*The average American eats about ten pounds of cereal a year.
*In the mid-1800s a high protein diet was blamed for fueling “lust and laziness” – two of the seven deadly sins.
*Grape-nuts today is probably the closest you’ll get to the original granula.
*Nostalgia is one reason why adults love cold cereal and milk – it reminds them of their childhood.
*Milk contributes to a cold cereal breakfast – it adds protein, calcium, and vitamins.
*Lactose-free people often replace the milk in their cereal with almond, coconut, soy, or oat milk. They can also use lactose-free milk.
*In a study by Adolphus, Hoyland, Walton, Lawton, and Dye they concluded that “consuming breakfast has a positive acute effect on cognition in adolescents.”
*In 1944 General Mills advertised by claiming breakfast is the most important meal of the day. They handed out pamphlets and made radio announcements. It’s a myth! Breakfast is as important as other meals.
*Cheerios were originally called Cheerioats.
*In 1971 cartoon characters Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble began promoting Fruity and Coco Pebbles.
*Grape-nuts were the first big product to offer coupons.
*The word “cereal” comes from the Roman goddess of harvest and agriculture, Ceres.
*Approximately 50% of Americans begin their day with a bowl of cereal.
*During the pandemic as more people stayed home and reduced on-the-go and fast-food breakfasts, cereal consumption grew significantly. Sales were up 12% from the year prior.
*Kellogg’s Corn Flakes was the cereal eaten aboard Apollo 11, which made the first lunar landing.
*According to Changing America, the top four largest cereal brands are:
Cheerios: 139.1 million boxes sold
Frosted Flakes: 132.3 million boxes sold
Honey Nut Cheerios: 129.3 million boxes sold
Honey Bunches of Oats: 111.3 million boxes sold
