United StatesNational Fig Newton Day
Fig Newtons’ history dates back to the late 1800s, when they were created by the Kennedy Biscuit Company in Massachusetts. In 1891, baker Charles Roser teamed up with the innovative machine inventor James Henry Mitchell to create a machine that could inject fig paste into a dough shell. This new technology allowed for mass production of fig-filled cookies, and the first batch of Fig Newtons was born at the F.A. Kennedy Steam Bakery in Cambridgeport, MA. The name “Newton” came from the nearby town of Newton, Massachusetts, giving the cookies a sophisticated, hometown touch. Fast forward to 1898, when the Kennedy Biscuit Company merged with other companies to form Nabisco. The recipe and production process for Fig Newtons were part of the new company’s legacy, and the cookies were officially trademarked. While they started with the classic fig flavor, over the years, Newtons evolved into a variety of fruit flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and apple. In 2012, Nabisco dropped the “Fig” from the name, opting for simply “Newtons,” reflecting the broader flavor range. But despite the name change, the love for Fig Newtons (and all their fruity cousins) remains strong.
Read the story