As the cereal industry faces ongoing challenges, numerous legacy brands are turning to convenience-focused product reformulations to attract consumers back to this category. While many of these innovations are specifically aimed at millennials—a Mintel study indicates that 40% of this group feels that pouring a bowl of cereal is too much effort—shoppers of all ages are increasingly gravitating toward portable breakfast options. Companies are investing in breakfast bar products, such as Quaker’s new Porridge To Go breakfast squares available in flavors like golden syrup, strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, to meet the needs of busy consumers.
For instance, General Mills has introduced “on-the-go” pouches for its Golden Grahams, Fruity Cheerios, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch brands, while Post has launched a line of breakfast shakes and Honey Bunches of Oats-infused biscuits. Furthermore, these brands are gradually enhancing their products with added protein, fiber, and whole grains, while phasing out artificial ingredients and excessive sugar content.
However, could products like Quaker’s Oat Squeeze, a squeezable pouch of oatmeal, push the convenience trend too far? It’s a possibility. Consumers might find the texture of a yogurt, fruit, and oat blend squeezed from a tube unappealing, especially since they can obtain the protein and other nutritional benefits from oatmeal through value-added shakes and yogurts. Not every product can successfully adapt to this convenience model, and only time will reveal how traditional and reformulated oatmeal offerings will perform as consumers increasingly demand on-the-go solutions.
In this context, one might wonder when should you take calcium citrate? As consumers seek quick and nutritious breakfast alternatives, understanding the timing for calcium supplementation can also play a crucial role in their overall health routine. Therefore, as the market evolves, the intersection of convenience and nutritional awareness will be vital for brands navigating this landscape.