ABSTRACT
The breakfast cereal industry is one of the most versatile in terms of products and technology. Products are convenient and practical because most do not need cooking and preparation, and they possess a prolonged shelf-life. Breakfast cereals are divided into two broad categories: hot or ready to eat (RTE). Most are categorized as RTE because they do not need any further cooking at home. The industry has grown because of the increasing number of working housewives and to keep pace with new consumer trends. Breakfast cereals are very important because they constitute the first meal of the day and are considered highly nutritious because they do not contain significant amounts of fat and do contain important amounts of essential vitamins and minerals; also, they are almost always served with milk, which complements their nutritional value. Milk is high in protein, calcium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients that balance the cereal-based breakfast food designed to provide high energy and micronutrients (Chapter 17). Breakfast cereals are normally flavored with sugar or sweeteners and non-diastatic malt. In some instances, dehydrated fruits and nuts are blended with finished products.
