Pop Rocks Inventor Dies In StocktonWednesday, July 28, 2004 - 06:35 PM
The man who invented Pop Rocks candy, and discovered a substitute for tapioca, has died.
William Mitchell passed away at a care home in Stockton on Monday. His daughter says he died of congestive heart failure.
Mitchell worked as a chemist for General Foods for 35 years until his retirement in 1976.
He held over 70 patents, including inventions related to Cool Whip, Jell-O Gelatin and the drink mix Tang.
He also developed the tapioca substitute during World War II when tapioca supplies were running low.
But Mitchell's most famous invention was Pop Rocks -- the exploding candy that became a big hit as soon as it was marketed in 1975.
He made the discovery accidentally, while trying to design an instant soft drink.
He developed Pop Rocks by putting sugar flavoring mixed with carbon dioxide in his mouth.
William Mitchell was 92. He is survived by seven children.
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