Post frequently asked questions

Post was the first cereal company to introduce bagged cereal, Malt-O-Meal® cereal‘s iconic packaging. In addition, Post is committed to developing sustainable packaging that protects our environment and reduces waste. By 2025, 100% of Post cereal packaging will be recyclable.

The first ready-to-eat cereal was invented in 1863. Post made its first breakfast cereal in 1895.

Post Consumer Brands is a business unit of Post Holdings Inc., formed from the combination of Post Foods and MOM Brands in May 2015.

C.W. Post created the first Post cereal products in 1895.

Post Consumer Brands in headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota.

Post Consumer Brands exists today thanks to two innovators who never met but had one thing in common: a vision that changed the cereal industry and paved the way to make breakfast better. C.W. Post founded the Postum Cereal Company in 1895 and John Campbell Founded the Malt-O-Meal^® Company in 1919. These two companies formed Post Consumer Brands in 2015. Discover Post’s timeline on our history page.

Grape-Nuts^® cereal was one of the first ready-to-eat cereals created by C.W. Post in 1897.

You can find Post cereals in most major retailers where groceries are found. Use our product locator to find Post cereal in a store near you.

Our most popular cereal varieties include Honey Bunches of Oats^® cereal and PEBBLES™ cereal. Find out more on the cereal and product search page.

Post Consumer Brands has a broad portfolio of products spanning all segments of the category — from iconic household name brands, like Fruity PEBBLES™ cereal and Honey Bunches of Oats^® cereal, and value ready-to-eat cereals, like Malt-O-Meal^® cereal varieties, to natural/organic and hot cereal varieties. Find all our products on our brands page.

View the terms of use.

View the privacy policy.

View the Investor Relations.

Unfortunately, for both safety and security reasons, we are unable to offer plant tours. To get a sneak peek inside our manufacturing facilities, check out our video page.

Each year, Post Consumer Brands receives requests for donations of products and financial support. While we would like to contribute to every worthy cause, our funding is limited to organizations that support the interests of children and families in the communities where our employees work and live.

Post Consumer Brands does not fulfill individual requests for product donations.

We have locations across the country, and our opportunities change often, but if you are willing to work hard and want to feel free to be your best, find your next opportunity.

Yes, oatmeal is considered a cereal! Oats are a type of cereal grain; however, oatmeal does differ from hot cereal – a porridge made with any type of grain. Check out some of our tasty oatmeal varieties from Better Oats® and hot cereal options from Malt-O-Meal® Hot and Farina Mills®!

Grains are seeds of grasses grown for food, such as wheat, rice, cornmeal, barley, and oats, and contain a variety of nutrients. Post® products, such as Raisin Bran cereal and Great Grains® cereal, are made with delicious grains!

Post® cereals come in a variety of package sizes. The number of cups or servings in one cereal box varies by product. You can see the number of servings in a product by reading the top of the nutrition label printed on the package. Learn more about reading our nutrition labels.

Cereal serving sizes vary by product. You can find a product’s specific serving size by reading the top of the nutrition label printed on the package. Learn more about reading our nutrition labels.

Post has introduced a variety of unique cereals and snacks to the industry. One of Post’s newest cereal brands, Sweet Dreams™, is the first cereal created to support a healthy sleep routine. Other exciting cereal innovations include Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Chips, your favorite flavors of Honey Bunches of Oats granola in a snackable, mess-free form, and Fruity PEBBLES™ Crisps – a scrumptious cereal snack that makes for the perfect on-the-go treat!

Post has also driven exciting cereal industry innovations outside the bowl. C.W. Post was the first person to use product sampling and coupons to market cereal products. PEBBLES™ was the first breakfast cereal to license a cartoon character as a mascot!

Cereal is a popular American breakfast staple made from grains like wheat, oats, rice, or corn. Grains are poured into a hopper or mixing kettle, followed by adding delicious flavors, vitamins, and extra ingredients like nuts, fruits, or marshmallows. Cereal is most commonly enjoyed by the bowl with dairy or non-dairy milk, but also makes a great mid-day snack and is a secret ingredient in many delicious recipes.

Learn more about how cereal is made, its nutritional information and benefits, and more by viewing our Cereal Nutrition and Production Information page.

BHT is an antioxidant that protects the freshness and flavor of the cereal.

Food safety is our highest priority. Products containing BHA and BHT have been recognized as safe by the FDA and Health Canada. Very small amounts of BHA/BHT are added to some of our products or carton liners as a preservative. BHA and BHT are always labeled clearly on all products that contain them. We understand that there are many factors you may consider when purchasing a product. We are committed to providing families with a variety of products to meet their dietary preferences.

Post Consumer Brands uses seven different technologies to make breakfast cereal — bakery, milled and flaked, direct expansion, shredded, sheeted, gun puffed and hot. Watch our How Cereal is Made video series to explore our products’ journey from field to bowl.

You can search for current gluten-free products by using our product filter. Post Consumer Brands manufacturing plants follow strict food safety protocols, including good manufacturing practices, cleaning procedures, and separation of ingredients. We test our products to ensure that our gluten-free products meet the FDA definition and standard for the gluten-free label.

