Part of family mornings
for over 50 years

We love mornings. Because each one represents a fresh start, full of potential — and when you start right, there’s no telling where the day will take you. Carnation Breakfast Essentials® products have been part of family mornings for over 50 years.

During that time, our mission has never really changed. We stand with parents, always by their side, providing delicious ways for them to give their kids the nutrition they need. And helping them do what parents do best: Make every morning great and every day the best it can be.

1899 - A Nutritious Beginning

Our story begins in 1899, when Carnation founder, E.A. Stuart opened his evaporated milk plant in Kent, Washington. At a time when homes didn’t have refrigerators, Carnation Evaporated Milk gave families a way to get the nutritious goodness of fresh milk any time.

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1954 - Instant Innovation

Around this time, powdered milk became a popular ingredient. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy to use. It caked, it was hard to mix and tasted watery. Along with food scientist David Peebles, Carnation started the Instant Milk Company and pioneered a new method of making instant milk that mixed easily and tasted deliciously creamy.

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1965 - A Breakfast Revolution

The year was 1965. “Wooly Bully” was the number one song, the Gemini 3 space capsule was orbiting Earth and something new was about to land on the breakfast table. Fast moving modern families were skipping breakfast. They needed a whole new way to start their busy days, so we gave it to them: Carnation Instant Breakfast. A powder that could “make milk a meal”, with balanced nutrition they needed.

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2004 - Ready, Set, Go!

Some mornings, there’s just not enough time to get everything done — but families still needed great nutrition to start the day. So in 2004, we introduced a new Ready-to-Drink form. A convenient way for people to enjoy delicious nutrition anywhere, anytime.

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2008 - Good Nutrition From the Start®

A new package, a new name, and a new focus. In 2008, Carnation Instant Breakfast became Carnation Breakfast Essentials®. We set our sights on helping busy moms with school-age children. They wanted to send their kids off with nutritious start, but on busy weekday mornings, that could be a struggle. With 21 vitamins, plus minerals and protein, we provided complete breakfast nutrition and peace of mind for moms everywhere.

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TODAY - A MORNING MUST HAVE

For over 50 years Carnation Breakfast Essentials® products have been there for families, bringing them wholesome, breakfast nutrition that fits their lives and helps them begin every morning right. We’ll always be there for you and your family, always bringing you great nutrition to help start the day.

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