The Office actors, Leslie David Baker and Phyllis Smith, are representing the Cheerios cereal brand in their campaign promoting heart health. General Mills Inc.

Honey Nut Cheerios TV Spot, 'Secrets' Featuring Leslie David Baker, Phyllis Smith.

The commercial, about a daughter who pours Cheerios on her sleeping dad's chest because she thinks it will aid his health, ultimately became a huge hit for the brand.

A 30-second Cheerios ad featuring a black dad, white mom and biracial child gained so much negative attention in June 2013 that Cheerios turned off commenting on the YouTube page.

Buzz Bee Mascot and promotions

Cheerios is an example of an invented word that looks and sounds like a real word. Bringing together “cheery” and “oats” created the first iteration of the name, Cheerioats. But being challenged by Quaker Oats forced the brand name to be more refined and get even better.

Cheerios are a classic breakfast cereal made from whole grains. They're not only low in fat and calories but also affordable and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Yet, Cheerios are a processed food, and some flavors are loaded with sugar.

To encourage heart-to-heart conversations with loved ones, real-life BFFs Leslie and Phyllis are sitting down over a bowl of Cheerios to help bring joy to a heart health journey and remind people why this topic is so important to talk about with your loved ones.

Report Finds Traces of a Controversial Herbicide in Cheerios and Quaker Oats. An environmental research and advocacy group has found traces of a controversial herbicide in Cheerios, Quaker Oats and other breakfast foods that it says could increase cancer risk for children.

Cheerios were introduced on May 2, 1941, as "Cheerioats". The name was shortened to "Cheerios" on December 2, 1945, after a competing cereal manufacturer, Quaker Oats, claimed to hold the rights to use the term "oats". Cheerios' production was based upon the extrusion process invented for Kix in 1937.

Since 1941, Cheerios have been on breakfast tables around the world.

General Mills Original Cheerios Heart Healthy Cereal provides a wholesome and delicious option to start your day. Made with 100% whole grain oats, this toasted oat cereal is kosher, gluten free and made with no artificial flavors or colors.