Frosted Flakes are essentially sugar coated Corn Flakes if you want a short explanation. For a more in-depth answer on the difference between Frosted Flakes vs Corn Flakes, please read on. Be sure to take the poll at the end of this article to vote for your favorite between Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes.
Ownership & History
Both cereal brands are owned by the Kellogg Company. There are also generic brands of each cereal in most grocery stores. The names “Corn Flakes” and “Frosted Flakes” are not trademarked, which is why they are not exclusive to Kellogg’s, the creator of these cereals.
Frosted Flakes came to grocery stores in 1952 and were officially called Sugar Frosted Flakes. They were launched to compete with Post’s Corn-Fetti, a similar sugar-coated corn flake cereal. Tony the Tiger is the mascot of the cereal and has been around since its launch. Frosted Flakes are known by other names in different countries such as Frosties in the U.K., Zucaritas in Latin America, and Corn Frost in Japan. Kellogg’s ditched the word “Sugar” in the products name in 1983.
Corn Flakes were created by John Harvey and Will Keith (W.K.) Kellogg in 1894. John was the superintendent and W.K. was the bookkeeper of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. They developed Corn Flakes as a healthier food option for food for patients that they believe would cleanse the body. The brothers had a falling out when W.K. wanted to add sugar to the cereal and sell it to the public. John was a strict Seventh-Day Adventists with a belief that it was necessary to live clean (i.e. no caffeine, sugar, alcohol, etc.). Clearly, the addition of sugar to Corn Flakes would not have been consistent with John’s religious beliefs. W.K. went on to open the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company in 1906 and added sugar to his cereal. This business move by W.K. caused a serious break in the brothers’ relationship that lasted to death.
Nutrition
Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes have roughly the same calories based on weight. However, Frosted Flakes have much more sugar as you can see below. Corn Flakes do have more sodium. Overall, Corn Flakes are the healthier option since they have minimal added sugar and more vitamins compared to Frosted Flakes.
| Kellogg Frosted Flakes | Kellogg Corn Flakes | |
| Serving Size | 1 Cup (37 g) Cereal without milk | 1 1/2 Cup (42 g) Cereal without milk |
| Calories | 130 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 190mg | 300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33 g | 36 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 12 g (12 g are added sugars) | 4 g (4 g are added sugars) |
| Protein | 2 g | 3 g |
| Vitamin D | 2 mcg 10% | 3 mcg 15% |
| Calcium | 0 mg 0% | 0 mg 0% |
| Iron | 7.2 mg 40% | 12 mg 60% |
| Potassium | 30mg 0% | 60 mg 0% |
| Thiamin | 20% | 30% |
| Riboflavin | 20% | 30% |
| Niacin | 20% | 30% |
| Vitamin B6 | 20% | 30% |
| Folate | 120 mcg 30% | 200 mcg 50% |
| Vitamin B12 | 20% | 30% |
Ingredients
The ingredients are the same for both cereals, but be sure to review the nutrition facts above. Nutritionally, the cereals are not the same, particularly in regard to added sugar.
Frosted Flakes -Milled corn, sugar, malt flavor, contains 2% or less of salt. Vitamins and Minerals: Iron (ferric phosphate), niacinamide, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folic acid, vitamin D3, vitamin B12.
Corn Flakes – Milled corn, sugar, malt flavor, contains 2% or less of salt. Vitamins and Minerals: iron (ferric phosphate), niacinamide, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), folic acid, vitamin D3. vitamin B12.
Prices
Here are some of the prices we found at various stores for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes. Based on our average, you will pay slightly more for Corn Flakes vs Frosted Flakes. Of course, where you shop is most important to getting the best deal.
| Store | Frosted Flakes (19.2 oz Package Size) | Corn Flakes (18 oz Package Size) |
| Kroger | $3.99 | $4.49 |
| Walmart | $3.28 | not available |
| Target | not available | $3.49 |
| Meijer | $3.59 | $3.59 |
| Safeway | $4.49 | $4.99 |
| HEB | $3.59 | $3.38 |
| Albertsons | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Giant Eagle | $4.29 | $3.99 |
| Food 4 Less | not available | $4.69 |
| Harris Teeter | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Wegmans | not available | $3.49 |
| Weis | $3.79 | not available |
| King Soopers | $3.99 | $4.49 |
| Average | $4.10 | $4.23 |
Poll: Frosted Flakes vs Corn Flakes
Given what you know about Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes, including their taste, which one do you prefer? Please vote for your favorite in the poll below.
