10 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals from the 1970s That We Wish Were Back

Breakfast cereals are a big part of many people’s childhood memories.

The 1970s were a time of creativity in the cereal aisle, with many unique options that captured the attention of kids and parents alike. This article explores 10 discontinued breakfast cereals from the 1970s that many still remember fondly.

As tastes changed and new products emerged, several of these cereals disappeared from store shelves.

From quirky characters to fun shapes, these cereals added excitement to breakfast routines.

Readers will find nostalgic favorites and perhaps even discover a few that are completely new to them.

1) Kream Krunch

Kream Krunch was a breakfast cereal introduced in 1965.

It offered a unique combination of corn, wheat, and oats.

The crunchy texture made it a favorite among kids and adults.

The cereal was known for its tasty flavor and was often enjoyed with milk.

Some people even liked to add ice cream for a special treat.

Kream Krunch featured a fun mascot, which added to its appeal.

Despite its popularity, Kream Krunch was discontinued in the 1970s.

Many fans still remember it fondly today.

It is one of those nostalgic cereals that brings back memories of shared breakfasts and happy mornings.

2) Quake

Quake was a popular breakfast cereal that launched in the mid-1960s.

It was known for its crunchy texture and unique flavor.

Many people remember it fondly as part of their morning routine.

The cereal featured a fun mascot named Quake, who was an energetic creature.

He captured the attention of kids and adults alike.

Quake was often enjoyed with milk, making it a breakfast staple.

Despite its popularity, Quake faced tough competition from other cereals.

In the late 1970s, it was discontinued.

This decision shocked many fans who wished it could return to store shelves.

Quake remains a nostalgic memory for those who enjoyed it.

It is often mentioned in conversations about classic cereals from the past.

The loss of Quake marks a chapter in cereal history that some still cherish today.

3) Sir Grapefellow

Sir Grapefellow was a unique breakfast cereal introduced by General Mills in the early 1970s.

The cereal had a grape flavor and was marketed with a fun, adventurous theme.

The main character, Sir Grapefellow, was a British pilot from World War I. He was a friendly figure who captured children’s imaginations through engaging advertisements.

The cereal featured crunchy oat shapes that appealed to kids.

It became popular for its taste and the fun mascot that added character to breakfast time.

Despite its charm, Sir Grapefellow was discontinued in the late 1970s.

Fans of the cereal often remember it fondly as part of their childhood breakfasts.

4) Baron Von Redberry

Baron Von Redberry was a breakfast cereal that hit the shelves in 1972.

This cereal was known for its fruity, berry flavor that many kids enjoyed at breakfast.

Created by General Mills, it was part of a fun brand aimed at children.

The colorful box featured the friendly character of Baron Von Redberry, making mornings more exciting.

The cereal stood out because of its unique taste and bright packaging.

Despite its popularity, Baron Von Redberry didn’t last long in the market.

Parents were often concerned about the sugar content, which led to its decline.

Eventually, this cereal faded away, leaving behind memories for those who enjoyed it during the 1970s.

5) Waffelos

Waffelos were a unique cereal introduced in 1979.

They were shaped like tiny waffles and offered a sweet, crispy taste.

Many enjoyed their fun texture and flavor.

The cereal had a short run and was discontinued in 1982.

Even though waffle-shaped snacks still exist, Waffelos have not made a comeback.

Fans remember Waffelos for their catchy commercials and fun mascots.

Many people still wish they could enjoy this breakfast treat again.

Despite its disappearance, Waffelos left a lasting impression on those who loved it.

It remains a fond memory for breakfast cereal enthusiasts today.

6) Fortified Oat Flakes

Fortified Oat Flakes were a popular cereal in the 1970s.

Many people enjoyed their crunchy texture and wholesome taste.

The cereal aimed to provide a nutritious start to the day.

This cereal was known for being packed with vitamins and minerals.

It featured whole grains that were good for health.

Kids and adults alike loved adding their favorite fruits or milk.

Fortified Oat Flakes stood out for its simple yet delicious flavor.

It often reminded people of their breakfast memories from childhood.

Unfortunately, it was discontinued, leaving a gap in many breakfast tables.

Fans of the cereal still wish it would make a comeback.

They remember it fondly as a tasty and healthy option.

7) Fruit Brute

Fruit Brute was a popular cereal that first hit the shelves in the early 1970s.

It featured a unique mix of fruit flavors, including cherry and lime, giving it a fun taste that many enjoyed.

This cereal was known for its colorful, cartoon-themed box.

It was marketed using a character called Fruit Brute, a playful wolf that appealed to kids.

The fun mascot made breakfast exciting for many children.

Fruit Brute was discontinued in 1984, making it a nostalgic favorite for those who remember it.

There were several attempts to bring it back, and it returned briefly in 2022, allowing some fans to relive their childhood memories.

Though it’s no longer widely available, its fun flavors and vibrant packaging still bring smiles to those who enjoyed it.

Many fans still talk about Fruit Brute and the joy it brought to breakfast tables.

8) Buc Wheats

Buc Wheats was a breakfast cereal introduced by General Mills in 1971.

It offered a unique blend of toasted wheat flakes that aimed to be a healthier option compared to many sugary cereals.

At first, Buc Wheats featured a natural buckwheat flavor.

In the late 1970s, the company switched to a honey flavor, which changed its appeal.

Despite its efforts, Buc Wheats struggled to maintain popularity.

By 1983, the cereal was discontinued due to declining sales and interest.

Many who enjoyed it remember the distinct taste and texture.

It was a part of breakfast culture for several years, but it became forgotten as new cereals entered the market.

