GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cereal Sales Statistics

Global cereal market valued at $274 billion, consumption remains steadily high.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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In 2022, the average American consumed approximately 90 grams of cereal per day

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The average household in the US purchases cereal about 12 times per year

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Cereal flavors like apple cinnamon and chocolate are among the top 5 best-selling flavors worldwide

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Millennials are responsible for approximately 40% of cereal sales in the US

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Cereal consumption among seniors (65+) decreased by 5% between 2019 and 2022

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The average age of cereal consumers in the US is 35 years old

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The cereal market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028

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The leading cereal brand in the US holds a market share of 27%

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Gluten-free cereals constitute around 12% of the cereal market in the US

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General Mills holds approximately 45% of the US breakfast cereal market

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The most popular cereal flavor in the US is honey, accounting for about 20% of sales

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The leading cereal company in Europe has a market share of 30%

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Breakfast cereals with added vitamins and minerals constitute 65% of total cereal sales

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Kids’ cereal accounts for 40% of total cereal sales, making it the largest segment for cereal companies

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The global cereal market was valued at approximately $274 billion in 2022

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The North American cereal market is projected to reach $25 billion by 2025

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Breakfast cereal sales in the US totaled roughly $7 billion in 2021

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The cereal segment accounts for about 35% of the total breakfast food market in the US

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Organic cereal sales increased by 8% in 2022

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Pediatric cereal sales account for roughly 30% of total cereal sales

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Whole grain cereals make up about 55% of cereal sales in the US

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Online cereal sales accounted for 5% of total cereal sales in the US in 2022

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The price of breakfast cereals has increased by an average of 3.2% annually over the past five years

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Cereal sales peak in August and September in the US, coinciding with back-to-school shopping

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The organic cereal segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030

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The self-serve cereal market in retail stores has grown by 15% over the last three years

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The average US household spends about $55 annually on breakfast cereals

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The gluten-free cereal market is expected to reach $2.4 billion globally by 2027

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The top 10 cereal brands combined account for over 70% of the US market share

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The cereals marketed toward children represent about 25% of total cereal sales in the US

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The global ready-to-eat cereal market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4% until 2030

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The prevalence of low-sugar cereals has increased, now accounting for 30% of the market share in 2022

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The cereal aisle is one of the top 10 most visited sections in grocery stores, accounting for 12% of shopper time

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The top 5 cereal brands in the US collectively hold a market share of over 50%

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, cereal sales in the US experienced a spike of 15% in March 2020

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Cereal packaging made from recycled materials accounts for approximately 25% of total cereal packaging in 2022

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The market for cereal bars, a complementary product, grew by 10% in 2022

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Plant-based cereals saw a 10% sales increase in 2022

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Cereal packaging waste has decreased by 10% due to eco-friendly packaging innovations

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The average calorie content per serving of cereal has decreased from 150 kcal in 2018 to 135 kcal in 2023

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Cereals with high fiber content saw a sales increase of 12% in 2022

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The cost of producing a box of cereal has increased by approximately 4% annually over the past five years due to raw material costs

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The average shelf life of cereal products ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on packaging and ingredients

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The percentage of cereals fortified with probiotics has increased by 20% over the last three years

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Sales of multi-grain cereals increased by 18% in 2022 compared to the previous year

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Cereal sales in convenience stores increased by 6% in 2022

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Key Highlights

The global cereal market was valued at approximately $274 billion in 2022
The North American cereal market is projected to reach $25 billion by 2025
Breakfast cereal sales in the US totaled roughly $7 billion in 2021
The cereal segment accounts for about 35% of the total breakfast food market in the US
In 2022, the average American consumed approximately 90 grams of cereal per day
The leading cereal brand in the US holds a market share of 27%
Gluten-free cereals constitute around 12% of the cereal market in the US
Organic cereal sales increased by 8% in 2022
General Mills holds approximately 45% of the US breakfast cereal market
The most popular cereal flavor in the US is honey, accounting for about 20% of sales
Pediatric cereal sales account for roughly 30% of total cereal sales
Whole grain cereals make up about 55% of cereal sales in the US
The average household in the US purchases cereal about 12 times per year

From the towering $274 billion global market to the rising popularity of organic, gluten-free, and plant-based options, cereal sales are redefining breakfast trends worldwide and revealing intriguing shifts in consumer preferences and industry strategies.

