[3] The Taggart Baking Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, began producing Wonder Bread that debuted on May 21, 1921,[4] following a blind promotion with ads that only stated a "Wonder" was coming on that date.

The brand was named by vice president for merchandising development Elmer Cline, who was inspired by the International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

[2] The logo was designed by commercial artist Drew Miller while he was on staff at a Chicago ad agency.

[10] Unsliced bread returned for a period during World War II due to an industry-wide slicing suspension in 1943.

The company sponsored Howdy Doody, with host Buffalo Bob Smith telling the audience, "Wonder Bread builds strong bodies 8 ways" referring to the number of added nutrients.

[14] By the 1960s, Wonder Bread was advertised with the slogan "Helps build strong bodies 12 ways," with a list of health claims.

[18] On August 28, 2007, Interstate Bakeries announced it would soon end production of Wonder Bread in the Southern California market, leading to a loss of 1,300 jobs.

This was due to a decline in sales, as Southern Californians in particular were partial to whole-grain breads and "premium" loaves.

Wonder 100% Whole Wheat (16 oz variety) qualified for the Women, Infants and Children or WIC program in most states.

[citation needed] On November 16, 2012, Hostess Brands (Old HB) filed a motion in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking permission to close its business and sell its assets under Chapter 11.

[24] The company closed plants and began liquidation proceedings, temporarily ending production of Wonder Bread in the states.

Between 2000 and 2022, Weston Foods added a number of new Wonder products to the brand's line-up, many of which were designed to appeal to parents and their concern for their children's nutritional needs.