Americans Are Saying Bye-Bye to Cereal for Breakfast - And Here's Why
For years, most families considered cereal the ideal breakfast. It is reasonably cheap and requires just about no preparation, making it the perfect on-the-go meal. However, as many Americans are finding out, this isn’t exactly true. In fact, there is a wide range of better breakfast alternatives that put cereal to shame. Let’s take a closer look at 15 reasons why Americans are rethinking breakfast and saying goodbye to cereal.
Sugar Content
The most obvious reason for Americans turning their back on their favorite cereal is the high sugar content… And when we say high, we mean HIGH, in capital letters. Many popular cereals are packed full of sugar, turning away health-conscious eaters and parents who wish to provide their children with nutritious food to take on the day.
Artificial Ingredients
In order to make cereals look more appealing, many manufacturers include bright dyes and preservatives. As you can imagine, these aren’t the most health-conscious ingredients, especially for people who have any sort of food sensitivity. As a result, many families are opting for cleaner brands and foods instead.
Protein Priorities
As we become more aware of what is healthy and what isn’t, protein has become a staple in many American breakfasts. Not only does it leave you feeling full for longer, but it is also healthier. Cereals generally have very low protein content, which is yet another reason why families are opting for eggs, yogurt, and smoothies instead.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is gaining popularity, particularly among younger adults. While this may not be the healthiest choice in the long term, especially if you are an active person, it has led to a lower consumption of cereals. People normally choose to break their fast later in the day, so bye-bye, cereal.
On-The-Go Lifestyles
Many families simply don’t have the time to make elaborate and healthy breakfast spreads in the morning. In fact, for many people, even cereal is too much of a time-waster. Instead, they simply buy smoothies or snack bars on their way to work.
The Rise of Functional Foods
Functional foods are becoming more and more popular. This includes meals that support gut health, immune function, and energy level. Cereals don’t fall into this category, as they tend to lack the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Nostalgia Fatigue
Many people choose their cereal based on what they ate when they were younger. However, as this sense of nostalgia fades and better knowledge increases, people are more likely to choose new foods that they enjoy more.
Label Scrutiny
Thanks to warnings by health professionals, people now look more closely at the nutritional labels on foods. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that cereals definitely aren’t the healthiest breakfast option.
The Plant-Based Movement
Dairy-free lifestyles are becoming more and more popular. As a result, cereals are being consumed less, as they are traditionally eaten with milk or yogurt. The plant-based movement also pushes for a healthier lifestyle, which cereals don’t necessarily fit into.
Snacking
Fewer people are actually eating a traditional breakfast, which makes foods like cereal a bit obsolete. Instead, they are turning to convenient snacking options, such as on-the-go protein bars or ready-to-eat meals that can be purchased from the grocery store.
Premium Health Cereals
Brands such as Magic Spoon are raising the standards when it comes to cereals. Instead of sugar-packed cereals, people now opt for nutrient-dense products that taste good and offer good health benefits.
Cereal Fatigue
Many people have simply grown tired of eating cereal, as they have done so for such a long period of time. The more you eat something, the less appealing it becomes. As a result, people have turned to other breakfast options, such as eggs, toast, or even just smoothies (which are awesome, by the way!).
Economic Shifts
Families across the country are cutting back on processed foods due to rising costs and health priorities. Certain popular cereal bands have also become quite expensive, especially considering that they are packed full of refined sugar and offer no real nutritional value.
Cultural Diversity
Non-Western breakfasts usually contain much healthier and more nutrient-dense foods, including eggs, bacon, beans, etc. As more Americans are exposed to these meals, many have adopted them into their own routine.
Brand Reinvention Struggles
Some of the most popular cereal brands have changed their branding and recipe in an effort to stay relevant. However, this actually puts many people off, especially if they enjoyed a cereal for its sense of nostalgia.
