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We’ve all been there: standing in the kitchen and staring at a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch (a pandemic favorite) with a valve that is beyond repair. You just wanted a bowl of crunchy goodness, but now you’re stuck figuring out how to keep the rest fresh without that satisfying click of a properly functioning box. Before you give in to chaos – or worse, stale cereal – let’s get started. Here’s how to turn that sad, floppy box into a sturdy solution with a triangular top that locks in the freshness.
Start by tucking the smaller side flaps into the box. Then fold one of the long flaps into the box as well, but leave the other long flap sticking out. Then press the two shorter sides of the box inward, creating a “V” shape at the top. With the triangle in place, take the remaining long flap and fold it neatly into the box, securing it between the folds. Voilà — a sealed box that keeps your cereal fresh and looks strangely good. If you need a visual guide, you can check out Lennia, the ‘Folding Queen’, step-by-step process on TikTok.
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Other ways to deal with a broken cereal box lid
Three grain containers with grains isolated on white background – Alexmisu/Shutterstock
If folding isn’t your thing, you can always skip the box altogether and embrace the lazy genius hack: pour your cereal into an airtight container. Not only will it stay fresh and crunchy, but it will also look super organized on your counter or pantry. There are plenty of container options available online – some even come with labels so you can write the name of the grain on them.
For those looking for something extra, cereal dispensers are a good option to skip pouring altogether. The Honey-Can-Do dispenser features two containers that keep the cereal fresh for up to 45 days. And with brands like Magic Spoon cereal now costing almost $10 per box, maintaining that crunch is practically a necessity. It’s also useful for portion control, dispensing 1 ounce per turn of the knob. Simply slide a bowl underneath, turn the knob and enjoy the perfect bowl of cereal without the mess. It’s like creating your own mini cereal station at home!
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