9) Crazy Cow

Crazy Cow was a popular breakfast cereal made by General Mills in the 1970s.

It featured a fun cow mascot that appealed to kids.

The cereal came in bright boxes that showcased its unique flavors.

Crazy Cow offered a mix of sugary puffs and colorful pieces shaped like cones.

It was known for its bold strawberry and chocolate flavors.

Many children looked forward to having it for breakfast.

Despite its popularity, Crazy Cow was discontinued after a few years.

It left a nostalgic memory for those who enjoyed it during their childhood.

Crazy Cow is often remembered as a fun and tasty cereal from a time when breakfast was all about excitement and flavor.

10) King Vitamin

King Vitamin was a cereal created by Quaker in 1969.

It featured a crunchy, star-shaped design.

The cereal was marketed as a corn and oat multi-vitamin option.

Many kids enjoyed the fun shape and the idea of a vitamin-rich breakfast.

Despite its initial popularity, King Vitamin struggled with declining sales.

In 2019, Quaker decided to discontinue the cereal.

While it had its heyday in the late ’60s and ’70s, it ultimately faded from grocery shelves.

King Vitamin remains a nostalgic memory for those who grew up eating it.

Nostalgic Memories of Breakfast

The breakfast cereals of the 1970s hold a special place in many people’s hearts.

They remind them of simpler times and the joy of starting the day with a bowl of colorful, sweet treats.

The Cultural Impact of 1970s Cereals

In the 1970s, breakfast cereals like Crazy Cow and Waffelos became more than just food.

They were part of family traditions.

Kids looked forward to their favorite cereals each morning, often racing to the kitchen.

These cereals reflected the fun culture of the time.

They were bright, colorful, and sometimes filled with marshmallows.

This made breakfast feel like a special event rather than just a meal.

Many families remember weekends spent enjoying these cereals together.

Cereals were also linked to special promotions, like toys in the box.

This created an even greater excitement around breakfast time.

Children collected these cereal box toys and shared stories about them with friends.

TV Commercials and Catchy Jingles

The 1970s brought cereal commercials that are still remembered today.

These ads were often animated and packed with cheerful characters.

The colorful visuals stood out, drawing in young viewers.

Many commercials included catchy jingles.

For example, kids found themselves singing along with tunes promoting Froot Loops or Honeycomb.

These jingles made the cereals unforgettable.

Commercials also told stories that emphasized fun and adventure.

They captured the imaginations of children, transforming a simple breakfast into an exciting experience.

Families gathered around the TV to watch these ads, making them a shared cultural moment.

The combination of colorful packaging, fun characters, and catchy songs made cereal a beloved staple in homes across the country.

Why Some Cereals Were Discontinued

Several factors led to the discontinuation of breakfast cereals in the 1970s.

Changes in consumer tastes and evolving nutritional standards played significant roles.

Understanding these reasons helps explain why some popular cereals faded into history.

Shifts in Consumer Preferences

During the 1970s, many consumers began seeking healthier options.

People started to focus on whole grains and natural ingredients.

This shift made sugary and artificial cereals less appealing.

Brands that relied on gimmicks or cartoon mascots struggled to maintain interest.

For example, a cereal with a heavy sugar content might attract kids but failed to win over health-conscious parents.

Cereal companies had to adapt quickly to changing tastes.

Those that didn’t often saw their products vanish from store shelves.

Changes in Nutritional Guidelines

The 1970s also brought new nutritional guidelines.

Health organizations began advocating for lower sugar and higher fiber in diets.

Manufacturers faced pressure to reformulate their cereals or risk losing market share.

Some cereals simply couldn’t meet these new standards.

Those that had high sugar levels or unhealthy additives found it difficult to stay relevant.

Brands that hesitated to change saw their customers choosing more nutritious alternatives.

As a result, many cereals could not survive in a market that was rapidly evolving in favor of health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many cereals from the 1970s have become nostalgic favorites but are no longer available.

Some were known for their unique flavors, while others had fun mascots that kids loved.

Here are some frequently asked questions about these discontinued cereals.

What were some iconic cereals of the ’70s that you can’t buy anymore?

Several cereals stand out from the 1970s as classics that are missed by many fans.

Kream Krunch, Quake, and Sir Grapefellow are just a few examples.

Each had its own special taste and charm that made breakfast exciting.

Can you recall a few breakfast cereals introduced in the 1970s that have since been discontinued?

Yes, cereals like Baron Von Redberry and Waffelos were popular during this time.

They were often marketed with colorful boxes and catchy slogans but eventually faded from store shelves.

These cereals hold a special place in the memories of those who enjoyed them.

Were there any beloved cereals from the ’70s that were later rebranded or reformulated?

Some cereals from the ’70s saw changes over time.

While many were discontinued entirely, some were rebranded or reformulated to appeal to newer audiences.

This often resulted in a loss of the original flavor and character that fans loved.

Which cereals launched in the 1970s had the shortest shelf-life?

Cereals like Quake and Crazy Cow were known for their short time in the spotlight.

They captured attention initially but didn’t last long on the market.

This made them memorable for their brief existence.

What are some memorable cereal box characters from the 1970s whose products are no longer available?

Characters like Sir Grapefellow provided fun and excitement for kids.

These mascots became part of the breakfast routine but are now part of cereal history.

Their playful designs still bring back fond memories.

Could you list some cereals from the ’70s that were part of a limited-edition series?

Limited-edition cereals were a fun way to bring novelty to breakfast.

Some cereals featured special flavors or designs for a short time.

Fans still remember these unique offerings fondly, even if they are no longer available.