These bars are a fun spin-off of a breakfast staple we have known and loved for decades.
Made of a thick chocolate base and topped with cereal chunks, these bars are the crunchiest and yummiest snack for a mid-day sugar boost. Their convenient, no-mess packaging makes them a perfect on-the-go snack that cereal lovers can enjoy anywhere at any time.
Like other General Mills monster cereals, Count Chocula, too, is a limited edition product. It is usually only found around the Halloween season, but the cereal bar version is available all year round.
This nostalgic treat is available in packs of 6,8,12, and 30 individually wrapped and labeled bars, as well as a mini treat bar version. Stock them in your pantry to have an easy ready-to-eat portable breakfast on the days when you’re rushing to work.
History and Background of Count Chocula Cereal
Count Chocula Cereal was released back in 1971 as a part of General Mills limited edition Monster Cereals launch. These were different cereals, all named after traditional Halloween characters.
The first two, and arguably the best cereals, to be introduced were: Count Chocula, a rich chocolate-flavored cereal named after Dracula. And Frankenberry, a sweet strawberry flavored cereal with marshmallow chunks, derived its name from the infamous Frankenstein.
Back in the 70s, chocolate wasn’t a standard part of breakfast meals. When it was released, count Chocula was the first chocolate-flavored cereal introduced into the market.
Famous Minnesota cartoonist John Kahn, who also drew the original Trix rabbit in 1959, designed and illustrated the art for Count Chocula. The initial design featured a tired-looking vampire in chocolate-brown robes with a long pointy nose and chin and two buck teeth in place of fangs.
The look and art style of the cereal boxes has changed over the years, but Count Chocula’s distinct and iconic appearance remains constant. He appears to be more goofy-looking and fun than scary, and that is precisely what makes him a fan favorite.
People adored this character so much that General Mills collaborated with DC comic backs in 2014 to release limited edition monster cereal cartons. The cereal boxes featured Count Chocula in an art style similar to the heroes in traditional DC comics. Later Jada Toys also release Count Chocula action figurines with tiny boxes of the mascot’s cereal.
In 2015, General Mills conducted a ‘Monster Cereal Election’ to determine which of the five monster cereals should be made permanent. Count Chocula, with its slogan ‘You can count on me,’ won against its four berry counterparts by snagging a majority of 41% votes and was labeled as the President of Monster Cereals.
Even after decades, Count Chocula has maintained its position as one of the most loved cereals in America. It is no wonder that in 2021, General Mills chose to create on-the-go cereal bars for those obsessed with the cereal’s chocolaty goodness.
Since their release, these bars have been the talk of the town. Even today, it is challenging to get your hands on these bars as they are almost always sold out.
What Do Count Chocula Cereal Bars Taste Like?
The count Chocula bars consist of cereal pieces, marshmallow chunks, bits of pretzels, chocolate-coated crispy rice, and choco chips mummified within a thick chocolate base and further topped with chocolate drizzle.
While the outside is crunchy, the inside contains half-melted, semi-dry chocolate. The drizzle on the top and the chocolate base have a soft yet waxy texture, with a buttery taste that is creamier and milkier than most chocolates.
The crispy rice coating, cereal and pretzel pieces, and fluffy marshmallow chunks balance the excessive sugar with a subdued and light cocoa-corn taste. The chips on the top are like tiny pieces of the same chocolate as the base; hence their flavor doesn’t stand out.
The best part of the entire bar is the gooey inside made of rich chocolate with strong fudge notes that melt into your mouth like lava syrup.
While Count Chocula cereal is known and loved for its chocolaty goodness, the addition of more sweet treats has pushed these bars into candy territory. Many recommend dipping the bar in a warm cup of milk to unlock its authentic flavors.
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