A new study has identified the most popular cereals across the United States, with Froot Loops emerging as the top choice in 13 states. Researchers at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, analyzed Google Trends data from January 2025 to January 2026 to determine the most-searched cereal in each state and Washington, DC.
Froot Loops Dominates
The multi-colored, ring-shaped cereal proved most popular in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. Kellogg's Rice Krispies secured second place, topping the list in Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin. General Mills' Cheerios tied for second, favored in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Other Notable Cereals
Trix was the favorite in Washington, DC, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Washington state. Cocoa Puffs led in Hawaii and Nevada, while Cinnamon Toast Crunch was most demanded in Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina.
Declining Cereal Sales
Despite these preferences, breakfast cereal sales have been declining. According to Nielsen IQ, Americans bought nearly 2.5 billion boxes of cereal in the 52 weeks ending July 3, 2021, but that number dropped by over 13% to 2.1 billion by July 2025. Concerns over food processing and sugar intake are contributing factors. For example, one cup of Lucky Charms contains 24% of a consumer's daily recommended sugar intake.
Tom Rees, global insight manager for staple foods at Euromonitor, noted, "Cereal finds it really hard to get out from underneath that. It can't escape the fact that it doesn't look like a natural food. You have to create it and form it."
Artificial Dyes Under Fire
Artificial dyes, such as the petroleum-based colors in Froot Loops, have also faced criticism. In 2024, protesters rallied outside WK Kellogg's headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, demanding the removal of artificial dyes. In response, Kellogg and General Mills have pledged to phase out artificial dyes from all products by the end of 2027.
