Can you eat cornflakes without milk?

In this short article, we will answer the question “Can you eat cornflakes without milk?”, along with ways to store the cereal, and delicious recipes to make using it.

Can you eat cornflakes without milk?

Yes, you can eat cornflakes without milk, however, milk adds more flavor to the cereal. Some people, especially those who are lactose intolerant, usually prefer to substitute milk with water and a sweetener of their choice. 

This is because water does not impart a different flavor to the cereal, and the texture is not disrupted.

What are cornflakes made of?

Cornflakes or breakfast cereal is made of toasted flakes of corn, originally created by Will Kellogg in 1894.  They can also be incorporated into other desserts, such as cereal bars and cakes, and also be crushed and used as a substitute for bread crumbs in fried dishes.   

Do cornflakes expire?

Although cornflakes don’t expire unless they are kept in unsuitable conditions, they don’t retain their quality forever. 

If the package is unopened, the cereal will last for up to 6 months past the expiry date. However, if the package is opened, it will last up to two weeks if it is kept out of moisture or extreme heat. 

How to tell if the cornflakes are spoiled?

You can tell that the cereal is spoiled by checking for several signs:

Insects in the package

If the package contains small insects such as weevils, it is contaminated and not fit for consumption. The cereal usually gets infected if there is an opening in the package, and it is kept in a moist environment which is ideal for the insects to thrive. Consuming insect-infested cereal can lead to food-borne illnesses. 

Mold and rancid smell

If the cornflakes have mold growing on it, or contain a rancid smell, it is contaminated. Mold usually grows if water has entered the packaging, which is ideal for fungi to thrive and multiply. The rancid smell is probably due to the natural oils in the cereal spoiling due to less than optimal conditions. 

Can you make cornflakes at home?

Yes, you can make cornflakes at home, using only a few simple ingredients such as sugar, vegetable oil, cornmeal, salt, and vanilla extract. 

The recipe makes cereal that stays crunchy, even when milk is poured into it. The detailed recipe on how to make homemade cornflakes can be found here.

What recipes can you make with cornflakes?

You can make several delicious recipes with cornflakes such as:

  • Cereal bars: Cereal bars are a fun way to incorporate leftover cornflakes. You can add nuts, dried berries, raisins, or any filling of choice, top it off with yogurt and refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars using a knife and pack into lunch boxes for an afternoon snack, or simply enjoy it for breakfast.
  • Smoothies: Make delicious smoothies by adding cereal to any fruit smoothie of your choice to add texture and flavor. Since cornflakes are packed with fiber, they are a healthy addition to your breakfast smoothie. Fruits such as strawberries, bananas, mangoes, and blueberries pair well with cornflakes when making a smoothie.
  • Porridge: Make a filling porridge by using cornflakes instead of oats. Cook cornflakes in a pot on low heat, with a little bit of water or milk. Simmer on low heat, till the consistency of the cereal is thick. Turn down the heat, and serve warm, with toppings such as berries or raisins.

How can you store cornflakes?

After opening a packet of cornflakes, seal the bag carefully using a rubber band or a hair tie, and store the cereal in a cool and dry place, away from high temperatures. 

Prepared cereal with milk should be stored in the refrigerator and not at room temperature, as it spoils easily once milk is added. 

Can you freeze cornflakes?

Yes, you can freeze cornflakes to extend their shelf life and allow convenient meal planning. Freeze the cereal by first ensuring that it is fresh, and has not exceeded the expiry date. 

Place the cereal in sealable plastic bags, and note the date it was packaged before putting it in the freezer. The frozen cereal will last for about 6 months, after which it will lose flavor.

How do you thaw frozen cornflakes?

Frozen cornflakes can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. If you are in a hurry, you can thaw the cereal by running it under warm water for a period of time. 

Do not thaw the cereal in hot water, as you will end up cooking the cereal, and it will lose its flavor. Once thawed, consume it immediately to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Other FAQs about Corn flakes that you may be interested in.

Are corn flakes healthy?

Can dogs eat corn flakes?

Conclusion

In this short article, we have answered the question “Can you eat cornflakes without milk?”, along with ways to store the cereal, and delicious recipes to make using it.

References

https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/recipes-tips/get-inspired/cereals-without-milk

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