Honey and Hispanics

Cereal innovations and extensions are nothing new, but this latest Corn Flakes one has a new twist. Kellogg has introduced Corn Flakes Touch of Honey which they have developed because of their belief that Hispanics prefer honey-sweetened cereal. The over-55 crowd will probably also find the addition of honey to a staple cereal enticing. In a rare U.S. move, Kellogg is also adding Spanish to the box.

This isn't the first cereal targeted to Hispanics in the U.S., but it does indicate a growing trend to meet the changing the demographics around us.

Source: Brandweek

Technorati Tags: cereal, Hispanics, Kellogg, Corn+Flakes, breakfastbowl

Kellogg adds fiber

Over the past few years we have seen cereal manufacturers modify their recipes to make them more attractive to nutrition-conscious consumers, and to avoid the negative perceptions associated with some breakfast cereals. The latest is Kellogg, who just one year ago reduced sugar in some cereals. Now, they have announced that by the end of 2010 80% of their cereals will contain at least 3 grams of fiber. Apple Jacks and Froot Loops will be the first to experience this boost. This is somewhat similar to General Mills' decision several years ago to include whole grains in most of their cereals.

In reality, adding fiber (which will likely be the insoluble type) to cereals otherwise high in sugar, and artificial flavors and colors is somewhat disingenuous. Ultimately, it's nothing more than a marketing ploy.

Technorati Tags: cereal, Kellogg, fiber, nutrition, breakfastbowl

Cereal and common sense

The U.S. is known for frivolous lawsuits, and a recent one involving cereal proves the point. A woman filed a complaint against PepsiCo (owners of Quaker) for misleading consumers with its Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries. Apparently this cereal does NOT contain real fruit!

Fortunately the U.S. District Court dismissed the case citing the role of "personal responsibility and common sense".

What's next? Maybe somebody will discover there's no fruit in Froot Loops!

(Source: Lowering the Bar)

Technorati Tags: cereal, lawsuits, breakfastbowl

Wheaties evolves?

New Wheaties boxes are appearing on grocery store shelves, but not with athletic heroes. Instead a new line of boxes is promoting something new that will be unveiled on September 9th. No solid clues are given, except a tag line of "Fuel. Win. Evolve". and a website (www.wheaties.com/evolution) that contains nothing more than this image.

While we'll have to wait 3 1/2 months to know for sure, this could be something significant from General Mills. Hopefully. In recent years Wheaties has lacked the lustre it once had. Perhaps a new, stronger brand aimed at today's true fitness buffs could make this a hard-core cereal with a position all its own.

Technorati Tags: cereal, General+Mills, Wheaties, breakfastbowl

Cereal without cereal

Here's an innovative twist for the morning breakfast bowl:

Naturally Sweet Baking Company of Nashville, Tennessee has developed a technique to dry fruits in a manner that produces a granular "whole fruit cereal" that can be eaten like and in place of conventional cereals. To be precise these are not really "cereals" (i.e. which are grains), but they mimic them and provide an alternative for those who can not or prefer not to eat grains, or for something new and different.

Currently, there are two flavors: sweet apples and tart apples. Pear and apricot versions are coming soon. These are available in stores only in Tennessee, or online.

Technorati Tags: cereal, fruit+cereal, Naturally+Sweet+Baking+Company, fruit, breakfastbowl

Cheerios and health claims

General Mills has been slapped by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because of health claims that appear on Cheerios boxes. The claim is that you could "lower your cholesterol 4 percent in six weeks", which is too specific for the FDA and treads into drug claim territory.General Mills countered saying that the claim has been on boxes for more than two years and is backed by a strong clinical study.

In a highly competitive environment cereal companies are doing all they can to stand out and gain an edge. In this case General Mills may have gone a little too far.

Sources: Reuters, General Mills

Technorati Tags: cereal, General+Mills, Cheerios, cholesterol, breakfastbowl

Beam some up

Some cereal is just meant to be fun, and Kellogg's new Star Trek offering is just that. Tied in with the popular new movie it should be a fun way to start the day, especially for Trekkies.

A must for collectors.

Technorati Tags: cereal, Kellogg, Star+Trek, breakfastbowl

Kellogg and truth in advertising

Kellogg recently agreed to settle with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission after charges were laid concerning false claims in advertising. Kellogg stated that Frosted Mini-Wheats improve children's attentiveness. The FTC charged that these claim were false and that Kellogg misrepresented the clinical study in question.

Kellogg has been trying hard to emphasize the nutrition soundness of its cereals, especially for children, but this time they tried too hard.

(Source: Bloomberg)

Technorati Tags: cereal, Kellogg, nutrition, advertising, breakfastbowl

Spilt Milk Bowl

I've highlighted new designs in cereal bowls before. Most of them try to solve a problem, like keeping the cereal crunchy, etc. Perpetual kid is offering one that has no real practical advantage, but it might be a fun one to have around. Made from flexible silicone the Spilt Milk Bowl adds a splash of fun to your breakfast table!

(Thanks Jacob for the tip!)


Technorati Tags: cereal, bowls, breakfastbowl

Too many choices?

Nowhere in a grocery store is there such a plethora of choices as in the cereal aisle. Taking into consideration all the different brands, sizes and generic knock-offs it is not unusual to see over 100 choices in any one store.

But a recent study by a University of Minnesota researcher suggests that having too many choices could be ruining our lives, causing fatigue and dissatisfaction.

With every company trying to carve out a niche and gain an edge it is easy to see why there are so many choices. But, how many are too many? At what point does too many choices dilute a brand? Would it better for manufacturers to focus on a few highly innovative, unique choices versus a whole bunch of mediocre ones?

What do you think: Are there too many cereal choices? Record your vote on our latest poll (on our main page), or leave your comment here.

(Source: Minneapolis/St. Paul CityPages)

Technorati Tags: cereal, breakfastbowl