Ancient cereal?

Because of the large role that cereal plays in our modern diet and lifestyle it's easy to overlook the historical background of this food staple. While breakfast cereal today is a food often interesting more because of its marketing than substance, it is worth noting that cereal is not a modern invention. True, packaged, ready-to-eat cereals are relatively new on the human stage (apx. 100+ years), but there is evidence that other cereal concoctions have been around for a long time. In fact, a new Canadian study just published in the journal Science reveals that our ancestors have been processing grains for at least 100,000 years. And this likely included porridges.

I wonder what their boxes looked like?

(Source: AFP)

Technorati Tags: cereal, history, porridge, breakfastbowl

Heavyweights

Later this week, the Food Network will be airing an episode of "Heavyweights" that focuses on the long-time competition between Kellogg's, General Mills and Post through the years. It will feature some interesting history and background to cereal manufacturing and marketing.

Of particular interest to me: A producer from the show contacted me several months back to discuss the idea and I provided some information and photos for them.

Technorati Tags: cereal, Food+Network, TV, breakfastbowl

More vintage

Upon further reflection of my recent post on vintage cereal boxes I have come up with an idea that cereal companies may want to seriously consider.

What about vintage cereals, not just vintage boxes?

That's right, cereal companies could tap into our fascination with nostalgia by re-introducing cereals from the past in vintage packaging. They wouldn't have to be permanent additions, but limited editions. No more than one or two at a time would be needed by each company, but it would be a great way to capture sales in a highly competitive marketplace. I also suspect they could charge a little more and still sell them out.

Wouldn't it be great to taste again Kellogg's OKs or Puffa Puffa Rice? General Mills would have many excellent choices to offer, such as Sir Grapefellow, Crazy Cow, or Twinkles. What about Quaker Quake (they've already done this with Quisp!)? Or, Ralston Freakies? And, of course, Post Pink Panther Flakes!

We're tired of yet another flavor of Special K, or a new marshmallow in Lucky Charms.

How about something a little more exciting?

Technorati Tags: cereak, nostalgia, breakfastbowl

From constipation to big business

There are a number of histories of cereal out there, including many on the Internet. Many really don't say anything new. But, I came across an article today from The Guardian of the U.K. which gives a brief history of the origins of breakfast cereal. For anyone interested in the stories behind one of our current nutritional and cultural staples this article is worth reading:

"How constipation cure became huge business"

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Technorati Tags: cereal, history, BreakfastBowl

Cereal history

While hardly exhaustive, a brief article at the ASU [Angelo State University] Ram Page Online, provides some information on cereal history including cereal characters. Trivia perhaps, but interesting nonetheless.

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Technorati Tags : cereal, history, breakfastbowl