Cereal might have been intended to be a breakfast food when it was first invented in the 1800s, but now it is so much more. Today, it’s still one of most popular American breakfasts, but it has grown to become baby food, a midnight snack, and even dinner when the dining halls are a miss.
Cereal has made a huge presence in America, and buying a box of Kellogg’s or General Mill’s cereal is basically a given during a trip to the store. But given the diversity of food around the world, Cheerios and Frosted Flakes can’t be only cereals sitting in the supermarket aisles of all 196 countries. So, what are? What does America’s most popular breakfast food look like around the world?
Israel – Telma Shefa’s Kariot Nougat
Photo courtesy of kedem.com
At first glance, these squares might look a little boring and bland but as soon as you take your first bite, you discover nothing but pillows oozing with silky, smooth nougat cream. With the cream and the crunch, a bowl of this kosher cereal is sure to make your taste buds break out into their happy dance. No wonder it’s a best seller at the trending Cereal Killer Cafe.
South Korea – Post’s Oreo O’s
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Combining the shape of a Cheerio with the taste of an Oreo gets you nothing other than Oreo O’s. This cereal is truly unique to South Korea considering that it’s the only place that’s been producing it since 2007. With fluffy marshmallow pebbles and little circular rings, this cereal is another excuse to eat cookies and milk for breakfast without feeling too guilty about it.
Germany – Dr. Oetker’s Vitalis Multifruct Plus
Photo courtesy of germandeli.com
What does Germany have to offer to the cereal world? Apparently, a pharmacist named Dr. August Oetker who got into the food business by concocting his very own baking powder. Amidst the baking mixes and frozen pizzas is Dr Oetker’s line of Vitalis cereal. Germany might be far away from the tropics, but you’ll be surprised to find passionfruit tucked away inside a spoonful of Vitalis Plus.
United Kingdom – Weetabix
Photo courtesy of gianteagle.com
Inspired by an Australian company called Weet-bix, the Weetabix company has been going strong in the UK since it’s start in 1932 and has a focus to make their products nutritious. The cereal may look a little different with its high-fiber, palm-sized biscuits, but judging by its local and global popularity, it seems like a cereal that may just make its way to the top.
South Africa – Kellogg’s Strawberry Pops
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Kellogg’s is essentially the Beyonce of the cereal world. Kellogg’s is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest names in breakfast products here and around the world. With its light and airy strawberry-flavored rice puffs, a bowl of Strawberry Pops is a popular breakfast in South Africa, giving a good start to anyone’s day. Even better, who wouldn’t want the strawberry milk that’s left over?
Australia – Nestle’s Milo
Photo courtesy of nestle.com
The box of cereal is named after a Greek mythology character who was known for his strength. Eating a bowl of Milos may not turn you into the Hulk, but what is guaranteed is the taste of hot chocolate you’ll get as soon as those chocolate pebbles hit your taste buds. It turns out that the Milo also refers to the chocolate malt powder that an Australian fellow developed in Sydney during the 1930s.
Just because American kitchens are filled with Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops doesn’t mean the rest of the world’s are too. Even the most common foods can be culturally varying. The next time you visit another country, try something new for breakfast. Who knows, it could become your new favorite!