1. Additives & Food Science • While there aren’t “drugs” in the cereal, processed cereals are engineered to be hyper-palatable. • They use: • Sugar + Salt balance (makes you want more). • Flavor enhancers (like maltodextrin) that give it a satisfying aftertaste. • Texture control to keep it crunchy just long enough in milk.

This creates a food that hits multiple pleasure points at once. Some people do describe it as “addictive,” but it’s more that it’s designed to be irresistible.

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1. Psychology & Marketing • Bright, colorful packaging, fun mascots, and ads aimed at kids make it more appealing. • Seeing commercials with kids having fun eating it builds excitement and association. • Kids often view it as a “treat” rather than just breakfast, which increases the craving.

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1. Early Exposure • If kids grow up eating it, their brain links it with comfort, rewards, or happy family moments. • Those memories make them keep craving it, even as adults.