With approximately 30 percent, the Kellogg Company led the breakfast cereal market in 2017. General Mills came a close second that year. Kellogg’s is responsible for popular breakfast cereals, such as Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, and Froot Loops. Kellogg’s Kellogg’s, which was founded over 100 years ago, generated more than half of its global net sales in the United States in 2018. Over eight billion U.S. dollars’ worth of net sales were earned in the United States, while net sales numbers from all other countries amounted to almost five and a half billion. In the same year, Kellogg’s advertising expenditures amounted to some 750 million U.S. dollars, a significant decrease when compared to the 2010-2014 period. Popular breakfast cereal brands In 2019, the most commonly eaten brand of breakfast cereal by the U.S. population was Cheerios, which is an American brand created by General Mills, one of Kellogg’s main competitors. Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes stood in third and fifth place respectively that year.

The Report Covers Global Cereal Industry Trends and the Market is Segmented by Type (Ready-to-cook Cereals and Ready-to-eat Cereals), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, and Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

Global Cereals Market reached US$ 40.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to US$ 53 billion by 2030

This graph shows the market share of the leading ready-to-eat cereal brands of the United States in 2017, based on dollar sales. In that year, Post Honey Bunches Of Oats had a market share of 4.7 percent.

Cereal brands - additional information

Cereal is one of the most popular breakfast choices in the United States. It is consumed hot or cold, mostly combined with milk, fruit or yogurt. Ready-to-eat cereals remain to be favorite breakfast staples among U.S. consumers because they are nutritious, as well as quick and easy to prepare. In 2015, cereals had a 91 percent household penetration rate in the U.S.

General Mills and Kellogg Company were the leading U.S. manufacturers of ready-to-eat cereals in 2016, with combined sales amounting to more than five billion U.S. dollars. Although private labels dominated the U.S. ready-to-eat cereal market that year, General Mills and Kellogg Co. brands accounted for eight out of the ten leading ready-to-eat cereals in the country. General Mills’ Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cheerios and Lucky Charms accounted for a combined market share of approximately 16.1 percent. In contrast, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats, Froot Loops and Raisin Bran captured a 12.8 percent share.

General Mills, Inc. which is headquartered in Minnesota is a U.S. multinational corporation which manufactures and markets consumer food products. Its brand portfolio also includes Häagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Yoplait and Pillsbury. Michigan-based Kellogg Company produces cereals and other snacks. The firm’s other brands include Pringles, Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It.

Changing consumer trends and economic growth have translated into pressured demand for cereal producers. The increasing adoption of low-carb diets has grown increasingly popular, thereby limiting the number of consumers buying traditional cereals high in carbohydrates. Meanwhile, other health-conscious consumers are primarily interested in cereals made with nutritious ingredients like whole grains and seeds. Companies have also struggled as consumers leverage rebounding disposable incomes, indulging in premium breakfast foods such as gourmet omelets and avocado toast. Consumer preferences have shifted toward convenient and portable foods, like protein bars and yogurt, as free time becomes more limited, further hampering cereal demand. Still, cereal popularity has remained relatively steady in recent years despite these challenges. Overall, revenue has inched downward at a CAGR of 1.5% over the past five years to reach $11.8 billion in 2025, including a 1.7% drop in 2025 alone. Purchases as a share of revenue have remained high through the end of 2025 amid a boost in the price of corn and coarse grains, leading profit to stagnate. Even so, new companies have entered the industry, hoping to gain market share in the growing healthy cereals market. Prominent acquisition activity by major producers, including Post Holdings, has kept the producers trending toward consolidation. Climbing disposable income and robust consumer spending will encourage health-conscious consumers to purchase more high-end cereals, which companies often market as a healthier option at a higher price point. Swelling competition from substitutes, including breakfast sandwiches from fast food restaurants or grab-and-go options at coffee shops, will contribute to the overall drop in revenue among cereal producers over the past five years. Many large producers will adapt by offering on-the-go cereal bowls and other mobile products. Overall, revenue will creep up at an expected CAGR of 0.1% over the next five years to reach $11.9 billion in 2030.

The global breakfast cereal market, valued at USD 41,273.67 million in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5%, reaching USD 63,071.59 million by 2031.

The North America Breakfast Cereals Market report segments the industry into By Type (Ready-to-cook Cereals, Ready-to-eat Cereals), By Product Type (Corn-based Breakfast Cereals, Mixed/Blended Breakfast Cereals, Other Product Types), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience/Grocery Stores, Specialist Stores, and more), and By Country (United States, Mexico, Canada, and more).

In 2024, the Mexican breakfast cereal market increased by 0.6% to $1.3B, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, the total consumption indicated temperate growth from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the last twelve years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, consumption increased by +3.6% against 2022 indices.

Breakfast Cereals Market size was valued at USD 38.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 65.2 Billion by 2030. Along with a CAGR of 4.2%.

Breakfast cereals experienced a valuation of USD 47.99 Billion in 2025 before analysts estimated they will achieve USD 71.73 Billion by 2035 while demonstrating 4.1% annual growth throughout the 2035 timeframe.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 47.99 Billion
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 71.73 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	4.1%

Country-wise Market Outlook: Breakfast Cereal Market

country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	4.4%
country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	3.9%

country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union (EU)	4.1%

country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	3.8%

country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	4.3%

Competitive Outlook: Breakfast Cereal Market

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Kellogg’s Company	18-22%
General Mills Inc.	15-19%
Nestlé S.A. (Cereal Partners Worldwide)	12-16%
Post Holdings, Inc.	9-13%
PepsiCo (Quaker Oats)	7-11%
Other Companies & Regional Players (Combined)	30-40%

Global Breakfast Cereal market size is expected to reach $88.66 billion by 2029 at 5.8%, segmented as by type, oats breakfast cereal, grains breakfast cereal, other breakfast cereal

This statistic displays the market share of the leading five Italian breakfast cereal companies from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, the Kellogg Company held the largest share of the breakfast cereal market with a retail value share of 57.7 percent.

