Top 7 Corn Flake Substitutes

by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated -

There are plenty of corn flake substitutes available on the market if you need to avoid this type of common cereal, both as a meal or as an ingredient in other recipes.

Corn Flake Substitutes

Since this popular breakfast cereal pops up in so many different recipes, many people seek out corn flake substitutes in their pantry. From cookies to fried wedges and ice cream treats to casseroles, corn flakes can provide a crunchy texture and a sweet and salty exterior to your dish. If you prefer a cooked breakfast or haven’t done your weekly shop yet, here are some excellent corn flake substitutes. [1]

Other Cereals

You can substitute corn flakes in a recipe (or for breakfast) with similar cereals. Bran flakes or wheat flakes are the most similar alternative cereals and, as a substitute, they will work best in sweet recipes. [2]

Different varieties of cereal in bowls next to a bowl of milk and a wooden spoon

Whether it’s for breakfast or a late-night snack, cereal is a staple in millions of diets. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Breadcrumbs or Panko

Both traditional breadcrumbs and panko (the Japanese style of breadcrumbs) may work well to create a crispy topping on bakes and meats. If you’re making breadcrumbs at home, try adding oil, herbs, salt or spices to achieve the flavor you’re looking for. [3]

Croutons

If you have pre-made croutons, try crushing them to get a similar consistency to cornflakes. Once crushed, they can be similar to breadcrumbs (see above), although potentially with more flavor. This substitute is particularly suitable for savory recipes.

Plain Crackers

Like croutons, crackers can be crumbled to make a similarly textured substitute for corn flakes in both sweet and savory recipes. Add honey or sugar and cinnamon if using plain crackers in sweet recipes and salt and oil if using them in savory recipes. Gluten-free crackers can also be a good alternative for those people following a Celiac or gluten-reduced diet. [4]

A bowl filled with breadcrumbs

You can use breadcrumbs to top your casseroles, stuff poultry, thicken stews, and add bulk to soups. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Biscuits

Crumbled digestive biscuits will work well as an alternative to corn flakes in dessert recipes, particularly as a base or topping. 

Chips

Crushed potato, corn or plantain chips can be a good substitute for corn flakes in savory recipes. You won’t need to add extra salt when using chips as a corn flake substitute.

Instant Mashed Potato Flakes

These mashed potato flakes crisp up well and may make a particularly good alternative to corn flakes when they are required for making a crust on meat dishes.

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About the Author

John Staughton is a traveling writer, editor, publisher and photographer with English and Integrative Biology degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (USA). He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Stain’d Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. On a perpetual journey towards the idea of home, he uses words to educate, inspire, uplift and evolve.

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