10 Halloween Cereals, Ranked Worst To Best
It's officially spooky season and we're looking forward to everything it has to offer. From planning extravagant Halloween costumes, complete with props and shenanigans, to all of the tricks and treats involved on the night in question, there's nothing like the season of the witch and everything deviously magical about it.
That also includes the array of Halloween-themed breakfast cereals starting to roll out on grocery store shelves everywhere. As franchises begin to debut their versions of the morning treat, it can be hard to decide which one you want to pick. There are quite a few different choices available to you, and, of course, you wouldn't want to waste your money on something that isn't going to quite hit the spot. And don't you deserve to feel like the fun Halloween monster you want to be? That's why we've taken some of the most popular Halloween cereals currently out there and ranked them from worst to best. That way, you can easily grab a box of what's assuredly some tasty cereal, then go and enjoy all of the other things the season has in store for you.
10. Fruit Brute
Yes, it is admittedly one of the classics of the Halloween cereal world, but that's about all Fruit Brute has going for it. Introduced to shelves in 1974, the cereal's design was inspired by the classic horror movie villain known as the Wolf Man, according to Foodiggity. It offered fruit flavoring with lime marshmallows and, all told, lasted a little less than a decade before it was discontinued in 1982, per Food Business News. It made its way back to shelves thirty-one years later in 2013, though it was only available for a limited time. Although it was decidedly not a hit amongst many consumers both when it first debuted and then upon its reappearance, Fruit Brute did manage to make its way into some notable films, including Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs," according to writer Michelle Delgado.
Early commercials for the cereal often showed the Fruit Brute werewolf arguing with Count Chocula and Franken Berry over whose cereal was the best, per General Mills. Unfortunately, we don't think Fruit Brute, with its odd lime marshmallows and otherwise pretty uninspiring cereal bits, is ever going to win that argument.
9. Fruity Yummy Mummy
Shortly after Fruit Brute's release came the next monster-themed cereal from General Mills, Fruity Yummy Mummy. Released in 1988, the breakfast cereal didn't last too long and was discontinued only four years after its release (via General Mills). When it was reintroduced in 2013, the cereal came with a complete redesign that included a brand new box and a flavor change, reports Bloody Disgusting. That time, the fruit-flavored cereal with vanilla marshmallows was ultimately reintroduced as an orange cream-flavored breakfast.
According to General Mills, this was the first time all five monster cereals from its Halloween-themed lineup made their way to store shelves at the exact same time, allowing for customers to collect a box of each monster if they were so inclined. Now, while that may be exciting from a completists' point of view, that doesn't change the fact that the cereal just doesn't taste all that great.
Foodiggity had some thoughts on why the cereal may have flopped back in the day, suggesting that it could be because Fruity Yummy Mummy is not monochromatic like the favored three that have lasted. Perhaps breakfast champions like it when their cereal is only one color instead of an array of potentially alarming colors. It's a great theory, of course, but no one at General Mills is admitting to it. Either way, we think this cereal should be kept under the wraps.
8. Reese's Puffs Peanut Butter Bats
Reese's Puffs is, for quite a few folks, a downright delicious cereal created with Reese's Peanut Butter and Hershey's Cocoa, but in terms of its Halloween release, the idea is kind of boring. Released in 2018, per Best, Reese's Puffs Peanut Butter Bats came with seemingly no changes or additions to its usual chocolate and peanut butter flavor combination. Instead, the brand simply reshaped its cereal to look like bats ... and that's all there was to it. No ghost-shaped marshmallows, witch-shaped chocolate pieces, new colors, or anything truly exciting to make it stand out from the usual Reese's Puffs cereal.
Although not that thrilling or different, the flavor of Reese's Puffs Peanut Butter Bats is at least something people will be familiar with. And, if you love the original Reese's Puffs cereal, you'll certainly like it regardless of the shape. One reviewer praised the cereal, stating, "Perfect for Halloween! Great peanut butter and chocolate combo perfected by the masters at Reeses! The bats are a nice touch. High recommendation...especially for the kids."
Despite not making it to the top of the list, we must admit that Reese's Puffs Bats isn't a terrible cereal if you enjoy your typical Reese's Puffs. Just don't expect any big changes for the Halloween season.
7. Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch
Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch is essentially a vamped-up Halloween version of General Mill's Cap'n Crunch's Halloween Crunch that turns your milk green. Well, kind of. The pink-colored ghosts in the mix are supposed to surprise you and make your milk look the same color as the classic Frankenstein's monster, but unfortunately, there are a variety of complaints and negative reviews that say otherwise. Ultimately, when you're going for the novelty of the product, this one is a real flop.
It's not all bad though, as some buyers have actually had luck getting their milk to turn green. The cereal also still has the classic Cap'n Crunch taste with added berry flavors, so you may still want to give it a try if you enjoy the standard-issue Cap'n Crunch stuff. Still, this entry is ultimately a highly forgettable feature of the Halloween season. As one reviewer noted, this is nothing more than your standard Cap'n Crunch with some lackadaisical set dressing. "Go with some Boo Berry instead," they concluded.
6. Frosted Flakes Chocolate with Spooky Marshmallows
Although plenty tasty and grrrrreat, as Tony the Tiger would say, the Frosted Flakes Breakfast Cereal Chocolate with Spooky Marshmallows just doesn't quite have the right kind of spook factor to make it any higher on this list. When you want to make a Halloween cereal, you really have to go for it. As to the particulars, Kelloggs has taken the chocolatey version of the classic Frosted Flakes and attempted to scare it up by adding marshmallows. Naturally, those marshmallows come in the shape of Frankenstein's monster, ghosts, and bats. It's a fun idea, but not super unique. Neither does it really add any new or interesting flavors to the experience.
