Little Debbie is a real person: Debbie McKee-Fowler, granddaughter of McKee Foods founder O.D. McKee. Her grandfather named the snack-cake brand after her in 1960, when she was four years old. The company says she now serves as chairman of its board.
Who is the real Little Debbie?
Debbie McKee-Fowler is the person behind the name. She was four when her grandfather, O.D. McKee, chose her name for a new line of family-pack snack cakes. According to Little Debbie’s official brand history, he was inspired by a photograph of Debbie in play clothes and her favorite straw hat. The packaging used a likeness based on that image.
The name and portrait refer to a real child, but the familiar brand image is an illustration rather than a photograph of Debbie as she appears today. The company says she currently serves as chairman of McKee Foods’ board.
How did the Little Debbie brand begin?
McKee Foods’ account says O.D. was seeking a name for family-pack snack cakes when packaging supplier Bob Mosher suggested naming the line after a family member. O.D. selected his granddaughter. Her parents reportedly did not learn she was the namesake until the cartons were being printed.
#1 Best Overall
- A Little Debbie fan favorite, Zebra Cakes have been an irresistible treat for years!
- Each yellow cake is filled with creme, covered in white icing and decorated with fudge stripes.
- Each carton contains ten (10) twin-wrapped products of Little Debbie Zebra Cakes.
The first Little Debbie family pack was produced in August 1960. It contained the Oatmeal Creme Pie, which the company identifies as the brand’s original snack cake.
Why does Little Debbie have Tennessee roots?
The brand grew out of a family bakery business that McKee Foods traces to Chattanooga. In 1934, O.D. and Ruth McKee bought Jack’s Cookie Company, a small bakery in the city. The company says O.D. had previously sold cakes from his 1928 Whippet automobile, and that the McKees later moved their business to Collegedale, Tennessee. Its company history is at McKee Foods’ official history page.
Rank #2
- Includes 1 box of Little Debbie Zebra Cakes, 1 box of Little Debbie Honey Buns, 1 box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, 1 box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies, and 1 box of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies
- 10 twin wrapped Zebra Cakes, 6 individually wrapped Honey Buns, 12 twin wrapped Swiss Rolls, 12 individually wrapped oatmeal creme pies, and 6 individually wrapped Cosmic Brownies
- Packed with Little Debbie fan favorites, this variety pack is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face
- For over 50 years, Little Debbie has been bringing smiles to the faces of snack lovers and dessert lovers with each and every bite
- Great for some on-the-go energy, as an afternoon snack, for dessert after a meal or simply as comfort food, treats from Little Debbie come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and tastes
McKee Foods says its Little Debbie products are made in Collegedale, Tennessee; Gentry, Arkansas; and Stuarts Draft, Virginia. Those locations document the company’s regional roots, but they do not by themselves establish how widely the brand is regarded as a “Southern icon.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the company says about the brand today
On its current brand page, Little Debbie says it offers more than 75 varieties and that its products are available in all 50 U.S. states. Those are company statements, not independently audited market figures. The same page identifies Debbie McKee-Fowler as chairman of McKee Foods’ board; the title is based on the company’s current account.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Soft and creamy with a punch of strawberry flavor, Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls are delightful anytime of year!
- With the consistency of yellow sponge cake and rolled with layers of creme and strawberry-flavored fruit filling, this is perfect treat.
- Each carton contains six (6) individually wrapped products of Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Rolls.
- Visit the Little Debbie website to try our Strawberry Shortcake Trifle recipe!
Rank #4
- Little Debbie Donut Sticks
- Individually Wrapped
- Contains 6 Donuts
- Perfect for dipping
Rank #3
- From being discovered by the grandfather of Little Debbie, O.D. McKee, in Switzerland to celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013, Swiss Rolls are a family favorite snack!
- Delicious chocolate cake is rolled around a layer of creme filling and coated with fudge.
- Each carton contains twelve (12) twin-wrapped products of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls.
- Visit the Little Debbie website to try our Celebration Cake or Festive Train Cake recipe using Swiss Rolls!
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