Worldwide revenue from the sales of breakfast cereals is estimated to reach US$ 52.78 billion in 2024, as revealed in a newly published report by Fact.MR. The global breakfast cereal market has been forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% to reach US$ 78.88 billion by the end of 2034.

Report Attribute	Detail
Breakfast Cereal Market Size (2024E)	US$ 52.78 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 78.88 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment Share (2034F)	37.2%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	23.1%
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Kellogg Company; B&G Foods Inc.; Marico Ltd.; Bagrrys India Ltd.; Nestlé SA; General Mills Inc.; PepsiCo Inc.; Weetabix Ltd.; Bob’s Red Mill; Erewhon; MOM Brands Company; Post Holding Inc.; Calbee Inc.

Country-wise Insights

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.61 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 8.74 Billion

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.78 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 8.65 Billion

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 3.42 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 5.36 Billion

Category-wise Insights

Attribute	Ready-to-Eat Cereals
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 28.45 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 42.04 Billion

Attribute	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 20.42 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 29.34 Billion

The statistic shows the market share of the top five breakfast cereal companies in China as of 2016. That year, Cereal Partners Worldwide SA accounted for around 40 percent of the retail sales market of breakfast cereal products in China, which made it the leading cereal supplier in the country.

The Report Covers Breakfast Cereal Market Size in India and it is Segmented by Type (Ready-to-eat and Ready-to-cook) and Distribution Channels (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Independent Retailers, Specialist Retailers, Convenience Stores, and Other Distribution Channels). The report offers market size and values in USD million during the forecast period for the above segments.

Global Breakfast Cereals Market - check share, size, revenue, valuation, CAGR, regional outlook, key players, competitive landscape, latest trends & forecast

After three years of growth, the Central Asian breakfast cereal market decreased by -0.4% to $534M in 2024. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the period from 2012 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $536M in 2023, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

This statistic presents the breakfast cereal market share of the Kellogg Company worldwide in 2010 and 2015. In 2015, the world's leading seller of breakfast cereal held a global market share of 27.9 percent.

Kellogg Company - additional information

The Kellogg Company had its beginnings in 1898 when the company’s founder W.K. Kellogg and his brother accidentally created wheat berry flakes. Kellogg continued his experiments until he perfected the recipe for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. In 1906, Kellogg established the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake company, as U.S. consumers’ eating habits shifted from heavy breakfasts to lighter, grain-based meals. At present, the company manufactures cereal and other snacks, including cookies, crackers and cereal bars. Kellogg’s brand portfolio includes Special K, Cheez-It, Pringles and Pop Tarts. In 2010, the Kellogg Company held a 29.9 percent share of the global breakfast cereal market. However, the breakfast food giant lost some market share until 2015. U.S. morning food was the company’s bestselling segment before it was overtaken by the U.S. snacks segment in 2013. In 2015, Kellogg’s U.S. morning foods segment generated 2.99 billion U.S. dollars in global net sales. Total net sales amounted to approximately 13.5 billion U.S. dollars that year. The United States is Kellogg’s largest market. More than 60 percent of the company’s net sales were generated nationwide between 2009 and 2016. In 2016, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes was the third leading ready-to-eat cereal brand in the country, with a 4.7 percent market share, based on dollar sales.

Breakfast Cereals Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 56,467.9 Mn in 2025 and is expected to expand at CAGR of 4.84%, reaching USD 78,612.3 Mn by 2032.

Market Analysis The global cereal ingredients market is projected to witness steady growth from 2025 to 2033, reaching a value of around USD 29.54 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing demand for healthy and convenient breakfast options, rising urbanization, and growing disposable incomes, particularly in developing economies. Additionally, the expansion of the organic food sector and the rising popularity of plant-based diets are creating opportunities for cereal ingredients manufacturers to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Key market trends include the increasing adoption of functional cereal ingredients, such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners, to enhance the texture, flavor, and shelf life of cereal products. Furthermore, the growing preference for non-organic cereal ingredients, driven by cost considerations and wider availability, is expected to remain a significant driver of the market. Companies operating in the cereal ingredients market face challenges such as intense competition, fluctuating raw material prices, and regulatory compliance. However, mergers and acquisitions, product innovation, and strategic partnerships are expected to shape the competitive landscape and drive market growth. Recent developments include: The Cereal Ingredients Market is projected to reach USD 33.19 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.38% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Rising health consciousness and the growing demand for fortified and functional food products are driving the market growth. The increasing prevalence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease has led to a surge in demand for gluten-free cereal ingredients, further propelling market expansion. Innovation in product offerings, such as high-protein and low-carb cereal ingredients, is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for manufacturers. Strategic collaborations, mergers and acquisitions among key players are shaping the competitive landscape, with companies seeking to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased demand for healthy breakfast cereals Functional food and beverage development Growing popularity of on-the-go snacks Rising consumption in emerging markets Technological advancements in ingredient processing. Potential restraints include: Rising demand for gluten-free products, the growing popularity of fortified cereals; technological advancements in ingredient processing; increasing focus on health and wellness; growing adoption of plant-based diets.