Timeless Little Debbie Treats Keep Family Bakery Thriving

WHO:

NY Post - O.D. McKee developed the Oatmeal Creme Pie.

Fox News - Little Debbie is named after McKee's granddaughter, Debbie McKee-Fowler, who serves as chair of the McKee Foods Board of Directors.

Fox News - McKee Foods is described as "America's largest family bakery."

WHAT:

NY Post - The Oatmeal Creme Pie was first sold for 5 cents during the Great Depression.

Fox News - The Oatmeal Creme Pie was the first snack baked under the Little Debbie name.

Fox News - More than 14 million Oatmeal Creme Pies were sold within 10 months of its introduction.

Fox News - The original family packs of baked goods containing the Oatmeal Creme Pie were sold for 49 cents a carton in 1960.

Fox News - McKee Foods produces more than 75 Little Debbie products.

Fox News - More than 200 million cartons of Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls, and Nutty Buddy wafer bars are sold each year.

WHERE:

Fox News - The bakery was purchased near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

WHEN:

Fox News - The Oatmeal Creme Pie traces its roots to 1935.

Fox News - Little Debbie became an established brand in the 1960s.

Fox News - Oatmeal Creme Pies have been satisfying families since 1960.

WHY:

Fox News - The success of the Oatmeal Creme Pie is attributed to its nostalgic appeal and the comfort it brings to consumers.

HOW:

Fox News - The Oatmeal Creme Pie is made of whole grain oats, molasses, and crème filling.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 18:16 UTC)

O.D. McKee developed the beloved Oatmeal Creme Pie, which was first sold for just five cents during the Great Depression and quickly became the first snack baked under the Little Debbie name, with over 14 million units sold within ten months of its introduction. Named after McKee's granddaughter, Debbie McKee-Fowler, who chairs the McKee Foods Board of Directors, the company is recognized as America's largest family bakery and produces more than 75 Little Debbie products, including the iconic Oatmeal Creme Pie made from whole grain oats and molasses. Since its roots in 1935, this nostalgic treat has been satisfying families, with more than 200 million cartons of Oatmeal Creme Pies and other snacks sold each year.