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These global breakfast trends reflect innovation in ingredients, nutritional formulation, flavor, and more. Check out the exciting ways the cereal category is evolving!
While foundational to the category’s growing success, healthiness is not the only thing recent cereals have to offer. The top emerging cereal trends range from protein-enriched cereals to innovative ingredients to exciting flavor innovation.
New launches of protein-enriched cereals like those by trailblazers Catalina Crunch and Magic Spoon in America give consumers another reason to choose cereal over other breakfast and snack options. Protein claims influence the cereal purchase of one in four consumers globally (with rates especially high in South Africa, Indonesia, and Brazil).2
In the US, where one in twenty consumers had a protein cereal in the past three months, the usage rate jumps to one in four for protein category consumers.3 Consumer research shows a striking 69% of these usage occasions are snacking occasions, pointing to the potential of protein cereal, which offers nutrition and satiety, to be a major player in the better-for-you snacks category.4
Another significant trend in breakfast cereals is the use of innovative ingredients, which is creating new possibilities in nutrition and taste. Dairy and plant-based proteins, as powders and extruded pieces, support the protein cereal trend, while fibers such as chicory fiber and inulin are used to boost a cereal’s fiber without compromising taste.
Flavor innovation in cereals is another trend to watch, with unique flavor profiles being developed to help products stand out from the competition. This includes elevating common cereal flavors with complementary flavors and appealing names such as Cinnamon Brioche, Mocha Latte, and Blueberry Buttermilk of Best Behavior’s Irresistible Cereal.
Maintaining a health-centric approach is key while offering more adventurous or premium flavors that can win loyal consumers. Flavor innovation can also increase snackability. Many leading protein-fortified cereals promote their products as suited for breakfast, midday treats, and late-night snacks.
Catalina Crunch and Magic Spoon are examples of brands successfully navigating these trends to create standout better-for-you snacks and cereals through flavorful keto-friendly, high-protein, low-carb formulations, with both capitalizing on the expansive reach of e-commerce.
The founder of Catalina Crunch was driven by his experiences with Type 1 diabetes to develop cereals that could better accommodate dietary needs, while Magic Spoon’s co-founders were seeking to recreate their favorite childhood cereals without all the sugar. Sharing their stories has been integral to spreading their messages and building trust in their brands.
Consumers seeking healthier cereal solutions can choose from Catalina Crunch’s Keto Friendly line (available in Cinnamon Toast, Honey Graham, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter) or its Pairings line, which are cereals paired with a dried fruit or nut (such as the company’s Blueberry Muffin Cereal with Blueberries).
These gluten-free cereals contain 10-11 grams of protein from pea protein, 7-9 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of sugar (or 1 gram for those containing fruit), with stevia and monk fruit as the primary sweeteners. These are available individually or as a starter pack that lets consumers try different Catalina Crunch cereals and snacks, with a subscribe option for a discount.
Magic Spoon Grain-Free cereals are featured in classic flavors like Cocoa and Fruity, as well as innovative flavors like Maple Waffle, Cinnamon Roll, and Birthday Cake. They provide 13-14 grams of protein from dairy protein, 4-5 grams of net carbs, and 0 grams of sugar, relying on allulose and monk fruit for sweetness.
Magic Spoon offers variety packs, plus a build your own bundle option that lets consumers also select from the company’s healthy cereal bars. Like Catalina Crunch, Magic Spoon provides a subscribe and save option to encourage repeat purchases.
These emerging cereal trends keep health and nutrition in the spotlight, providing consumers with enhanced nutritional profiles, support for dietary restrictions and preferences, and expanded usage that encompasses healthy morning meals and better-for-you snacks.
Our wide range of innovative snack ingredients and cereal solutions—from crunchy extruded protein pieces to creative signature flavors—can support your brand’s success in today’s market. For more insights or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Glanbia Nutritionals.
Healthy snacks to eat at night are foods that are convenient, nutritious, and keep you full through the night. Snacks that contain protein or fiber are especially effective at providing satiety. Examples of healthy nighttime snacks are protein bars and bites, yogurts, and snacking cereals with added fiber or protein.
Healthy snacks for toddlers are foods that are convenient, easy to eat, often mild in taste, and meet the nutritional needs of toddlers. According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a toddler’s diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy or fortified soy alternatives, and protein foods—and that includes snacks.
Since iron and zinc are especially important at this stage of life, healthy snacks for toddlers, as well as toddler meals, might be fortified with these and other essential nutrients. Today’s most popular healthy snacks for toddlers include fruit and vegetable purees, yogurts, cereals, cereal bars, and snack crackers.
Healthy snacking for pregnancy encompasses the right nutrients to support mother and baby, along with convenient formats and enjoyable flavors. The key nutrients at this life stage are folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, DHA, protein, choline, and iodine. Fortified prenatal shakes and bars are a convenient way to make sure of getting enough of these specific nutrients.
Some fortified snacks formulated for pregnant women also contain bioactives that have special roles in immunity, growth, and development. Since pregnancy can be a stressful time, it’s important that prenatal snacks come in delicious and satisfying flavors. However, due to the effects of morning sickness, mild flavors may be appreciated, including flavors associated with calming the stomach like ginger, peppermint, and lemon.
