Cereal grains are the seeds of grasses in the family Poaceae, cultivated as staple foods across virtually every human civilisation. The major cereal grains — wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats, sorghum, millet, and rye — collectively provide more food energy to the world’s population than any other crop group.
In this context, cereal grain appears as a composite ingredient in products like grain-based beverages and cereal extracts where the specific grain source may vary or be blended. These products draw on the starches, proteins, and sugars naturally present in grains. In Australia, wheat and barley are the dominant cereal crops, though rice, oats, and sorghum are also grown commercially.
How it's produced
Cereal grains are grown as annual field crops. The specific farming practices vary by grain type, but broadly, seeds are sown into prepared soil, the crop grows over several months, and the mature grain heads are harvested mechanically using combine harvesters. Most cereal farming in Australia is dryland (rain-fed), particularly in the wheat belt stretching across southern and western regions.
After harvest, grains are dried to a stable moisture content and stored in silos. From there they may be milled into flour, malted for brewing, rolled or flaked for breakfast cereals, or processed into other products. Australia is a significant global exporter of wheat and barley.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
≈ Estimated from its category — typical for cereals & grains, not measured for this item yet. Sources & methods →
What comes from this
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