What was the first cereal invented?

The first cereal as we know it today was Granula, invented by James Caleb Jackson in 1863. It was a hard, coarse, and unpalatable product made from graham flour and water, baked into long, hard blocks. It was considered a health food and was meant to be soaked in water overnight before consumption.

However, there were earlier forms of cereal-like products, such as:

* Porridge: A simple dish made from grains boiled in water or milk, dating back to ancient times.

* Oatmeal: A variation of porridge made from oats, also with ancient origins.

* Grits: A coarsely ground cornmeal popular in the American South, originating from Native American cultures.

While these pre-existed Granula, they were not considered cereals in the modern sense of the word. Granula is considered the first breakfast cereal produced and marketed as a distinct food product.