Survey Reveals Silver Lining of Pandemic

More Family Time Around the Breakfast Table

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted morning routines around the country for 80% of U.S. parents, but the silver lining may be Americans’ new-found time around the breakfast table with their children.

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For families that eat breakfast together, 83% of parents report their kids have a well-rounded diet – a motivating halo for keeping up the trend in a new school year. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In a new survey commissioned by General Mills Big G cereals, 70% of parents cite the biggest morning challenge is to sit down and have breakfast as a family. However, with the pandemic shaking up usual morning routines, 73% of families with school-aged children now report they have been able to spend more time together as a family before starting their work or school day. With the change of pace, 53% of parents are using breakfast time to discuss what’s going on in the world. Dropping 22-percentage points, the survey indicates eating breakfast as a family has become less challenging (70% before pandemic vs. 48% during pandemic).

“Even in a challenging time, families are taking heart in the extra moments they have to share with their kids,” says Amy Cohn, RD, senior manager of nutrition and external affairs for General Mills cereal division. “Cereal is a common denominator. While we know the school year may look different this fall, parents and kids can count on cereal to keep bringing them around the table together and helping to fuel their day.”

Families thrive when they eat breakfast together.

The benefits of families eating meals together—whether homemade or a bowl of a shared favorite cereal—are well documented and can promote sensible eating habits and positive family dynamics, as well as improved nutritional health.^1-2

This survey showed that families who eat breakfast together are 54% more likely to say their children have a well-rounded diet.

But cereal’s nutritional benefits aren’t top of mind.

As the most-eaten breakfast food at home by sales, cereal is a strong choice to support children’s nutrient intake.³ Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of folate, iron, zinc, vitamins A and E, and several B vitamins for Americans at breakfast, according to national health and nutrition consumption data.⁴

However, cereal’s package of nutrition isn’t top of mind for some. Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source for both fiber and whole grain at breakfast ⁴. Yet, parents identified fiber and whole grain as nutrients their kids were least likely to get enough of in their diets.