Harper West
Breakfast cereals are food products made from processed cereal grains that are eaten as part of breakfast or as a snack, predominantly in Western societies. The first cold breakfast cereal, Granula, was invented in the United States in 1863. Since then, the variety of breakfast cereals has expanded significantly, with an estimated 5,000 different types available as of 2012. This paragraph will explore the range of breakfast cereals on the market and the companies behind them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of breakfast cereals in the US in 1970 | 160 |
| Number of breakfast cereals in the US in 1998 | 340 |
| Number of breakfast cereals in the US in 2012 | 5,000 |
| Common hot cereals in parts of Canada | Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice, Red River cereal |
| Common hot cereals in China | Porridges, rice congee, corn meal, millet |
| Common hot cereals in Greece | Cornmeal, boiling milk |
| Common hot cereals in Ireland | Oatmeal |
| Common hot cereals in Scotland | Porridge with water and salt |
| Common hot cereals in Wales and England | Porridge with creamier substances |
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What You'll Learn
History of breakfast cereals
Breakfast cereal is a category of food made from processed cereal grains, eaten as part of breakfast or as a snack. Warm, cooked cereals like oatmeal, maize grits, and wheat farina have the longest history as traditional breakfast foods. However, the late 19th century saw the emergence of branded and ready-to-eat cold cereals, which are typically served with dairy products like milk or yoghurt, and sometimes fruit or nuts.
The history of breakfast cereal in the United States began in 1854 when German immigrant Ferdinand Schumacher started the nation's first commercial oatmeal company, German Mills American Oatmeal Company, in Akron, Ohio. In 1877, Schumacher adopted the Quaker symbol, the first registered trademark for a breakfast cereal.
In 1863, James Caleb Jackson, a religiously conservative vegetarian who ran a medical sanitarium in western New York, created the first cold breakfast cereal called Granula (not to be confused with granola). It was made from graham flour dough, dried, and broken into pieces that were so hard they needed to be soaked in milk. John Harvey Kellogg, a surgeon who ran a health spa in Michigan, later made a similar product, which he also called Granula. However, after a lawsuit from Jackson, Kellogg changed the name to "granola".
Kellogg also created Corn Flakes with his younger brother, Will Keith Kellogg. Will eventually bought the recipe, added sugar to the flakes, and founded the Kellogg's company. Another one of Kellogg's patients, C.W. Post, created Grape-Nuts in 1897, which became the first popular product to offer a discount coupon. Post later developed a similar cereal to Kellogg's Corn Flakes called Elijah's Manna, which was renamed Post Toasties after protests from religious groups.
In the early 20th century, the Quaker Oats Company began marketing Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat, calling them the first "food shot from guns" and the "eighth wonder of the world". Experiments with the puffing process also led to the creation of Kix, a puffed corn cereal, and Cheerios, a puffed oats cereal. After World War II, cereal companies increasingly targeted children in their marketing, and sugar became a selling point. For example, Kellogg's invented Frosted Flakes, which were advertised by Tony the Tiger.
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Popular cereals in the US
Breakfast cereals are typically made from processed cereal grains and eaten with milk. They are most commonly consumed in Western societies, with the US being a prominent market. In the US, cereals are often fortified with vitamins, but they can still lack many of the vitamins needed for a healthy breakfast. Therefore, initial marketing campaigns focused on positioning these products as "part of a complete breakfast".
A significant proportion of packaged cereals have a high sugar content and are frequently marketed toward children, featuring cartoon mascots and including toys or prizes. As a result of this marketing strategy, between 1970 and 1998, the number of different types of breakfast cereals in the US more than doubled, from about 160 to around 340. As of 2012, there were roughly 5,000 different types of cereals available.
Some of the most popular cereals in the US include Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Cheerios, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Lucky Charms. Corn Flakes, created in the early 1900s, is considered a classic, relatively healthy option. Rice Krispies, another simple cereal, is known for its nostalgic value and the signature "snap, crackle, and pop" sound. Cheerios is also a versatile option that can be enjoyed by both children and adults and is often used in creative recipes. Frosted Mini Wheats is a popular choice for those who want a balance between health and taste, as it features wheat pieces coated with sugar. Lucky Charms, with its colourful marshmallows and whole-grain pieces, has been a beloved sugary option since the 1960s.
Other notable mentions include Rice Chex, which is known for its versatility, and Grape-Nuts, which has a dedicated following for its unique texture. The history of breakfast cereals in the US is rich, with pioneers like James Caleb Jackson creating Granula in 1863, which inspired John Harvey Kellogg's Granola and C.W. Post's Grape-Nuts. These innovations laid the foundation for the diverse range of cereals available today.
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Popular cereals in Canada
Breakfast cereals are made from processed cereal grains and are eaten as part of breakfast or as a snack. They are most common in Western societies, with the United States being nicknamed the "Cereal Capital of the World". The number of breakfast cereals in the US has grown significantly over the years, with an estimated 5,000 different types available as of 2012.
