This is why Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Squares are rectangular and not square

Just in case you ever wondered.

There are some things in the world that we just need answering. Like why Toblerones are triangular or why you have a little pocket on your jeans? Another one of those things is why Kellogg's Rice Krispies Squares are called "Squares"? The popular treat has been enjoyed by many for its taste but also confused a lot of people because of its shape. They're clearly a rectangle so why are they called "Squares"? We're not alone here, others have asked the same question.

I don't get why 'Rice Krispies Squares' are called 'Squares' because they're rectangles

— em (@emiilyrobinson) March 2, 2013

@KelloggsUS I thought I bought rice krispy squares, not rice krispy rectangles. Explain this. pic.twitter.com/Wh0x7MAT0e

— beau leblanc (@beauleblank) October 22, 2015

We need to know WHY? Luckily, the folks over at Metro were just as puzzled as we are and decided to find out the reason once and for all. One of their writers, Ellen, first came up with a very good idea about why they are called Squares. She worked out that because the treats are 9cm by 4.5cm you can cut them down the middle to make two squares, suggesting that the crispy goodness is made for sharing. However, there is no clear line or instruction to do this, so it's not clear that this was the intention. She then reached out to Kellogg's for confirmation on this theory and they confirmed the actual reason for the name:

"Historically it is believed Rice Krispie Squares were named after the traditional “square shape” of large US tray bakes. As the product evolved became more rectangular the name had already stuck, and it was difficult to imagine the bars under any other name."

We prefer Ellen's take on the situation but good to know the answer in any case.