Cereal Flakes Market By Product Type (Corn, Wheat, Oats, Rice, Multigrain, Others), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By Flavor (Honey, Fruit, Chocolate, Berry, Cinnamon, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline {Supermarkets and hypermarkets, Convenience stores, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Cereal Flakes market accounted for USD 15.8 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 26.46 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 4.8% between 2025 and 2035. The cereal flakes market can be defined as an industry that encompasses the production, sales, and distribution globally of these breakfast cereals, which are made from grains such as wheat, corn, rice, and oats, often in flake shapes. Cereals often contain fortified vitamins and minerals and find high preference as a breakfast food because they are tasty, nutritious, and carry a good variety.

The market consists of both old, established brands and new, healthy, such as organically prepared, gluten-free, or high-protein oats. Consumer preferences for flavors, ingredients, and packaging are constantly changing and influenced by health trends, lifestyle changes, and regional preferences. Increased demand for ready-to-eat food and expanding retail distribution channels worldwide also contribute to growth in the market.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

• The Growing Demand for Plant-Based Products Driven by Health and Sustainability Trends

The consumer desire for healthier and more sustainable diets fuels the demand for whole grain cereals by plant-based foods. As reported by the Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA), the market of U.S. worth $6.2 billion for plant-based foods in 2022 had an annual growth rate of 6.5%. Moreover, according to NIH, the awareness of plant-based food behaviors among consumers has increased through health issues.

Over 8% of Americans adhered to a vegetarian or vegan diet in 2023, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations aligns its work with this global demand for increased consumption of plant-based foods by focusing on environmental benefits, healthy outcomes of plant-based foods, and how that fuels demand for oat, quinoa, and barley-based cereal products. This trend is supported by the increasing sales of such whole grain alternatives as consumers favor healthier and more sustainable options than traditional animal products.

• Rising Demand for Convenient and On-the-Go Cereal Flakes

Convenience and on-the-go consumption have become major drivers in the growing demand for cereal flakes. The life of a consumer is becoming increasingly fast-paced as people, parents especially, need quick, easy-to-prepare meals, easily fitting them into busy schedules.

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50% of Americans claim time constraints affect how they can prepare healthy meals, thus driving up demand for convenient food options such as cereal flakes. Additional information is given in a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which states that around 60% of U.S. adults consume one or more meals out of home daily, which again emphasizes the necessity of easily available and consumable breakfast products.

Cereal flakes being a product that needs minimal preparation, can be easily taken and carried very well with the evolving consumer's behaviors, thus serving as a convenient source of nutrition with minimal time consumption.

• Consumer Preference for Fresh, Homemade Meals Limits Growth of Processed Cereals

Consumer preferences for fresh, homemade meals become a restriction to the growth of processed breakfast cereals. Most consumers today go for fresh, whole foods rather than processed foods because they consider them healthier. Statista Consumer Insights revealed that 50% of Americans claim to try to eat healthy, which translates to eating homemade meals perceived as healthier. Moreover, the CDC has reported an increasing number of health-conscious consumers.

This growing population of consumerist health-conscious people tends to deliberately cut down on intake from processed foods. The growing trend toward fresh and minimally processed foods might prevent ready-to-eat breakfast cereals from becoming attractive to this health-conscious consumer market. It also relates to the emergence of meal delivery services and meal prepping, which stand as choices besides regular processed breakfast products. And since consumers demand more control over their food choices, it creates a challenge for brands with cereals to capture this segment of the market.

• Significant Growth Opportunity in Gluten-Free and Allergen-Free Food Products

The total growth opportunity for the food industry lies in the demand for products being gluten-free and allergen-free. It is estimated that about 1 in 100 individuals worldwide suffer from celiac disease and there is a substantial need for undeviating gluten-free diets. Approximately 6 million Americans suffer from some form of food allergy, and about 1 in 13 children suffer from a food allergy, an illness estimated to create enormous demand for allergen-free foods, according to FARE.

As Mintel reports, interest in allergen-free and specialty diets is going upward because 58% of U.S. consumers look for foods free of common allergens like dairy, gluten, or nuts. Thus, the growing consumer base is a huge opportunity for brands to innovate and take advantage of the upsurge in demand for gluten-free and allergen-free products.

• Opportunity in Fun and Nutritional Cereal Flakes for Children

There are big opportunities for fun and nutritious breakfast cereal flake options based on current concerns regarding childhood nutrition. About 1 in 5 children living in the U.S. is estimated to have obesity as well by the CDC, thereby indicating a demand for healthier breakfast options. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey report depicted its achievement by showing that 90% of U.S. children did not consume enough fruits and vegetables, thus leaving an open space for vitamin and mineral intake through cereals.

