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.

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 7^th.

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.

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.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

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.

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.

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.