Read the ingredient statement each time you purchase a product to ensure no changes have occurred. Please look for the ‘Gluten Free’ burst on packages at your favorite stores.

Use our cereal and product search page to find Post products that contain whole grains.

Most of our breakfast cereal products are vegetarian, excluding those containing gelatin, and many may be considered vegan, but not necessarily labeled this way. Please refer to the ingredients list on the Nutrition Facts Panel for the most up-to-date information.

Most of our breakfast cereal products are vegetarian, excluding those containing gelatin, and many may be considered vegan, but not necessarily labeled this way. Please refer to the ingredients list on the Nutrition Facts Panel for the most up-to-date information. To be certain a Post® cereal is vegan, check its packaging for a label.

Here are some common animal-derived ingredients to look for:

• Gelatin
• Honey
• Dairy
• Vitamin D3

We understand and share the concerns expressed by consumers who are affected by soy allergies. Food-allergic consumers should rely on our package ingredient labels for the most accurate information on a product. If a product contains any soy, it will be clearly listed in bold print immediately following the ingredient declaration.

We understand and share the concerns expressed by consumers who are affected by nut allergies. Food-allergic consumers should rely on our package ingredient labels for the most accurate information on a product. If a product contains any tree nuts or peanuts, it will be clearly listed in bold print immediately following the ingredient declaration.

Fortified cereal contains added vitamins and minerals, in addition to any naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

We’re glad you’ve enjoyed this delicious and iconic breakfast cereal. As of May 2021, Alpha-Bits^® cereal has been discontinued. However, we can’t wait for you to see what new and innovative products we have in store. For updates, check out our news page.

Use our cereal and product search page to find Post products that contain a good source of fiber or an excellent source of fiber.

Post Consumer Brands has something for everyone, with the broadest portfolio of cereals in the industry. There are more than 200 varieties of Post products that meet a wide range of consumer needs, including taste, value and health. Use our cereal and product search page to find a product you’ll love.

We understand and share the concerns expressed by consumers who are affected by food allergies. Food- allergic consumers should rely on our package ingredient labels for the most accurate information on a product. If a product contains any of the FDA major nine allergens (eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame, or wheat), it will be clearly listed in bold print immediately following the ingredient declaration.

Many of our cereal products are Kosher certified.

Additionally, if the product you’re interested in is Kosher certified, its packaging will reflect its certification status and category. Kosher certifications may change over time, so the best way to determine a product’s Kosher status is to look at the front of the package. Our product packages will always reflect the most current information.

We recommend that you keep our cereals tightly closed, in a cool, dry place.

Yes, it is safe, but since the flavor will change as the product ages, we recommend that you purchase a new package.

All Post Consumer Brands products have a code (or “Best When Used By”) date on the package. For example, if the code date reads “MAR 03 22,” the corresponding “Use By” date is March 3, 2022. The product should be enjoyed by this date.

By referring to the Best When Used By date you can be sure the product you’ve chosen is at peak freshness at the time of purchase and for a reasonable period of time thereafter, when stored unopened in a cool, dry place.

Don’t see the brand and flavor combination you were looking for? View a list of our discontinued products.

Visit our Buy Now page and do a search in your neighborhood.

Call or write to the manager at your favorite grocery store and request that they carry Post Consumer Brands products.

While we offer coupons periodically on our websites and through promotional activities, offers are not unlimited and only available while supplies last.

Our primary method of offering consumers increased value is to keep our products at everyday low prices. Check with your local stores for additional offers or special discounts. We hope you continue to enjoy the everyday savings and quality of our products.

Post Consumer Brands supports Second Harvest Heartland, the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Our Military Kids, the Post Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan, the Better Together Foundation, and dozens of local nonprofits and food banks in the communities where we live and work.

We strive to conduct business in a sustainable and responsible manner. We seek to do business with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable business practices, including food safety, environmental stewardship, the health and safety of employees, ethical business practices, and supporting those in need. Read our Supplier Code of Conduct for more information.

We believe it’s our responsibility to help make the world a better place, and we do this through our commitment to doing business the right way and investing in efforts to create positive change for people and our communities. We focus our efforts on empowering our employees, customers and consumers, strengthening our local communities, and protecting our natural resources and the environment. Learn more about corporate social responsibility at Post Consumer Brands.

Yes, all Post Consumer Brands paperboard cartons are recyclable. Thank you for doing your part to care for our environment.

Oatmeal was invented as far back as 32,000 years ago. To this date, who invented oatmeal is unknown!

To ensure your Post or Malt-O-Meal product stays fresh, store it in a cool, dry place and fold down the bag or use the zipper to close the packaging to limit air exposure.

Hot cereal is primarily grains boiled in water or milk. Our hot cereal products include Better Oats^® Instant Oatmeal, Malt-O-Meal^® Hot Cereal, CoCo Wheats^® Hot Cereal, and Farina Mills^® Cereal.

Our current most popular recipes are:

• Grape-Nuts® Hot
• Bran Flakes Muffins
• Grape-Nuts® Cookies

The recipes section of this site features tasty recipes made with products from a variety of our brands.