Cinnamon Bears: The Complete Guide to the Classic Cereal

Cinnamon Bears: The Complete Guide to the Classic Cereal
Cinnamon Bears is a beloved breakfast cereal featuring cinnamon-flavored, bear-shaped marshmallows in a sweetened corn and oat base. Originally produced by Malt-O-Meal (now MOM Brands), this nostalgic cereal has delighted generations with its distinctive flavor and playful marshmallow shapes since its introduction in the 1970s.

For cereal enthusiasts seeking a sweet cinnamon treat with a playful twist, Cinnamon Bears delivers a unique breakfast experience that stands apart from standard cinnamon cereals. Unlike competitors that focus solely on toasted squares, this distinctive product combines crunchy cereal pieces with soft, cinnamon-infused bear-shaped marshmallows that create a multi-textured eating experience.

The History of Cinnamon Bears Cereal

Introduced by Malt-O-Meal in the early 1970s, Cinnamon Bears emerged during a period when breakfast cereals were evolving beyond basic flakes and puffs. The cereal quickly gained popularity for its innovative combination of cinnamon flavoring and whimsical marshmallow shapes. When MOM Brands acquired Malt-O-Meal in 2012, they maintained this classic product as part of their nostalgic cereal lineup.

Throughout its history, Cinnamon Bears has experienced several packaging redesigns while maintaining its core recipe. The cereal temporarily disappeared from shelves in the late 2000s but returned due to strong consumer demand, demonstrating its enduring appeal among both children and adults seeking childhood nostalgia.

Close-up photograph of Cinnamon Bears cereal showing golden-brown cereal pieces mixed with cinnamon-colored bear-shaped marshmallows in a white bowl with milk

Product Composition and Nutritional Profile

Cinnamon Bears consists of two primary components: the cinnamon-flavored corn and oat cereal base, and the signature bear-shaped marshmallows. The cereal base provides a satisfying crunch with a warm cinnamon flavor, while the marshmallows add a soft, chewy texture and intensified cinnamon sweetness.

Nutrient Per Serving (55g) % Daily Value
Calories 210 -
Total Fat 1g 1%
Sodium 220mg 10%
Total Carbohydrates 46g 17%
Sugars 14g -
Protein 2g 4%

While Cinnamon Bears offers a fun breakfast option, consumers interested in cinnamon bears cereal nutrition facts should note it contains 14 grams of sugar per serving. The cereal provides minimal protein content compared to more nutritionally dense breakfast alternatives, making it best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

Market Position and Availability

When comparing cinnamon bears vs cinnamon toast crunch, several distinctions emerge. While both feature cinnamon flavoring, Cinnamon Bears stands out with its marshmallow component and bear-shaped pieces, whereas Cinnamon Toast Crunch focuses on square-shaped toasted oats with "crunchberries." Cinnamon Bears typically retails at a lower price point than national brands, reflecting its value-oriented market position.

For those wondering is cinnamon bears cereal still made, the answer is yes, though availability varies by region. MOM Brands distributes Cinnamon Bears primarily through regional grocery chains rather than national supermarkets. The cereal remains most consistently available in the Midwest United States, with sporadic appearances in other regions.

Shelf display showing Cinnamon Bears cereal boxes next to similar marshmallow cereals in a grocery store cereal aisle

Consumer Appeal and Cultural Significance

Cinnamon Bears has maintained a loyal following through generations, largely due to its nostalgic appeal. Adults who enjoyed the cereal in their childhood often seek it out to recreate those memories, while introducing it to their own children. The playful bear-shaped marshmallows provide visual interest that particularly appeals to younger consumers.

Unlike many discontinued cereals that fade from memory, Cinnamon Bears has demonstrated remarkable staying power. Its periodic limited availability creates anticipation among fans, with social media communities actively sharing information about where the cereal has recently appeared on shelves. This dedicated following has helped sustain demand despite the cereal's inconsistent distribution.

Finding Cinnamon Bears Today

For consumers searching where to buy cinnamon bears cereal, several options exist. While not consistently available in all grocery stores, the cereal appears most frequently at regional chains including:

  • Kroger-affiliated stores (especially in Midwest locations)
  • Food Lion and Hannaford supermarkets
  • Meijer stores throughout the Midwest
  • Selected Walmart locations (varies by region)

Online retailers like Amazon and eBay often carry Cinnamon Bears, though prices may be significantly higher than standard retail due to its semi-niche status. Some consumers report success finding the cereal through MOM Brands' website, which occasionally offers direct sales during limited-time promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnamon Bears cereal still being produced?

Yes, Cinnamon Bears cereal is still being produced by MOM Brands, though its availability varies by region and it may not be consistently stocked in all grocery stores. The cereal has experienced periods of limited distribution but remains part of MOM Brands' product lineup.

What are the main ingredients in Cinnamon Bears cereal?

Cinnamon Bears contains corn flour, sugar, whole grain oat flour, modified food starch, salt, dextrose, cinnamon, gelatin, and artificial colors (including Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1). The marshmallow bears contain sugar, modified corn starch, corn syrup, dextrose, gelatin, calcium stearate, artificial flavor, and artificial colors.

How does Cinnamon Bears differ from Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

While both cereals feature cinnamon flavoring, Cinnamon Bears contains bear-shaped marshmallows in addition to its cereal base, creating a multi-textured eating experience. Cinnamon Toast Crunch features square-shaped toasted oats with 'crunchberries' and lacks marshmallows. Cinnamon Bears is typically sold at a lower price point as a value brand compared to the national brand Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Why did Cinnamon Bears disappear from shelves for a period?

Cinnamon Bears temporarily disappeared from shelves in the late 2000s due to shifting marketing priorities and distribution changes following corporate acquisitions in the cereal industry. The product returned due to strong consumer demand and nostalgia-driven sales potential, demonstrating its enduring appeal among loyal fans.

Emma Rodriguez

Emma Rodriguez

A food photographer who has documented spice markets and cultivation practices in over 25 countries. Emma's photography captures not just the visual beauty of spices but the cultural stories and human connections behind them. Her work focuses on the sensory experience of spices - documenting the vivid colors, unique textures, and distinctive forms that make the spice world so visually captivating. Emma has a particular talent for capturing the atmospheric quality of spice markets, from the golden light filtering through hanging bundles in Moroccan souks to the vibrant chaos of Indian spice auctions. Her photography has helped preserve visual records of traditional harvesting and processing methods that are rapidly disappearing. Emma specializes in teaching food enthusiasts how to better appreciate the visual qualities of spices and how to present spice-focused dishes beautifully.