Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup has been a breakfast table staple for over 100 years. Known for its distinct maple flavored syrup packaged in a curvy glass bottle, Mrs. Butterworth’s was introduced in 1961 by Pinnacle Foods. For decades, the syrup came in a classic glass bottle shaped like Mrs. Butterworth herself. However, in recent years, the company made changes to its packaging and moved away from using glass bottles. This change left many consumers wondering: when exactly did Mrs. Butterworth stop using glass bottles?
The Origins of Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup
Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup was created in 1961 but didn’t gain mass market appeal until a few years later. Originally intended to compete with the leading syrup brand, Aunt Jemima, the product was positioned as a lower priced alternative. The company took inspiration from the accent, hair, and dress of a stereotypical Southern cook or housewife when creating the image of Mrs. Butterworth. This was an attempt to evoke a sense of homestyle, old-fashioned cooking.
The Mrs. Butterworth’s bottle featured a matronly woman shaped with details like arms, dress, and bun hairstyle molded into the glass. This unique container helped the product stand out on store shelves. It also made for mess-free pouring and storage directly on the table.
In 1964, a national commercial campaign catapulted Mrs. Butterworth’s into popularity. The famous “Mrs. Butterworth’s: The Only Syrup Served in Its Own China” ads emphasized the delicate, ceramic-like glass bottle as a selling point. This campaign captured public attention and cemented the curvy glass bottle as an iconic part of the brand image.
The Heyday of Glass Mrs. Butterworth’s Bottles
Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup became a fixture in many American households. Consumers came to closely associate the product with its unique glass packaging.
During these peak decades, Mrs. Butterworth’s glass bottles were produced in two standard sizes:
- 12 ounce bottle – This smaller option was designed for individual tabletop or fridge use.
- 64 ounce bottle – The larger size was intended for family style dining and refilling smaller bottles.
The glass used was generally clear or light amber to show off the golden maple syrup color. The bottle shape stayed consistent with the silhouette of Mrs. Butterworth from the neckline down. Minor adjustments were made over the years to details like the face, hair, and dress. But the overall curvy, glass construction remained unchanged for regular syrup bottles.
Special edition decorative bottles were also created by the company. These included state-themed shapes and holiday designs for Christmas, Halloween, and more. Collectors took interest in these unique bottles, further fueling public passion for the classic Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup package.
Why Glass Bottles Were Ideal
Using glass bottles for Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup provided a few key advantages:
- Distinctive appearance – The curvy, ceramic-inspired shape made the bottles stand out.
- Reusable – Glass allowed consumers to reuse the bottles in creative ways once empty.
- Durable – Glass easily withstands frequent use and cleaning over many years.
- Mess prevention – The tapered shape allowed for drip-free pouring.
- Flavor preservation – Glass helped maintain product freshness and prevent leaching.
These beneficial characteristics helped drive the popularity of Mrs. Butterworth’s glass bottles for decades.
The Decline of Glass Mrs. Butterworth’s Bottles
In the early 2000s, Pinnacle Foods was looking to make updates to Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup. Seeking cost savings and modernization, they moved away from glass packaging and introduced plastic bottles instead.
This transition away from glass happened gradually over a few years. By the mid-2000s, original glass Mrs. Butterworth’s bottles were becoming rare. Some of the factors that likely influenced this switch include:
Benefits of Plastic Packaging
- Lower cost – Plastic resin is cheaper to produce than glass.
- Lighter weight – Plastic offered major shipping and handling savings.
- Safety – Plastic containers are less prone to breaking or shattering.
- New shapes – Plastic allowed more flexibility and options for updated bottle designs.
Drawbacks of Glass Packaging
- Expensive to produce – Energy inputs for glass manufacturing are high.
- Fragile – Glass breaks easily, increasing waste and hazards.
- Heavy – Weight increased shipping fees and packaging costs.
- Limited designs – Intricate shapes and details are difficult with glass.
Sustainability Concerns
In the 2000s, environmental issues around packaging waste gained prominent focus. Since glass bottles are heavier, costlier, and breakable, plastic became viewed as a more sustainable choice. Recycling programs for plastic bottles were also expanding during this time.
Brand Evolution
As a product created in the 1960s, Mrs. Butterworth’s was due for a modern makeover. Pinnacle Foods was looking to update the packaging and reduce associations with the racial stereotypes of the original branding. This involved transitioning away from the outdated depiction of Mrs. Butterworth herself.
The Final Glass Mrs. Butterworth’s Bottles
Records indicate that regular production of glass Mrs. Butterworth’s bottles stopped around 2008. However, it is possible that residual glass bottle stock continued to be sold for a couple years after this point.
The last new special edition glass bottles seem to have been released around 2009. These were state-themed glass syrup bottles sold exclusively through Walmart stores.
Collectors have noted the following as some of the final original glass bottle designs for Mrs. Butterworth’s:
2008-2009 State Shaped Glass Bottles
Walmart released a series of commemorative glass bottles from 2008-2009 featuring unique shapes for each state. These were likely the last newly designed glass bottles produced for Mrs. Butterworth’s.
Regular Shaped Glass Bottles
The final commonly found glass bottles were the standard shapes – the 12 ounce individual size and the 64 ounce family size. These appeared to have remained in production for regular syrup through around 2008.
Vintage Reproductions
Some retro-style glass bottles with vintage designs were produced later, including:
- 1970s Mrs. Butterworth’s Look – Released in 2011 for the syrup’s 50th anniversary.
- 1960s Original Bottle Design – Produced in 2013 as a special throwback item.
However, these commemorative bottles were produced in limited supplies and only briefly.
The Future of Mrs. Butterworth’s Packaging
While the days of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup coming in glass bottles appear to be over, some aspects of the classic packaging design live on.
Most sizes of Mrs. Butterworth’s, including larger containers for food service, are now in plastic bottles. However, the bottles still retain a curved, rounded silhouette reminiscent of the original glass shape. The maple leaf logo and reddish-brown color palette also help maintain brand recognition.
In June 2020, current owner Conagra announced that the Mrs. Butterworth’s brand imagery will be evolving. Changes are expected to the depiction of Mrs. Butterworth herself to move away from harmful stereotypes. However, the signature syrup flavor, buttery consistency, and curved bottle are slated to remain.
Conclusion
For over 40 years, the glass Mrs. Butterworth’s bottle was an iconic symbol of sugary breakfast indulgence. But concerns around safety, costs, sustainability, and outdated branding led to a transition away from glass packaging in the 2000s. By 2008, regular production of the classic Mrs. Butterworth’s glass bottles ceased. Only limited commemorative bottles were made after this point. While the indelible glass lady is a thing of the past, her sweet legacy and curved silhouette live on in evolved form. Plastic bottles have replaced glass, but Mrs. Butterworth’s remains a beloved staple of American mornings.
