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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U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff waves to a crowd of supporters during his "Rally For Our Republic" event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, inside the Kehoe Iron Works building at Trustees Garden in Savannah. During his speech, Ossoff said, "What’s happening to our country right now should chill us to the bone." (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock for the AJC