The growing number of health-conscious parents who are eager to spend extra on healthy yet tasty breakfast offerings see that 58% of parents would pay more for nutritious breakfast foods according to a Mintel report. This offers an excellent opportunity in which brands can innovate fun healthy cereal flakes that ensure the nutritional fulfillment of children.

Industry Experts Opinion

"As the most important meal of the day, we believe that breakfast is an occasion to be savored," 

• Jinder Bhogal, Senior Brand Manager for Thomas.

“The cereal category has always been quite affordable, and it tends to be a great destination when consumers are under pressure. If you about the cost of cereal for a family versus what they might otherwise do, that’s going to be much more affordable.”

• Gary Pilnick, CEO of Kellogg’s.

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the Cereal Flakes market has been classified into Corn, Wheat, Oats, Rice, Multigrain, and Others. Among these, Corn is leading due to its widespread popularity, cost-effectiveness, and versatile use in various cereal products.

Based on Nature, the Cereal Flakes market is classified into Organic and Conventional. Organic cereal flakes are gaining traction as consumers increasingly prioritize healthier, pesticide-free options, while Conventional cereal flakes continue to dominate the market due to their affordability and widespread availability.

The Cereal Flakes market is divided into Honey, Fruit, Chocolate, Berry, Cinnamon, and Others. Honey leads with its natural sweetness, while fruit and chocolate flavors cater to different taste preferences.

Regional Analysis

North America is the largest market for cereal flakes, and in this region, from the U.S. and Canada, consumers are highly demanding convenient breakfast options. The region benefits from a well-established retail infrastructure across supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience outlets having a broad availability of cereal products.

Consumer preferences for ready-to-eat, nutritious, and diverse cereal flakes have fed growth. With an increased focus on health and wellness, the market is witnessing increasing organic, gluten-free, and low-sugar cereal flakes demand and this itself is boosting North American sales. Developed food culture and strong brand availability in the region will continue to dominate its market, pushing it strongly in the global cereal flakes industry market.

The Asia-Pacific region is the most rapidly developing market for cereal flakes, associated with fast-paced urbanization and changing diet preferences. Improved disposable incomes and a growing middle-class population also make convenient, ready-to-eat breakfast options more appealing in countries like China, India, and Japan.

Moreover, with rising health consciousness among consumers, cereal flake manufacturers are seeing increased demand for nutritious breakfast cereals. The rapid expansion of retail networks and the rising influence of Western food trends are Fuelling regional growth in the cereal flakes market. Growing competition and local as well as international brand entries will continue to spur growth in this dynamic region.

Competitive Landscape

The cereal flakes market sees major headwinds coming from key players such as Kellogg Company, General Mills, Nestlé, Post Consumer Brands, and Quaker Oats (PepsiCo). These companies are on a constant lookout for innovation, helping them cater to the diversified, healthier, and convenient aspects desired by consumers.

It includes GHOST's entry into the cereal category in April 2024, with its high-protein breakfast line, GHOST Cereal, a deal that was announced by General Mills. Besides, Kellogg's extends its portfolio by introducing more gluten-free and organic cereals, while General Mills entered the market with a set of new products aimed at the ever-growing trend of wellness-oriented diets. The fight is up as these companies are trying to develop innovative products, and healthier ingredients, and extend distribution channels to secure their place in the market.

Cereal Flakes Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2024, Thomas'® Breads and WK Kellogg Co launched Thomas' Froot Loops® Mini Bagels, blending Froot Loops® cereal with Thomas' mini bagels. The limited-time product is available nationwide.
• In May 2024, the ICEE Company partnered with WK Kellogg Co to launch a Froot Loops-flavored frozen treat, available nationwide at retailers like Maverik, Meijer Gas, Sky Zone, and Target this summer.
• In April 2024, GHOST launched a high-protein cereal line in collaboration with General Mills, featuring "PEANUT BUTTER" and "MARSHMALLOW" flavors, marketed as the "Breakfast of Legends."

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Corn
• Wheat
• Oats
• Rice
• Multigrain
• Others

By Nature

• Organic
• Conventional

By Flavor

• Honey
• Fruit
• Chocolate
• Berry
• Cinnamon
• Others

Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Convenience stores
  • Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Kellogg
• General Mills, Inc.
• Post Consumer Brands
• Quaker Oats
• Nestlé S.A.
• Kraft Heinz
• Weetabix Limited
• Attune Foods
• Hain Celestial Group
• Kashi
• Bagrry's India Ltd
• Nature's Path
• Cascadian Farm
• Uncle Toby's
• Marico Limited

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)