According to National Cereal Day's website, eating cereal came to the forefront during the Civil War to help combat gastrointestinal issues of the battlefield's meat-based diet.

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The cereal of the Civil War was bland and bran, taking an overnight soak in water to make it easier to eat.

But it wasn't until 1939, that cereal started taking on the taste and look of what we grew up with.

The first sweetened cereal hit the market - Ranger Joe Popped Wheat Honnie - appealed to children thanks to sugar and advertisements that featured cartoon characters.

So what is the most popular, best selling cereal now? Honey Nut Cheerios tops the list according to Information Resources, Inc. with Frosted Flakes coming in at number two.

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Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com