When it comes to breakfast, you really can’t go wrong with a bowl of cereal. I mean, avocado toast and smoothie bowls are cool and all — but cereal is as classic as it gets. Plus, if you’re a ’90s child, your childhood was probably defined by funky rainbow cereals like Trix. There’s just one small problem, though. Have you noticed how it literally hurts to eat some cereals?
If some cereals kill the roof of your mouth, you’d be happy to know you’re not the only one.
In a subreddit titled “Explain Like I’m Five,” user BoydChowder pointed out this very important (and unfortunate) dilemma. They even called out Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks, two particularly painful cereals. And to be honest, we’re over here clinking our spoons and bowls together in agreement.
Thankfully, other Reddit users came through and proposed their theories.
The general consensus was that some cereals have a notoriously hard texture. Other cereals, like Cap’n Crunch, have pointy edges that scrape your mouth. To top things off, cereals are usually eaten by the mouthful. Together, all of these factors contribute to a potentially uncomfortable eating experience.
One Reddit user even compared Cap’n Crunch to boulders.
“Think of it as sharp little boulders,” said user Blackstaff. “First, you’ve got to crush the boulders into gravel. In other words, don’t bite down completely when you first chew each bite.”
They went on to explain that you can keep chewing as normal after you’ve turned the cereal into “gravel.”
Apparently, Blackstaff has been doing this since they were 11 years old, and they haven’t hurt the roof of their mouth since then. Brilliant.
We all know what it’s like to eat cereal that scratches up your mouth.
ELI5: Why do some cereals (looking at you, Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks) feel like they shred the roof of your mouth? from r/explainlikeimfive
It’s all because of their tough and hard texture.
According to some folks, it’s important to let the cereal absorb the milk first.
But sometimes, you’re just too hungry to wait!
Or maybe you simply prefer crispy cereal. (*raises hand*)
Someone else pointed out that crystallized sugar can be abrasive, too.
Others suggested taking smaller bites.
We totally appreciate the suggestion for optimal cereal eating, though.
Reddit user Blackstaff is clearly a pro.
Either way, it doesn’t hurt to be careful while chewing.
Remember, the roof of your mouth is super delicate!
According to Healthline, eating hard foods can hurt this part of your mouth.
This includes things like tortilla chips, hard candy, and of course — cereals.
Aside from Cap’n Crunch and Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes can be painful to eat, too.
The same can be said for Cinnamon Toast Crunch…
Even some granolas can scratch up your mouth.
But in the end, we can’t help but love these cereals anyway.
So, the next time you enjoy a bowl of your favorite cereal, don’t forget to take it easy.
Your mouth will thank you!
