In the ready–to–eat food world, cereal refers to varying types of grains that have been cooked into little shapes which are then put into rectangular boxes and sold at grocery stores.
Cereal is commonly found paired with milk, served inside of a bowl. This presentation is unique in that the food transforms rather rapidly due to milk penetrating the very dry, brittle cereal. The last bite of cereal can be quite different than the first. Cereal is normally good, but comes in too many varieties to make a definitive conclusion. Cereal is a fun food, because most variations are coupled with a mascot or graphic that promotes a positive emotional response.
Cereal became an official snack on May 9th 2012.