JAV-O A Perfect Drink — Jav-O Cereal Coffee Co. ad, The Saltsburg Press, 14 September 1899

Display advertisement for JAV-O, a malted-grain cereal coffee substitute produced by the Jav-O Cereal Coffee Co. of Buffalo, N.Y. — “JAV-O is a benefit to all who drink it. It takes the place of Coffee, Cocoa, Chocolate or Tea.” Positioned as a health drink made from wheat, barley, rye, and other malted grains; priced at 15¢ for one pound and 25¢ for two pounds. Tagline: “It Leads Them All.”

This is the earliest documented use of the JAV-O name in the project’s primary record — 55 years before Hoffmann-Hayman launched its own Jav-O Coffee line in 1954. Whether H&H’s Jav-O took inspiration from this earlier brand, acquired the trademark, or arrived at the name independently is unresolved.

Transcription

JAV-O A PERFECT DRINK

JAV-O is a benefit to all who drink it. It takes the place of Coffee, Cocoa, Chocolate or Tea, and contains all that the human system demands for health and strength.

JAV-O is made from Malted Grains—Wheat, Barley, Rye, etc. It increases the weight and invigorates the entire system. It is of the greatest benefit to children and people of weak stomachs.

JAV-O has nearly the same taste as Coffee, and most people, after a trial, prefer it to all other beverages.

JAV-O is worth a trial, convince yourselves of its merit and health-giving qualities. 15 cts. for one-pound package, 25 cts. for two-pound package. Take no substitute.

IT LEADS THEM ALL.

JAV-O CEREAL COFFEE CO., BUFFALO, N.Y.

Source

• “Jav-O A Perfect Drink,” The Saltsburg Press (Saltsburg, Penn.), 14 Sep 1899, p. 4, Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/image/1001572912/ (accessed 19 May 2026).
• Archived export: /assets/pdfs/1899-09-14-saltsburg-press-jav-o-cereal-coffee-co-ad.pdf.