November 10, 2025 — Leads & Copy — General Mills is expanding the Kernza market for U.S. organic farmers by quadrupling its use of the perennial grain with the launch of four Cascadian Farm cereals. The Cascadian Farm 1% Kernza Initiative cereals are available at Whole Foods and Sprouts.
Kernza, which regenerates annually without needing to be replanted, possesses unique roots that extend up to ten feet into the earth. This extensive root system bolsters soil health, sequesters carbon, enhances water quality and resilience, and creates habitats for wildlife.
The new cereals feature a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and include Honey Oat Crunch, Honey Oat Crunch with Almonds, Raisin Bran, and Hearty Morning Fiber.
Melissa Gallant, business unit director for Natural and Organic at General Mills, said adding Kernza to Cascadian Farm cereals creates a stable market for U.S. organic farmers. It also allows shoppers to select a sustainable option in the cereal aisle.
General Mills has researched Kernza since 2014 in partnership with The Land Institute and the University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative. Cascadian Farm began incorporating Kernza into its products in 2019.
Colin Cureton, director of commercialization, adoption and scaling for the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota, said that General Mills’ market partnership is vital for farmers adopting new crops like Kernza.
General Mills’ portfolio includes Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, and Yoki. General Mills generated fiscal 2025 net sales of $19 billion. The company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled $1 billion.
For more information about the cereals, visit CascadianFarm.com. For more information about Kernza, visit Kernza.org.
Source: General Mills
