Lucky Charms

By Maya Betti

I was once gifted two Costco bulk-boxes of Lucky Charms as a Secret Santa present. Did I think it excessive at the time? Yes. Did I still eat every last spoonful? Also yes. Since this experience, I have come to know Lucky Charms as the ultimate breakfast cereal of all time. 

 The experience Lucky Charms provides starts even before its consumption. It begins with a mischievous leprechaun and his tendency to hoard his charms. Lucky the Leprechaun is undeniably one of the most recognizable food-related icons. The 12-inch tall Irish icon has danced across the TV screen, and chased by hungry kids for as long as I can remember. His enthusiasm for his charms creates a sense of adventure, but also rarity. The narrative General Mills has spun for Lucky Charms is more interesting, more detailed, and more enjoyable than any other cereal origins. With every bite, consumers are reminded they are eating a leprechaun’s “gold”. How charming!

While each marbit — the adorable name for the marshmallow bits found in the cereal — is unidentifiable by taste, somehow each child has a favorite — mine is the red balloon. This leads me to my next point: Lucky Charms are just plain fun to eat. The multi-colored marbits hidden amongst the frosted oats makes each bite different. The contrast between the sweetness of the marshmallow and the mundanity of the oats induces a flavor palate that is delightfully amusing. And, as you reach the bottom of the bowl, the marbits leave behind a swirl of pastel hues in the milk, a dreamy rainbow finish that feels like a small reward — the delightful aftermath of a cereal well-enjoyed.

From TV to cereal bowl, the delight Lucky Charms brings is immeasurable. Its nostalgia-inducing flavor and captivating backstory are just some of the reasons for its continued popularity. With that said, anyone would be lucky (aha!) to receive some Charms as a Secret Santa gift.

Fruity Pebbles

By Jacob Rozell 

So you, like me, don’t enjoy breakfast. You don’t like waking up and climbing down a lofted bed, you don’t like the surgery table lights of Holland Hall during your 8 a.m.. But, against all odds, you are holding out hope, for the one thing that can change your mornings into something better — ney, beautiful.

Introducing: Fruity Pebbles. What’s the problem with mornings? No variety? Oh, my solution to that, you ask? Eat Fruity Pebbles every single day. No bite is the same. It’s a whirlwind of color and joy. You don’t eat cereal because you’re allergic to gluten? It’s gluten free. You’re colorblind, and you’re trying those color-sight glasses for the first time and you wanna see everything that the world has to offer? Pour a bowl of Fruity Pebbles — witness the glean of the stained glass windows of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in your bowl. Imagine if everything you loved about Rice Krispies was elevated. That’s Fruity Pebbles. 

You need less milk for Fruity Pebbles than other cereal, allowing you to conserve more and buy less groceries. In fact, using too much milk causes the cereal to lose its texture. When you think about it, Fruity Pebbles might very well be the most environmentally-conscious cereal for this reason. 

Fruity Pebbles make better Rice Crispy treats, better popcorn additions, and better everything, really. And if the only counter you have is that sugary cereal is bad for you, then I would respectfully encourage you to brush your teeth after — you ought to do that in the mornings anyway.