Cereal-based Snacks; a Traditional Breakfast Food Made from Processed Cereal Grains

Cereal-based snacks are major source of healthy foods; made from different types of grains such as sorghum, quinoa, millet, barley, rye, rice, oats, maize, wheat, and others. Raw materials derived from the grains vary from milled flours to grits semolina. A wide range of cereal-based products are available on the market, such as breakfast cereal, sweet bakery ware, cereal bars, pasta, and savory snacks. Cereal-based snacks include energy bars and cereal bars, which are sugar-free, gluten-free, and protein enriched.

These ready-to-eat snack products are major source of energy, proteins, and dietary nutrients. Many cereals are consumed with pulses and legumes, which significantly increases the ratio of protein intake and essential amino acid consumption. Cereals are generally sweet in taste with a pleasant aroma and pleasantly sweet flavor. Moreover, cereal-based snacks are a popular alternative to traditional foods and snacks for children with allergies. A variety of cereals are available from local grocery stores and are widely available at specialty food stores.

Many of these food products are gluten free and many have no artificial ingredients and added flavors. The cost is comparable to the cost of a meal for most children, depending on the brand consumer choose. A wide availability of cereals makes them a popular choice for those who have food allergies or celiac disease. Cereal has been extensively used as a food for children and adults since the nineteenth century. Cereal-based snacks are easy to prepare and often taste better than other pre-packaged foods.

There are no refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup added to the food. These foods are mostly made from a variety of grains, which comprises two-thirds of human food consumption. In the recent past, snacking has surged in the United States, as an all-day practice and sometimes even replaces meals. For example, in 2019, Huel Ltd., a U.K.-based company, launched cereal bars that contain over 27 vital vitamins and minerals for the market in U.S. Cereal-based snacks are the ideal on-the-go snacks that are easy to eat, affordable, and are healthy option to eat when hungry.