I want some Sugar Puffs!

Thought I'd take a trip down memory lane and write about cereals. Yep, you read that right. Cereals! Cereals I miss. Cereals I crave. 

When it was almost time for Neil's bowel operation there were a limited amount of foods he could eat in the five days running up to it. Strangely enough he was allowed Ricicles and Sugar Puffs in amongst the bland non fibrous foods. It's strange because I always considered them to be fibrous and sugary and a treat, but hey ho, off we went. I think the hospital needs to update it's suggested menu list because it was impossible to find them. They don't exist any more.

I was horrified. Sugar Puffs don't exist! That's terrible. I loved those when I was a young child, along with such delights as Golden Nuggets and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I suppose it's all to do with the obesity factor? Everyone seems to be concerned with the fact that, as a nation, we appear to be getting 'larger'. The Government brought in what was commonly called 'the sugar tax'. It meant that high sugary drinks were taxed and as a result many drinks were changed to avoid this. It also meant that suddenly everyone became concerned about the vast amounts of sugar....and salt....in our common foods and so recipes were dramatically changed. Sadly this also meant many products were discontinued including my beloved Sugar Puffs. 

Now I like my food, but I also did Home Economics at school. Those lessons taught me all about balance, food groups and how to cook and eat healthily. The difference between then and now is that many people, and I include myself in this, use a wide range of processed foods in their diet. It's easier to buy a ready made tomato sauce than make one. It's easier to buy a ready curry sauce than take the time to make it from scratch. My reasoning for doing it is that I work hard, have some family commitments and it's quicker to use those foods. But on the weekends I cook properly. I bake cakes (with less sugar) and cook meals made with fresh ingredients, and I enjoy doing exactly that. It's all about that balance I was taught. I think I am able to make a decision for myself and I  also think most people can. If I think that then I should be able to make my own choices and buy Sugar Puffs when I want!

I know I am sounding petulant. I want some Sugar Puffs. It's no different from having Corn Flakes and smothering them with sugar. Someone somewhere has taken my choice away and I am now having Sugar Puff cravings. Having Puffed Wheat with sugar is not the same. I totally get that manufacturers felt under pressure to reduce the sugar content, and as many of them used sugar as a preservative and obviously for taste, it was simpler to discontinued the food item than try to adapt it. A few manufacturers tried to change the recipe when the healthy eating campaign came in but there were complaints.

So what should I do? I've been craving Sugar Puffs for a month now. As soon as I realised it was not available I wanted it. I need it! I desire it. Well I've found it. Hey ho!! I looked on good old Amazon and lo and behold Sugar Puffs exists to buy, albeit at an extortionate price. The name has changed to Honey Monster Sugar Puffs but who cares. I am off to order a pack. I'll let you know if they taste like I remember...…...😀