The Vintage Hot Breakfast Cereal Nobody Remembers Anymore

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Many are quick to disregard the importance of breakfast in the interest of saving time in the mornings. However, slowing down to take a look back at the days of Saturday morning cartoons and the meals that would typically accompany a viewing puts the notion of an old-fashioned breakfast in a brand new light. Among the various vintage breakfast cereals no one remembers anymore, one maintains a special place in the hearts, minds, and fond memories of those who loved it most: Wheat Hearts Cereal. This hot breakfast would warm from the inside out, lending a taste of comfort and wholesome nutrition in every bite.

This wheat germ-based breakfast cereal was actually promoted by popular cartoon characters Mr. Peabody and Sherman, famous for their supporting roles in various "Rocky and Bullwinkle"-related shows. Wheat Hearts originated in 1960 and was produced by General Mills, the company behind both Cheerios and America's biggest Italian chain, Olive Garden. Known to be rich in B1 vitamins, with a pleasing texture when combined with hot water or milk, it's a shame this cereal disappeared from shelves and, largely, from public consciousness.

Although this hot breakfast cereal seems a vintage relic doomed to obscurity, devoted fans have nonetheless taken to the internet in search of a reasonable facsimile. Cereals of a similar name, like Cream of Wheat, simply can't measure up to the memories of this breakfast favorite of days gone by. Try your own spin on this classic comfort food with a few unique options.

While it is disappointing to many vintage hot cereal enthusiasts that Wheat Hearts no longer exist, it isn't exactly a dead end. Many have attempted to reconstruct this cereal, sharing recipes, tips, and tricks for making a meal that closely resembles this hot breakfast as much as possible. For starters, if you happen to have any wheat germ left over from an applesauce bread recipe, this is an excellent base to work with.

For a supercharged cereal inspired by this old-fashioned favorite, combine wheat germ, oat bran, cornmeal, cream of wheat, and cream of rice. Alternatively, others online suggest that you can also try starting with a farina-based cereal, such as Bob's Red Mill Organic Creamy White Wheat Farina Hot Cereal, and add one tablespoon of wheat germ for every three tablespoons of the farina cereal to achieve the desired taste and texture. While nothing can ever truly recreate the exact same vintage cereal celebrated by Mr. Peabody and Sherman, a little imagination and creativity can get close.

However you choose to try and reimagine a cereal that seemingly nobody remembers anymore, try accompanying it with some classic cartoons (perhaps "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends") to set a familiar scene. If hot water or regular milk aren't your favorites, using a plant-based substitute will give the cereal a slightly different taste that might be gentler on your digestive system. Nostalgia through food is as powerful as it is pleasing, especially when you've taken care to get the recipe as spot-on as circumstances will permit.