Instant breakfast facts for kids

Instant breakfast typically refers to breakfast food products that are manufactured in a powdered form, which are generally prepared with the addition of milk and then consumed as a drink. Some instant breakfasts are produced and marketed in liquid form, being pre-mixed. The target market for instant breakfast products includes consumers who tend to be busy, such as students and working adults.

Etymology

Powdered instant breakfast has been described as a breakfast substitute, used as a quick meal replacement in place of traditional quickly prepared breakfast foods such as bacon and eggs, oatmeal and pancakes.

Brands

Carnation-brand Instant Breakfast (now called Carnation Breakfast Essentials) was introduced in 1964. It is a powdered instant drink that is manufactured with protein, vitamins and minerals and sugar. It is typically prepared with milk, and is available in different flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Powdered forms are marketed in individual-serving packets and in cans. Carnation also manufactures prepared bottled instant breakfast drinks in liquid form.

Frozen instant breakfasts

Another type of instant breakfasts are frozen ready-made meals that are heated in a microwave oven or standard oven.