MINNEAPOLIS — The cost of boxes of cereal like Wheaties, Cheerios and Total is increasing an average of 2 percent, General Mills said.
The price jump averages out to roughly 6 or 7 cents a box for cereals like Chex, Total Raisin Bran and Total Corn Flakes, which typically costs around $3 in the Minneapolis area, General Mills spokesman Greg Zimprich said Monday.
The price increase went into effect May 31.
Shelling out a few extra cents isn't a big deal for Frank Tadych, 25, of St. Paul, Minn.
"I really don't think it will affect me," said Tadych. "When it comes to me and my Lucky Charms, I'm going to shell out the extra six or seven cents and buy my Lucky Charms."
The decision to raise the price was the result of higher energy, ingredient and packaging costs, Zimprich said.
The last time General Mills increased its cereal prices was in April 1999, when the company raised prices 2.5 percent.
John French, 30, doubted he would even notice the higher prices for cereal on his next grocery trip.
"A few cents? Naw, that's no big deal," said French, of Plymouth. "We'll shove out the extra costs." His wife, Jen, eats Total cereal.
General Mills, based in Golden Valley, Minn., leads the U.S. market in ready-to-eat cereals, followed by Kellogg Co., which makes Rice Krispies and Frosted Flakes, among other brands.