Did you know that for a brief period during 1985, Ralston produced an original, limited brand of Rainbow Brite Cereal? The puffed, colored, and sweetened breakfast confection even had a commercial.

A character originally created for greeting cards, Rainbow Brite moved to television for one season in 1984-1985. Thirteen episodes were produced, and a silver screen film, Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer debuted in 1985.

Aside from the Rainbow Brite line of dolls, this cereal is the most memorable merchandising effort the series spawned. But Rainbow Brite Cereal wasn't a unique venture for the company. During the 1960s, Ralston also attempted to capitalize on other hot animated, film, and video game properties with products like G.I. Joe Action Stars, The Nintendo Cereal System, and Bill & Ted's Excellent Cereal.

None of these saw much success and by 1997, Ralston closed its doors, selling its cereal brands to General Mills, the most lucrative and long-running of which were Chex and Cookie Crisp.