Corn Flakes

What Are Corn Flakes?

Corn flakes are a breakfast cereal made by cooking and sweetening corn, flattening it into thin flakes, then toasting the flakes until crisp. They consist of thin, golden, crunchy flakes.

The most common way to eat them is in a bowl with milk for breakfast. Plain (unsweetened or low-sugar) and sugar- or honey-coated varieties are available; fruit, nuts, or honey can be added to taste. Some products contain malt (barley) for flavoring.

Corn Flakes Nutrition

Plain corn flakes are mainly a source of carbohydrates and provide approximately 380 kcal of energy per 100 grams; depending on the ingredients, sugar and sodium may be added. Sugar-coated varieties have noticeably more sugar; values are approximate and vary by label.

How Should Corn Flakes Be Consumed?

Corn flakes with milk and fruit can be part of a balanced breakfast; choosing plain or low-sugar varieties instead of sugar-coated ones can limit added sugar. Since products containing malt (barley) may contain gluten, people with gluten sensitivity should check the label.

This information is general; corn flakes are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Corn Flakes

Good corn flakes are crunchy and fresh, low in added sugar, and clearly labeled. Choose plain varieties with moderate sugar and sodium instead of products that have become soft from moisture, smell stale, or are excessively sweet or additive-heavy; check the label for malt and gluten.

• They should be crunchy and fresh
• They should be low in added sugar and clearly labeled
• Check the label for malt and gluten

How to Store Corn Flakes

Store corn flakes in a sealed container in a cool, dry place; moisture quickly ruins their crispness and softens the flakes. Reseal an opened package tightly or transfer the cereal to a jar.

Using Corn Flakes in the Kitchen

Corn flakes are used most often for breakfast with milk; they can also be added to yogurt, granola mixes, dessert and cake toppings, or crushed and used as a crunchy breading for chicken and meatballs. Their crisp texture adds crunch to sweet and savory recipes.

Why Do Corn Flakes Get Soft in Milk?

When the crunchy flakes come into contact with milk, they absorb the liquid and their starch softens; that is why they become soft in milk over time. If you like them crunchy, it is better to add them to the milk just before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are corn flakes gluten-free?

Corn itself is gluten-free; however, many corn flakes contain malt (barley) for flavoring, and barley contains gluten. People with gluten sensitivity should choose products labeled “gluten-free.”

Plain or sweetened corn flakes?

Choose plain or low-sugar varieties to limit added sugar; if you want more sweetness, add fresh fruit or a small amount of honey on top.

Can corn flakes be used as a coating?

Yes. Crushed corn flakes can be used as a crunchy coating (breading) for foods such as chicken and meatballs, giving them a crisp crust when baked or cooked in a small amount of oil.