On the bright side, if you choose to enjoy this spooky cereal, it does contain seven vitamins and minerals. And some reviewers are pretty effusive when it comes to the flavor of the cereal with one calling it a "delicious alternative to Count Chocula [...] The flakes to marshmallow ratio is insane! It totally puts Lucky Charms to shame! More than one marshmallow in every spoonful. And chocolate Frosted Flakes is life changing."
5. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
A newer breakfast treat, Ghostbusters: Afterlife cereal was released in April 2021 in honor of the upcoming "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" film (via Delish). It's now considered a highly sought-after collectible item, sure, but the cereal itself isn't super interesting. Another artificial fruit-flavored cornflake cereal, its flavoring isn't impressing enough to make it all the way to the top of this ranking.
That said, it is a fun-filled entry in the Halloween cereal canon, complete with ectoplasm-shaped marshmallows that are perfect for any fan of the "Ghostbusters" movie series. The cereal does follow one previously released in the 1980s after the original film, which came with glow-in-the-dark trading cards. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the box glows this time around, but who's to say it won't again in the future?
If you're looking to grab a box of these, do it soon. General Mills has only put it on shelves in honor of the release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which makes its way to theaters in November 2021, so it may not make another appearance after this year.
4. Franken Berry
If you like berries or some hint of berry flavor in your breakfast bowl, then Franken Berry cereal is sure to please. When you think of Halloween cereals, this one is definitely one of the top names out there, not least because of that quasi-pun in the name. Released in March of 1971 alongside Count Chocula, the Frankenstein-themed strawberry treat was one of the two that really kicked off Halloween cereals for General Mills (via General Mills). The sweet flavoring, complete with marshmallows that were also meant to taste like strawberries, is one that many cereal fans vocally look forward to during this time of the year. Over the years, its promotions, merch, and even old-school disco tracks have made it a fun-filled cereal we all can enjoy ... unless it turns our bowel movements pink, of course.
In a minor but visually alarming setback, the cereal once gave people "Franken Berry Stool." That's because it contained Red Dye No. 2. The dye was eventually banned in food products for its potential links to cancer, at least as demonstrated in female rats and at high concentrations (via Live Science). Anyway, by that time, the dye formula had been changed to a better alternative to ease our worries, and now we can enjoy the cereal without any weird side effects.
3. Monster Mash
Released in honor of the 50th anniversary of General Mill's monster cereals, according to Food Business News, the Halloween cereal franchise combined its five monsters into one and gave fans something they didn't even know they wanted. With cereal pieces from Franken Berry and Boo Berry, combined with marshmallows from Fruit Brute, Fruity Yummy Mummy, and Count Chocula, the tasty breakfast allows for a variety of flavors for the eater who just can't decide.
There's a ton of history behind the five kinds of cereal and this one allows you to celebrate all of them. That includes a QR code on the cereal box to an exclusive cereal monsters remix to "Monster Mash," which sounds just as good as the original song. Although perfect for celebrating the spooky season, some reviewers are upset the main flavorings you can taste in the mix are simply Franken Berry and Boo Berry, while the rest are represented by their less strongly flavored marshmallows.
As one reviewer stated, "There are a lot more important things in life to direct my ire towards, and let's face it: at least for me, my love for the Monsters has almost always been more about aesthetics than taste. They're slick seasonal decorations that just happen to be edible, too."
2. Boo Berry
Released in 1972, according to General Mills, the blueberry-flavored Boo Berry cereal gives fans a taste that they've been enjoying for decades. The breakfast experience comes complete with blueberry marshmallows to bring blueberry full-circle. Add some milk to the mix and it only gets better.
"In milk is when Boo really starts to shine. The crunchy aerated marshmallows get slightly softened and their sweetness pairs up wonderfully with the more subtle cereal pieces. I'm not sure if it's the seasonal nature of the entire brand, but the monster cereal marshmallows taste fresher and fluffier than a lot of their competition," said one reviewer. However, many have argued that the actual blueberry flavor could be stronger than what's in teh box.
What makes this year's release even better is General Mills is rolling out the cereal in its classic packaging to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its monster cereals. So, take the chance to grab a retro box of the cereal and have a bootiful time enjoying it.
1. Count Chocula
Ah, Count Chocula, the iconic vamp of all cereals, bringing the chocolatey deliciousness we all love to indulge in during the spooky season, you're our number one. Released in March of 1971 alongside the now-classic Franken Berry cereal, per General Mills, this variety of chocolate cereal is also a classic, taking place as the first of its kind to hit shelves at the time. The character that came alongside it appealed even more to consumers.
According to General Mills, Count Chocula's first look was drawn up by cartoonist George Kram (the same man who created the Trix Rabbit). Since then, the character has made many memorable appearances throughout the years alongside his Halloween cereal friends Boo Berry and Franken Berry.
Ultimately, though, this is all about the flavor and not just a mascot's quasi-iconic status. And what a flavor it is, according to quite a few people who have tried the Count Chocula cereal. As one reviewer stated, "This is seriously the best cereal ever! I can't wait for Halloween to come every year just so I can buy some! I really wish it was available all year round but I understand why it's limited edition because it makes you just look forward to it that much more! You can't have Halloween without this cereal!". So, grab a box, pour yourself a bowl, turn on your favorite spooky movie, and enjoy the Halloween season.