When we were growing up, the term “adult cereal” meant one thing: bran. Weetabix, Museli and Ezekiel 4:9. Dry, tasteless flakes that are high in fiber and low in joy. They were less concerned with mascots (or even flavor) and laser-focused on becoming regular. Anything bright, tasty or, heaven forbid, fun, was relegated to junk that our primary care physicians would wag a slippery, gloved finger at. But in 2023, that has almost entirely changed.

Everywhere you look, there are signs that a satisfying bowl of cereal can be more than a guilty pleasure. Think of it as “third-wave cereal”—made with quality, nutritious ingredients and handsomely packaged. The best boxes have already begun to disrupt Big Breakfast with good-for-you options that you actually want to eat. These new brands are capitalizing on Millennials' two most vulnerable desires—wanting to heal our inner child and needing to eat halfway decently. So if you've been noticing them but haven't tried a box, now's the time. Punchy packaging (complete with games on the back!), flavors that remind you of easier days and even some sizable protein can only mean one thing: breakfast is back, baby. And if you want a bowl in the afternoon or after dinner? Hey, you're an adult, do whatever you want.