First things first: the milk goes in last

So we’re all on the same page, I’d like to make something clear right at the very beginning: it doesn’t matter whether it’s oat, dairy or soya milk. The milk only goes into the bowl once it’s been filled with cereal. And that’s that.

7th place: Froot Loops

I’ll tell it like it is: these things are really strange. Because they don’t contain any artificial colours or flavours, it’s really hard to tell what they taste of. I only buy them once every few years at most. It’s a culinary identity crisis. A mixture of disgusting and awesome.

6th place: Honey Pops

I used to dance around with the bees from the video ad, shouting «yum yum yum yum». Today, all I can give these golden puffs is a resigned «meh». They still get stuck between my teeth, but something about the taste is different. Worst of both worlds. Perhaps my palate has also changed. That’s a pity.

5th place: Toppas

Most people know what I mean when I try to describe these sugar-coated squares that channel milk perfectly. They were an ever-present part of my childhood. And then they disappeared for a long time. Until now. They have a higher fibre content than other crispy cereals, so I convince myself they’re good for me. I ignore the high sugar content. On purpose.

4th place: Tresor

Actually, everything about Tresor could be perfect. Hard on the outside, soft hazelnut nougat cream on the inside. I mean, who doesn’t want to stuff their face with Nutella on bread in the form of little crunchy pillows? The only problem is, they leave the milk they’re floating in bland and tasteless. Milk, as unsweetened as it is naturally?

3rd place: Choco Krispies

By this, I mean any chocolate-coated breakfast cereal. Whether Choco Rice Krispies or Nesquik: they’re all crispy to the max, and upgrade normal milk to chocolate milk. What’s more, they’re the only cereals that still taste really good when soft. But let’s be honest, chocolate is a cheat code. You really can’t go wrong with it.

2nd place: Frosties

Inexperienced cornies (my new name for fellow cereal enthusiasts) might think Frosties are boring because they’re like classic cornflakes. Only with a sugar coating. They couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, these simple, sweet flakes are up there with the best of their kind, proving sometimes less is more. You can tell a good pizzeria by its margherita. But waiting until this cereal softens in the milk would be disastrous. That’s why it’s only in second place.

1st place: Cini Minis

Often imitated, but as yet unmatched. The only true winners. I think the world has agreed on that. Cini Minis. Cinnamon, sugar, crunchy, delicious, yum, yum. Gosh, I can’t think straight when my mind’s on these sugar-coated squares with the swirl. The recipe: a surefire winner. I also like to eat them straight out of the box. Dangerous. Dangerously good.

For newbies

You’ve read this far, even though you’ve no idea what I’m on about? Congratulations! You might never have experienced a crazed craving for cereal, but there’s still time. I recommend a variety pack for your first steps on the path to a full-blown cereal addiction.

Want to delve even deeper into the world of crispy treats?

Simon Balissat will let you in on the absurd history of breakfast cereals:

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  Opinion

  Flop Tarts – breakfast from sweet hell

  by Stefanie Lechthaler