National Cereal Day: New Jersey’s Favorite Revealed
As everyone knows, today is National Cereal Day. Ok, maybe not everyone, but if you didn’t know, you do now.
What is National Cereal Day?
So, what is National Cereal Day and why does it exist? I think the most interesting thing about the day is that no one seems to know why it falls on March 7th.
I searched multiple times and the best non-answer I could find is from theeconomictimes.com. They say, “Despite the lack of information about the origin of National Cereal Day, it has become a popular celebration among cereal enthusiasts. National Cereal Day is celebrated annually on March 7.” However, on March 7th, 1897 Corn Flakes were first introduced by Dr. John Kellogg. That may have something to do with it.
Despite not knowing the origin of the day, we can still enjoy it. It’s a day to recognize our favorite cereals and, of course, eat them. Cereal fans suggest you eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner today. Honestly, I won’t be doing that, but I will shout out to my favorites.
I think that many others are like me, our favorite cereals have evolved through the years. When I was a kid it was the more sugary ones that I loved most. If my parents let me choose a box at the grocery store, my choice relied on what “free prize” was in each box.
However, growing up I remember mostly eating Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Raisin Bran, and Frosted Flakes. Occasionally we’d have something like Count Chocula, Cap’n Crunch, or Trix. As I grew older it has become mostly Honey Nut Cheerios or Rice Krispies. Raisin Bran is the only one that has stood the test of time for me.
New Jersey’s Most Popular Cereal
A recent study by Top NJ Casinos delved into the cereal curiosity of us here in the Garden State. They shared that “the breakfast cereal market records a yearly revenue of $21.3 billion in the United States. They analyzed all Google searches In New Jersey for America’s most well-known cereals over the past 12 months. It revealed that New Jersey’s go-to brand is Lucky Charms. That was followed by Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cap’n Crunch Berries, and Fruity Pebbles landing fifth on the list.
By the way, nationalcerealday.com claims that Cap’n Crunch’s full name is Horatio Magellan Crunch. He was born on Crunch Island in the Sea of Milk. That sounds legit.
Other New Jersey favorites ranked sixth to tenth are Frosted Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oates, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, and Froot Loops.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
