Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Freud's Nephew Turned Bacon and Eggs Into Breakfast Marketing
In the 1920s, bacon companies wanted people to buy more bacon.
Bernays helped create a clever advertising plan.
Instead of only telling people to eat bacon, the plan encouraged them to eat a bigger breakfast.
A doctor suggested this idea.
Bernays sent the recommendation to 5,000 doctors.
About 4,500 doctors replied positively.
Their responses helped create news stories about the idea.
Bacon and eggs were then presented as a good way to have a hearty breakfast.
In the 1920s, Bernays sought a lasting way to increase bacon sales.
He moved beyond direct advertising focused specifically on bacon.
A physician suggested promoting a heartier breakfast instead.
Bernays sent the recommendation to 5,000 doctors, with about 4,500 responding favorably.
The campaign used media coverage to associate bacon and eggs with a full breakfast.
- Who
- Bernays, a physician involved in the campaign, and 5,000 doctors.
- What
- A psychological marketing campaign promoted a hearty breakfast and associated bacon and eggs with it.
- When
- The 1920s.
- Why
- To create a lasting increase in bacon sales rather than a temporary boost from direct advertising.
- Campaign era
- The 1920s
- Marketing strategist
- Bernays, identified as Freud's nephew
- Doctors contacted
- 5,000
- Favorable responses
- About 4,500 doctors responded favorably
- Promoted idea
- Eating a heartier breakfast
- Featured combination
- Bacon and eggs