Consumer Demographics and Preferences

In 2022, the average American consumed approximately 90 grams of cereal per day
The average household in the US purchases cereal about 12 times per year
Cereal flavors like apple cinnamon and chocolate are among the top 5 best-selling flavors worldwide
Millennials are responsible for approximately 40% of cereal sales in the US
Cereal consumption among seniors (65+) decreased by 5% between 2019 and 2022
The average age of cereal consumers in the US is 35 years old

Consumer Demographics and Preferences Interpretation

While Americans average just over 90 grams of cereal daily and millennials pour a substantial 40% of sales, the decreasing intake among seniors and the enduring popularity of flavors like apple cinnamon suggest that cereal remains both a nostalgic comfort and a still-evolving staple in America’s breakfast bowl.

Geographical Markets and Growth

The cereal market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2028

Geographical Markets and Growth Interpretation

With China's cereal market poised to grow at a steady 4.5% annually through 2028, it's clear that breakfast bowls are becoming more than just a morning ritual—they're a burgeoning opportunity ripe for both local innovation and global brands eyeing a rising tide.

Market Share

The leading cereal brand in the US holds a market share of 27%
Gluten-free cereals constitute around 12% of the cereal market in the US
General Mills holds approximately 45% of the US breakfast cereal market
The most popular cereal flavor in the US is honey, accounting for about 20% of sales
The leading cereal company in Europe has a market share of 30%
Breakfast cereals with added vitamins and minerals constitute 65% of total cereal sales
Kids’ cereal accounts for 40% of total cereal sales, making it the largest segment for cereal companies

Market Share Interpretation

With General Mills reigning supreme on the breakfast table and honey reigning as the flavor of choice, it's clear that in cereal markets across the U.S. and Europe, consumers are mostly craving flavor, health, and the convenience of childhood nostalgia—proof that when it comes to cereal, America and Europe are big on branding, bites, and staying sweet.

Market Size and Market Share

The global cereal market was valued at approximately $274 billion in 2022
The North American cereal market is projected to reach $25 billion by 2025
Breakfast cereal sales in the US totaled roughly $7 billion in 2021
The cereal segment accounts for about 35% of the total breakfast food market in the US
Organic cereal sales increased by 8% in 2022
Pediatric cereal sales account for roughly 30% of total cereal sales
Whole grain cereals make up about 55% of cereal sales in the US
Online cereal sales accounted for 5% of total cereal sales in the US in 2022
The price of breakfast cereals has increased by an average of 3.2% annually over the past five years
Cereal sales peak in August and September in the US, coinciding with back-to-school shopping
The organic cereal segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030
The self-serve cereal market in retail stores has grown by 15% over the last three years
The average US household spends about $55 annually on breakfast cereals
The gluten-free cereal market is expected to reach $2.4 billion globally by 2027
The top 10 cereal brands combined account for over 70% of the US market share
The cereals marketed toward children represent about 25% of total cereal sales in the US
The global ready-to-eat cereal market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4% until 2030
The prevalence of low-sugar cereals has increased, now accounting for 30% of the market share in 2022
The cereal aisle is one of the top 10 most visited sections in grocery stores, accounting for 12% of shopper time
The top 5 cereal brands in the US collectively hold a market share of over 50%
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cereal sales in the US experienced a spike of 15% in March 2020
Cereal packaging made from recycled materials accounts for approximately 25% of total cereal packaging in 2022
The market for cereal bars, a complementary product, grew by 10% in 2022

Market Size and Market Share Interpretation

With the global cereal market valued at a staggering $274 billion and North American sales projected to hit $25 billion by 2025, even as organic and gluten-free varieties grow at an 8% and 6% CAGR respectively, it’s clear that whether for kids or adults, breakfast remains a billion-dollar battlefield where the cereal aisle reigns supreme.

Product Types and Trends

Plant-based cereals saw a 10% sales increase in 2022
Cereal packaging waste has decreased by 10% due to eco-friendly packaging innovations
The average calorie content per serving of cereal has decreased from 150 kcal in 2018 to 135 kcal in 2023
Cereals with high fiber content saw a sales increase of 12% in 2022
The cost of producing a box of cereal has increased by approximately 4% annually over the past five years due to raw material costs
The average shelf life of cereal products ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on packaging and ingredients
The percentage of cereals fortified with probiotics has increased by 20% over the last three years
Sales of multi-grain cereals increased by 18% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Product Types and Trends Interpretation

As cereal companies shift towards plant-based, fiber-rich, and probiotic-fortified options with eco-friendly packaging, they’re not only aiming to boost sales—up 12% for high-fiber and 18% for multi-grain cereals in 2022—but also tackling rising production costs and environmental impact, ultimately serving consumers a healthier, more sustainable bowl.

Retail and Distribution Channels

Cereal sales in convenience stores increased by 6% in 2022

Retail and Distribution Channels Interpretation

A 6% boost in convenience store cereal sales in 2022 suggests Americans are still clutching their breakfast bowls tightly, perhaps valuing quick, on-the-go mornings over alternative options.