In a flavorful fusion that’s bound to spark curiosity and cravings, General Mills and Hormel Foods have teamed up once again to deliver a bold new twist to the morning routine. This summer, the two iconic brands are launching CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Flavored Cereal, a limited-edition offering that combines the sweetness of cinnamon with the savory richness of bacon.
Following the success of last year’s HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ Flavored Thick Cut Bacon, this latest innovation flips expectations on their head by infusing the unmistakable smokiness of bacon into crunchy cinnamon cereal bites. It’s a daring new take on breakfast—and a clear nod to fans hungry for more adventurous flavor experiences.
A Flavor Pairing That Pushes Boundaries
The new cereal is dusted with CINNADUST™, the signature cinnamon-sugar blend that fans of CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ know and love. But in a surprising—and savory—twist, the cereal is also infused with the complex, smoky profile of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon, delivering a balance of sweet and salty in every spoonful. It’s a cereal unlike anything on grocery store shelves.
“This collaboration is rewriting the rules of breakfast,” said Brandon Tyrrell, Senior Marketing Manager at General Mills. “Bringing these two iconic breakfast staples and irresistible flavors together gives our fans even more reasons why they Must Cinnadust. We know our community is always looking for new and exciting flavor combinations, and this one checks all the boxes—sweet, savory, bold, and fun.”
That sentiment was echoed by Hormel Foods, who were encouraged by the enthusiastic response to their first joint product with General Mills.
“After seeing the fan response to last year’s collaboration, we knew we had to bring these two breakfast icons back together,” said Aly Sill, Senior Brand Manager at Hormel Foods. “We’re shaking up the way bacon fits into daily routines, and we can’t wait for consumers to experience it. Whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a late-night craving, this cereal offers something truly different and unforgettable.”
A Cereal Designed to Stand Out
Everything about the product—from its taste to its packaging—signals a new era of culinary experimentation in the cereal aisle. The 6-ounce resealable pouch features vibrant branding that merges the whimsical energy of CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ with the rich, traditional imagery of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon. Prominently displayed are the beloved Cinnaswirls—the mischievous animated cinnamon characters that have become icons of the cereal brand—paired with stylized bacon imagery for a package that stands out as much as the product inside.
Consumers can expect a crunchy texture that delivers immediate satisfaction, whether enjoyed dry as a snack or with milk for a full-flavored breakfast experience. And while this cereal is not an everyday grocery item, it’s expected to become a collector’s favorite due to its unique profile and limited availability.
Where and When to Get It
CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Flavored Cereal officially launches on Tuesday, July 8 and will be available exclusively at Walmart.com for a retail price of $5.84 per 6-ounce pouch. Quantities are limited, and with the buzz already building, fans are encouraged to act quickly to get their hands on this unconventional breakfast treat.
This online-only availability reflects a growing trend in food marketing: testing bold, niche flavor mashups in the digital marketplace, where brands can gauge fan enthusiasm before considering a broader release.
A Growing Trend in Cross-Category Collaborations
The partnership between General Mills and Hormel Foods is part of a larger trend in the food industry, where collaborations between legacy brands are driving innovation and excitement in familiar categories. Consumers are increasingly open to trying unexpected combinations—especially when those combinations involve trusted names and nostalgic flavors.
Breakfast, in particular, has emerged as a frontier for culinary creativity, blending classic staples like cereal, bacon, eggs, and pancakes in new formats that transcend traditional expectations. By introducing a product that merges sweet cereal with the deep umami notes of bacon, General Mills and Hormel Foods are not only feeding into this trend—they’re helping to lead it.
More Than a Gimmick
Though it may sound playful on the surface, this product reflects serious market research and a deep understanding of consumer preferences. Both General Mills and Hormel Foods have shown a willingness to innovate, not just with flavor, but also with packaging, format, and channel strategy.
As brands increasingly look for ways to stand out in a competitive market, cross-category collaborations like this one offer a path forward: fun, functional, and flavor-forward.
For those who love a bold breakfast—or just want to try something they’ve never tasted before—CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Flavored Cereal is here to spice up your cereal bowl with a dash of smoky sweetness and a whole lot of crunch.
