The Story Behind Blueberry Cheerios: A Brief History
The initial launch of Blueberry Cheerios in the spring of 2019 was met with considerable excitement. Positioned as a permanent new flavor, the cereal was made with real blueberry puree, whole-grain oats, and contained no artificial flavors or colors. The product was also gluten-free, following the brand's pivot to gluten-free formulas for many of its varieties. Fans were drawn to the unique blue-colored 'O's and the promise of a sweet, fruity addition to their breakfast rotation. At the time, General Mills saw it as a way to capitalize on the popularity of fruit-flavored cereals and offer a new twist on a beloved classic.
A Permanent Release that Disappeared
Despite the initial positive reception, Blueberry Cheerios did not remain on the market indefinitely. Like many cereal flavors that enter and exit the market, its widespread retail presence eventually faded. The cereal was officially discontinued, a fact that is reflected on its Wikipedia page listing. The disappearance of the product from most major grocery store chains left many former consumers searching for answers and, more importantly, a way to get their hands on a box.
Current Availability: Where Did They Go?
Because the flavor has been discontinued by the manufacturer, it is no longer produced for the mainstream market. This means you will not find new stock of Blueberry Cheerios on the shelves of your local supermarket. The only places you might find the cereal are through third-party resellers or in a limited number of international online stores. These sources often sell the product at a significant markup due to its scarcity.
The Rise of the Resellers
Online marketplaces have become a haven for discontinued products, and Blueberry Cheerios is no exception. On sites like Amazon, Ubuy, or eBay, independent sellers often list remaining inventory. If you choose to purchase from these sources, be mindful of several factors:
- Higher Prices: Expect to pay well above the original retail price. The cost is driven by demand and limited supply.
- Expiration Dates: The cereal you receive could be near or past its expiration date. Check product details carefully.
- Condition: Shipping and handling through resellers can be unpredictable. The box might arrive damaged.
Finding Alternatives to Blueberry Cheerios
For those who miss the fruity flavor without the hassle of hunting down discontinued boxes, there are several viable alternatives to consider.
Other Blueberry-Flavored Cereals from General Mills
- Very Berry Cheerios: This flavor combines the tastes of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries into a single, heart-healthy cereal. It provides a mixed berry experience rather than a pure blueberry one but is an excellent and readily available substitute.
- Blueberry Chex: If you are open to a different cereal shape, Blueberry Chex offers a strong blueberry flavor in a crunchy, gluten-free rice square. It is an easy-to-find alternative that satisfies a similar craving.
- Veggie Blends Blueberry Banana Cheerios: An interesting twist on the theme, this product includes fruit puree and vegetable powder for a nutritious, albeit different, flavor profile.
A DIY Solution for Your Cereal Bowl
The most budget-friendly and arguably healthiest alternative is to add fresh or freeze-dried blueberries to a bowl of plain Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios. This method allows you to control the amount of sugar and gives you the natural, vibrant flavor of real fruit.
Here is a simple recipe to get started:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain or Honey Nut Cheerios
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Your preferred milk
- Optional: a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar
- Instructions:
- Pour the Cheerios into a bowl.
- Add the fresh or frozen blueberries on top.
- Pour in your milk and enjoy immediately.
Comparison: Blueberry Cheerios vs. Other Fruity Options
| Feature | Blueberry Cheerios (Discontinued) | Very Berry Cheerios (Available) | Blueberry Chex (Available) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Very Limited (resellers only) | Widespread (major retailers) | Widespread (major retailers) |
| Flavor Profile | Pure, sweet blueberry | Mixed berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) | Strong, sweet blueberry (rice-based) |
| Cereal Base | Toasted Oat 'O's | Toasted Oat 'O's | Crunchy Rice Squares |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Artificial Flavors | No | No | No |
Why Cereal Flavors Get Discontinued
Discontinuing a cereal flavor is a common business practice for food manufacturers. This can happen for several reasons:
- Performance Metrics: The flavor may not have met sales targets, especially compared to more popular, core flavors like Honey Nut or Original.
- Supply Chain Changes: The cost or availability of specific ingredients, like blueberry puree, may have increased, making production less profitable.
- Product Line Consolidation: Companies sometimes streamline their offerings to focus on their best-selling products and make shelf space for new innovations.
- Consumer Trends: Tastes and preferences change over time. The flavor may have fallen out of favor with the general public.
Conclusion: The End of an Era for Blueberry Cheerios
For fans of the bright blue, fruity 'O's, the reality is that Blueberry Cheerios are no longer a standard offering from General Mills. The initial announcement that it would be a permanent flavor was eventually overturned, and the product was discontinued. While online resellers may provide a final opportunity to purchase a box, it's a costly and potentially risky venture. For a consistent fix of blueberry flavor, consumers should look to alternatives like Very Berry Cheerios, Blueberry Chex, or simply add fresh fruit to their favorite cereal. The best option is often the simplest: a classic bowl of Cheerios with a handful of real, delicious blueberries. Learn more about General Mills' current fruity offerings at your local grocery store, like Very Berry Cheerios found at Kroger.