In Canada, cereal is a staple in many homes due to its convenience and taste. While there is no definitive list of the most popular cereals in Canada, several sources mention a variety of options that are commonly consumed. Here is a list of some popular cereals in Canada:
Lucky Charms
Lucky Charms is a well-known cereal in Canada, featuring whole grain pieces and colourful marshmallows. The cereal has a signature mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun. While some people enjoy the combination of cereal and marshmallows, others find it too sweet.
Froot Loops
Froot Loops is another popular cereal in Canada. Each Froot Loop has the same taste, regardless of its colour. Some people may find the amount of food colouring in each piece off-putting.
Cheerios
Cheerios is a versatile cereal that can be enjoyed as a breakfast option or as a snack. It is relatively healthier compared to other options and has good staying power in milk.
Rice Krispies
Rice Krispies is a crunchy cereal that provides a satisfying pop when eaten. However, some people may find that it creates a slight suction on the tongue when combined with milk.
Frosted Flakes
Frosted Flakes is a tasty cereal with the perfect amount of sugar. However, it tends to get soggy quickly, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer their cereal crunchy.
Honey Bunches of Oats
Honey Bunches of Oats is one of the brands offered by Post Consumer Brands Canada. It provides a sweet and crunchy breakfast option.
Other popular cereals in Canada include Oreo O's, Timbits cereal, and Mini Wheats. Additionally, some individuals in Canada may enjoy cereals that are not as commonly found in the country, such as Trix, Cocoa Puffs, and Apple Jacks.
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Popular cereals in China
Breakfast cereals are typically eaten in Western societies, with the US and Europe leading the way in terms of consumption. However, the breakfast cereal industry in China has been growing, nearly doubling in size between 2015 and 2021, from $78 million USD to $1.4 billion USD. This growth is partly driven by a growing interest in nutritious foods, particularly in larger cities, where middle-class residents seek low-calorie breakfast options that offer health benefits such as improved metabolism and blood sugar regulation.
Despite this growth, the breakfast cereal market in China remains small compared to other breakfast options, and traditional breakfast meals like buns, noodles, congee, and dumplings are still preferred. Nevertheless, companies are tailoring their products to suit Chinese tastes, with Cereal Partners Worldwide, a collaboration between Nestlé and General Mills, adding black sesame and purple yam options to its Nesvita Milk Oatmeal range. PepsiCo has also imported a Quaker oatmeal product mixed with Chinese yam and purple rice, and Quaker has been working with the Chinese Nutrition Society since 2016 to educate Chinese families about the nutritional value of whole grains.
Oatmeal has been the most successful type of breakfast cereal in China so far, with Quaker and Chinese manufacturer Seamild accounting for a third of the market. Seamild commanded 15.1% of the market, while Quaker accounted for 4.1% of sales last year. E-commerce platforms also contribute significantly to the sales of ready-to-eat cereals, with young Chinese consumers increasingly ordering from their phones.
While the breakfast cereal market in China is still developing, the interest in nutritious and convenient breakfast options presents opportunities for companies to introduce new products that cater to Chinese tastes and cultural preferences.
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Popular cereals in Greece
Breakfast cereals are made from processed cereal grains and are usually eaten as part of breakfast or as a snack. They are primarily consumed in Western societies. While warm cereals like oatmeal, maize grits, and wheat farina have the longest history as traditional breakfast foods, ready-to-eat cold cereals began to appear in the late 19th century.
In Greece, breakfast can be a rustic meal with cheese pies, olives, feta, and crusty bread with honey or marmalade. However, farro wheat cereal is also a popular breakfast option. Farro wheat cereal has a nutty flavor, chewy texture, and high nutritional value. It requires a longer cooking time than smoother, creamy cereals due to its chunkier, whole-kernel texture. To enhance its sweetness and nutrition, dried fruit can be added while cooking.
Other popular cereals around the world include Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Grape-nuts, Cheerios, and Lucky Charms. These cereals are often marketed towards children and may feature cartoon mascots or include toys or prizes. Companies also promote their products for their health benefits, such as the nutritional importance of breakfast or the advantages of eating oat-based and high-fiber cereals.
The number of breakfast cereal options has expanded significantly over the years. In the United States, the number of different types of cereals more than doubled between 1970 and 1998, increasing from about 160 to around 340. By 2012, there were an estimated 5,000 different types of cereals available due to the mass customization of online shopping.
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Frequently asked questions
It is hard to pinpoint an exact number, but as of 2012, there were an estimated 5,000 different types of breakfast cereals in the United States alone.
Popular breakfast cereals include Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Rice Chex, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Lucky Charms.
Some unique breakfast cereals include Donkey Kong Jr. Cereal, E.T. Cereal, and Krusty-O's, which was a promotional item for The Simpsons Movie.
