Breakfast cereal has become one of the most popular breakfast choices across the world in the modern times. With breakfast being considered the most important meal of the day, cereals provide a quick, convenient and nutritious start to the day. This article explores the history and rise in popularity of breakfast cereals and some of the most popular brands available in the market.
Early History and Development
The concept of processed breakfast cereals can be traced back to the efforts of Dr. James Caleb Jackson in the 1860s. However, it was not until the late 19th century when breakfast cereals started becoming a mainstream breakfast option. In the 1880s, William Kellogg and his brother John Harvey Kellogg who ran a health sanitarium in Michigan started experimenting with making grains easily digestible by steaming, baking and flaking them. This led to the invention of corn flakes by William Kellogg in 1894. Corn flakes were the earliest mainstream cold cereal. Post followed suit in 1895 by introducing their Grape-Nuts cereal. The popularization of mass production techniques during this time helped breakfast cereals gain widespread acceptance.
Rise of Big Cereal Brands
With increasing popularity, large cereal manufacturers started emerging in the early 20th century to mass produce varieties of breakfast cereals. Some of the biggest names came about during this time. Kellogg's was founded in 1906 as a company to focus purely on the breakfast cereal business. General Mills introduced Kix in 1909 followed by Cheerios in 1941 that went on to become one of its best-selling cereals. Similarly, Post launched Sugar Crisp in 1949 and Fruit Loops in 1962 that also became iconic parts of their cereal lineup. With aggressive marketing, large production facilities and distribution reach, these big brands dominated the cereal market in subsequent decades. Advancements in food technology and the addition of ingredients like sugar also made cereals more appealing to taste buds.
Popular Modern Cereals
The major breakfast cereal brands continue to innovate and introduce new varieties to stay competitive in the crowded market. Here are some of the most popular cereals widely available today:
- Corn Flakes - Kellogg's Corn Flakes have become synonymous with Breakfast Cereals since its launch. Its crunchy texture and mild corn flavor provide a crowd-pleasing taste.
- Cheerios - General Mills' Cheerios is beloved for its simple ingredients of oats and whole grain. It comes in variations like Honey Nut Cheerios for added sweetness.
- Frosted Flakes - Tony the Tiger became a household name marketing Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. Its frosted corn flake pieces deliver a sweet yet part of a balanced breakfast.
- Fruit Loops - Post's iconic colorful cereal loops are basically candy masquerading as breakfast. Its fruity medley of flavors is a big childhood favorite.
- Cocoa Puffs - General Mills took cocoa cereal to new heights with its puffed wheat pieces that are decadently rich in chocolate flavor.
- Lucky Charms - Lucky Charms set the benchmark for mixing oat pieces with colorful marshmallows. Its appeal lies in the fun element of carton mascot Lucky and the surprise of different marshmallow shapes.
In addition, niche cereals focused on aspects like nutrition, organic ingredients or unique flavors continue finding audiences. From gluten-free to protein-rich varieties, the options have never been more diverse. Convenience aspects like microwaveable cups have also streamlined preparation.
The Future of Cereals
Even with the proliferation of portable breakfast options like yogurts and breakfast sandwiches, cereal shows no signs of slowing popularity as a breakfast staple. Major manufacturers are continually improving formulation, coming up with limited-edition flavors and tie-ups with pop culture franchises to engage younger audiences. Healthier cereals with more fiber, whole grains or iron-fortification are encouraging a new generation to start their day with a bowl. With persistent marketing support amplified online, breakfast cereals have secured their place as one of the easy, affordable and dependable breakfast choices for years to come
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