The three gnome characters were originally designed by illustrator Vernon Grant and made their debut in 1933. The names of the gnomes are derived from a Rice Krispies radio ad. The ad said “Listen to the fairy song of health, the merry chorus sung by Kellogg’s Rice Krispies as they merrily snap, crackle, and pop in a bowl of milk. If you’ve never heard food talking, now is your chance.” Inspired by this ad, Grant drew three gnomes and named them Snap, Crackle, and Pop. He brought the characters to Kellogg’s, who bought them on the spot. In the United States and Canada, opinion varies concerning Crackle’s occupation, but Snap is always portrayed as a baker and Pop as a marching band leader.

Snap is the oldest and the leader of the group. He solves the problems his two brothers create and wears a baker’s hat.

Crackle is the good-hearted, fun middle child. He gets stuck keeping order between his brothers’ personalities and wears a red-and-white-striped stocking cap.

Pop is the mischievous, clumsy younger child. He plays jokes, doesn’t take things seriously and wears a band leader’s hat.

There was a fourth gnome character who was named Pow who was supposed to represent the explosive nutritional value of Rice Krispies but who was later discontinued.