In April 2019, Hy-Vee signed an exclusive, three-year agreement with the reigning NFM MVP, Patrick Mahomes to include television commercials, social media collaboration, appearances, apparel and exclusive product launches at Hy-Vee grocery stores. And here we are, with a box of Mahomes Magic Crunch sitting on my table. Much like the Chiefs, the cereal comes with plenty of fanfare and expectations. Unlike the Chiefs, the cereal doesn’t pose quite the same choking hazard threat. (sorry Chiefs fans, I couldn’t help myself with that one)

Aesthetics

Let’s start with the packaging, which is oozing Chiefs. Everything from the colors to the fonts to eight photos of Mahomes on the box. If you’re a Chiefs fan, the cereal had you hooked on appearance alone. Opening the bag and pouring a bowl Mahomes Magic Crunch, you’ll be greeted with a familiar looking friend in sugar coated corn flakes (i.e. generic Frost Flakes). I’m not mad about that, as I am a fan of the Grrrrreat classic cereal. It’s not original by any means, but I don’t think that was the intent of this cereal.

Snackability

When it comes to snackability, Frosted Flakes or anything resembling it, isn’t the move to make. The flakes are just too small and there’s no other contrasting pieces of cereal in it to help, like you get from Honey Bunches of Oats, etc. Am I saying that Mahomes Magic Crunch tastes bad dry? No. It’s just not the most efficient and enjoyable way of eating the cereal.

Structural Integrity

Mahomes Magic Crunch, much like its big brother, Frosted Flakes, isn’t the best when it comes to enduring milk for a long period of time. I find it best to eat the cereal shortly after pouring the milk on it, just so it has a little crunch, as stated in the cereal’s name. The thin corn flakes absorb milk fast enough that if you don’t eat it quick enough, you’re left with a mushy substance that you may be able to build your very own yert out of. 

Cereal Concept

I’m giving Mahomes Magic Crunch four spoons, not because it’s original, but because it benefits a good cause. The limited-edition collector’s product is expected to raise $25,000 for the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Those proceeds will be donated to help underserved children in the Kansas City and surrounding area. And when I say the concept of creating a cereal for a NFM quarterback with generic Frosted Flakes isn’t original, I present exhibit A:Long live Flutie Flakes! The OG of limited edition collector’s box sweetened corn flake cereal sold within a region of the country with a popular NFL quarterback on the box.

Flavor

If for some reason you haven’t picked up on it yet, if you like Frosted Flakes, you’ll like Mahomes Magic Crunch. And it’s no mistake that the cereal is based off Frosted Flakes. Mahomes himself said in an interview that “I like Frosted Flakes, so I told them to make it as close to Frosted Flakes and they could. They did it. And it’s a little bit healthier, less sugar.” So it might not be Frosted Flakes Grrrrreat, but it’s not bad either. 

Final Thoughts

Mahomes Magic Crunch isn’t bad. It’s actually one of the better “generic” versions of Frosted Flakes I’ve had. I do feel like they missed an opportunity to add some marshmallows to this cereal in the shape of footballs, arrowheads or some other Chiefs-related item. I will also say that $3 a box isn’t too bad for this, especially knowing that some of the proceeds are going to his foundation to help children in the KC area. However, one small observation I had while reading the nutrition numbers, is it weird that this Chiefs cereal is distributed by a company located in Pittsburgh, aka Steeler Country?

Overall, will consumers be disappointed with this cereal? No. Will Chiefs fans be disappointed? Not with this cereal. If any disappointment comes for them, it’ll be late in the season. 🙂