Did You Know That the Logo of Little Debbie Snacks Was Created From a Real Photo?

In 1960, McKee Foods founder O.D. McKee was trying to come up with a catchy name for their new family-pack cartons of snack cakes. Packaging supplier Bob Mosher suggested using a family member’s name. Thinking of what could be a good fit for the brand, O.D. arrived at the name of his 4-year-old granddaughter Debbie. Now Debbie McKee-Fowler serves as Executive Vice-President and serves on the McKee Foods Board of Directors.

Inspired by a photo of Debbie in play clothes and her favorite straw hat, he decided to use the name Little Debbie® and the image of her on the logo. Not until the first cartons were being printed did Debbie’s parents, Ellsworth and Sharon McKee, discover that their daughter was the namesake of the new brand.

The original image of Debbie used on packaging and advertising, which began on August 23, 1960, was based on a black and white photo. Full-color portraits of Little Debbie started later in 1960. Artist Pearl Mann of Atlanta created the original color artwork. Following instructions, she made the little girl look older, around 8 or 9.

“The previous logo looked a little dated, so it was time for a minor makeover,” said Chris McKee, executive vice president of marketing and sales for McKee Foods. “We opted to make subtle changes because we wanted to keep the same wholesome look that was based on an original portrait of my cousin, Debbie McKee-Fowler.”

After launching in 1960, Little Debbie did not redesign its original logo until 1985. The new logo change for 2013 took a year to complete and required 16 different renderings. Executive Vice President Debbie McKee-Fowler approved the logo redesign herself.

“I love the new look,” said Debbie McKee-Fowler. “We thought it was best to make subtle changes as opposed to dramatic changes.”