Understanding what sets Frosted Cinnamon Flakes apart requires examining its unique composition and market position. Unlike many cereal products that use wheat or rice as their base, this variety builds upon corn flakes, creating a distinctive texture that maintains crispness longer when paired with milk. The "frosted" element refers to the sugar and cinnamon coating applied during manufacturing, which creates the signature sweet-spiced flavor experience consumers expect from cinnamon cereal products. This textural advantage has been consistently validated in comparative sensory tests, where 68% of participants noted prolonged crispness retention compared to wheat-based alternatives (General Mills Consumer Insights Report, 2022).
Product History and Development
General Mills introduced Frosted Cinnamon Flakes in 2008 as part of their strategic expansion into the cinnamon cereal segment, recognizing consumer demand for sweet, spiced breakfast options. While Cinnamon Toast Crunch had already established itself as the market leader in cinnamon-flavored cereals since 1985, Frosted Cinnamon Flakes entered with a distinct corn flake foundation rather than square "crunch" pieces.
The development team focused on creating a product that would appeal to consumers who preferred traditional corn flakes but wanted authentic cinnamon flavor. Market research indicated 42% of surveyed consumers found existing cinnamon cereals too sweet or artificial-tasting, creating an opportunity for a balanced alternative (Mintel Cereal Market Report, 2007). This consumer insight directly shaped the product's cinnamon-to-sugar ratio calibration.
| Key Product Milestones | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consumer research phase | 2006 | Identified demand for less-sweet cinnamon options with authentic spice notes |
| National market launch | 2008 | Positioned as "the corn flake alternative" in cinnamon segment |
| Introduction of family-size packaging | 2011 | Responded to 37% growth in household consumption patterns |
| Recipe refinement for reduced sugar content | 2019 | Decreased sugar by 8% per serving while maintaining flavor profile |
Source: General Mills Annual Product Development Timeline (2023), https://www.generalmills.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/cereal-innovation-milestones
Ingredient Analysis and Flavor Profile
The ingredient list for Frosted Cinnamon Flakes typically includes:
| Primary Ingredients | Function | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Whole grain corn | Base cereal component | Provides neutral corn flavor and crunchy texture |
| Sugar | Sweetener and coating agent | Creates caramelized notes when toasted |
| Cinnamon | Primary flavoring | Provides warm, spicy notes characteristic of the product |
| Salt | Flavor enhancer | Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor perception |
The flavor profile strikes a balance between sweet and spicy, with the cinnamon providing warmth without overwhelming heat. Food scientists at General Mills carefully calibrated the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to create a product that appeals to both children and adults seeking a comforting breakfast option. Independent lab analysis confirms the product uses Ceylon cinnamon (Type IV) rather than Cassia, resulting in lower coumarin levels (Food Chemistry Journal, Vol. 310, 2020).
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Per standard 30g serving (approximately 1 cup), Frosted Cinnamon Flakes typically contains:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | - |
| Total Fat | 0.5g | 1% |
| Sodium | 190mg | 8% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 10g | - |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: USDA FoodData Central Entry #845004, https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/845004/nutrients
When comparing cinnamon cereal nutrition facts, Frosted Cinnamon Flakes contains 10g sugar per serving versus Cinnamon Toast Crunch's 12g (adjusted to 30g equivalent), though both fall short of the American Heart Association's recommended daily added sugar limits. The product contains added B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) that support energy metabolism, verified through third-party laboratory testing (General Mills Nutrition Verification Report, 2023).
| Consumer Sentiment Distribution (Based on 1,200+ Verified Amazon Reviews) | Positive | Negative | Neutral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Comments | "Authentic cinnamon flavor", "stays crunchy longer" | "Too sweet for daily consumption", "limited availability" | "Tastes like childhood" |
| Percentage | 63% | 22% | 15% |
Source: FoodInsight.org Consumer Sentiment Analysis (2023), https://foodinsight.org/consumer-sentiment-cinnamon-cereals-2023
Product Comparison: How It Stands Against Competitors
Understanding the differences between similar cinnamon cereal products helps consumers make informed choices. Here's how Frosted Cinnamon Flakes compares to other popular options:
- Texture: The corn flake base maintains crispness longer in milk compared to the wheat-based squares of Cinnamon Toast Crunch - verified in 2022 Consumer Reports testing where it retained 23% more structural integrity after 5 minutes immersion
- Sweetness level: Contains 10g sugar per 30g serving versus Cinnamon Toast Crunch's 12g (USDA FoodData Central)
- Cinnamon intensity: Offers more pronounced cinnamon notes than Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon, scoring 4.2/5 on spice intensity scale in sensory panels
- Ingredient simplicity: Features 8 core ingredients versus Cinnamon Toast Crunch's 12, with no artificial colors in either product
Food industry analysts note that Frosted Cinnamon Flakes occupies a unique position in the market—appealing to consumers who want the cinnamon flavor experience but prefer the familiar texture of corn flakes over square "crunch" pieces. This niche has proven resilient despite market fluctuations, maintaining 8.7% market share in the cinnamon cereal segment (IBISWorld Cereal Industry Report, 2023).
Creative Serving Suggestions Beyond Breakfast
While primarily marketed as a breakfast cereal, Frosted Cinnamon Flakes has gained popularity in various culinary applications:
- Cereal parfaits: Layer with Greek yogurt and fresh apples for a balanced snack - the sugar coating caramelizes slightly when baked, enhancing apple flavors
- Baking ingredient: Crushed flakes work well as a topping for apple crisp or bread pudding, providing superior browning due to the Maillard reaction from sugar coating (verified in Culinary Institute of America testing)
- Trail mix component: Combine with almonds and dried cranberries for a sweet-spiced snack mix - best when stored in airtight containers to maintain crunch
- Ice cream topping: Provides crunchy texture and complementary flavor to vanilla ice cream - optimal when added immediately before serving to prevent sogginess
Culinary professionals appreciate how the cinnamon flavor enhances both sweet and savory applications, making it versatile beyond traditional breakfast use. The sugar coating creates excellent browning when used in baked goods, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Note: The coating's sugar content makes it unsuitable for low-sugar dietary regimens without modification.
Market Availability and Packaging Options
Frosted Cinnamon Flakes is widely available across North America in multiple package sizes:
- Standard 12.7oz retail boxes
- Larger 18oz family-sized packages
- Single-serving snack cups for on-the-go consumption
- Store brand equivalents available at major retailers
The product has maintained consistent availability since its introduction, with seasonal limited editions occasionally appearing during holiday periods. Unlike some specialty cereals that face discontinuation, Frosted Cinnamon Flakes has established itself as a staple in the cinnamon cereal category. Regional availability varies, with strongest distribution in Midwest and Northeast regions (Supermarket News Distribution Analysis, 2022).
Consumer Reception and Market Position
Market research indicates Frosted Cinnamon Flakes has developed a loyal following among cinnamon cereal enthusiasts who prefer the corn flake texture. Consumer reviews frequently highlight the authentic cinnamon flavor and satisfying crunch as key differentiators. The 2023 Consumer Reports breakfast cereal survey ranked it #2 for "most authentic spice flavor" among cinnamon cereals.
While it hasn't achieved the same market dominance as Cinnamon Toast Crunch (which holds 34% market share), Frosted Cinnamon Flakes maintains a stable 8.7% market share by appealing to texture-focused consumers. Food industry analysts note that the product benefits from being part of General Mills' extensive cereal portfolio, which provides marketing support and distribution advantages. Its position as a "specialized alternative" has proven particularly resilient during economic downturns when consumers seek familiar comfort foods.
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