USA but more than half a century in the UK). This adorable, chirpy monkey has a design that is easy to associate with joy and fun, which is how he won the hearts of so many children worldwide.
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9points
#35 Mr. Owl By Tootsie Pops Lollipops
The adorable and wise Tootsie Pops owl has graced the silver screens since the '70s. The main question remains the same, though - how many licks until you reach the center!
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9points
#36 Buzz The Bee By Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal
The anthropomorphic bee that serves as the brand's mascot was created for the initial advertisements by Dean Yeagle at New York City's Zander's Animation Parlour. The bee was given no name until 2000, when a fifth-grader, Kristine Tong from Coolidge, Texas, won a nationwide contest to give him a name. She gave him the moniker "BuzzBee."
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9points
#37 Aunt Jemima By Aunt Jemima Breakfast Foods
Although Aunt Jemima has had a lengthy run as the brand's mascot (from 1889 to 2020), Quaker Oats announced that the brand would be discontinued in 2020. And we applaud their decision!
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8points
#38 Aflac Duck By Aflac
Aflac, an insurance provider, debuted its Gilbert Gottfried-voiced duck in 2000. Even though all he did was quack "Aflac," he became one of the decade's most well-known mascots. Gottfried was dismissed in 2011 after receiving criticism for his jokes regarding the Fukushima nuclear accident. Hence the character no longer has his voice.
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8points
#39 Wendy By Wendy's Fast Food
Did you know that the red-haired Wendy in Wendy's logo is an actual person? Yup! In fact, Wendy's was named after Dave Thomas, the brand founder's daughter!
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7points
#40 Trix Rabbit By Trix Cereal
Who could resist a cereal advertised by the cutest white rabbit? No one, apparently! Trix rabbit made his debut in 1959 with an iconic phrase - "Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!" - always accompanying his appearances.
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7points