Oof.

This one hurts.

No one ever thinks they’ll outlive their favorite cereals. After all, for many of us, the iconic flavors and mascots that built the breakfast aisle, from Cheerios to Frosted Flakes, have existed since we were born and strongly endured as mythical presences through the golden graces of youth.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a pantheon of cereal characters to build a childhood.

And for me, one of those most trusted breakfast table companions was Waffle Crisp. Where others have fond loaven recollections of French Toast Crunch, my maple memories are less Francophilic and more Belgicious. Though my Belgian heritage may be to thank, the miniature waffles’ sticky sweet maple syrup glaze really filled heart with joy—much like real syrup cascading into a freshly ironed waffle’s checkered pockets.

Oh, and the iconic smell that precedes the cereal, filling any kitchen, conservatory, or football stadium where the box is opened? I need it in cologne form, yesterday.

That’s why I chose Waffle Crisp for my first ever “Classic Review,” and it’s why I nearly shed a single, amber tear when hearing from fan Sydney N. that he spotted the cereal on Post’s discontinued products page.

(Waffle) battered and heartbroken, I reached out to Post, hoping this listing was just some horrible prank pulled by Dr. Burnt Toast, to get back at the wonderful Waffle Boy, but their customer service team confirmed my fears.

Yes, Waffle Crisp has been discontinued. It’s a sad day, especially when Post has been cranking out a number of great cereals lately. Waffle Crisp has already been difficult for many to find in the last few years, but with the cereal’s (literally) rich, Eggo-topping 20+ year history, it would be especially sad if the success of Oreo O’s and its ilk was what pushed Waffle Boy off shelves.

All hope might not be lost, of course: those of lucky enough to have reliable WC access can stock up while we can, and despite this news, Post’s extremely similar Good Morenings Waffle Crunch cereal—whose in-store availability, appropriately, also waffles—hasn’t been officially discontinued yet [EDIT: I’m told this has also been discontinued 🥺].

So while the flavor may persevere, and while old cereals make fan-requested comebacks all the time (I hope they bring the grandmas back too in 20 years, and maybe a Pancake Crisp variant while they’re at it), I guess I’ll have to eat a bowl of Maple Cheerios in respectful solidarity, recognizing that my youthful maple tastes have to grow up a little. And add a little fiber too.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t leave this article with one last elegy for my departing friend:

Oh, Waffle Boy, the Post, the Post is calling

From bowl to bowl, and down the pantry side.

The syrup’s gone, and all the milk is sogging,

It’s you, it’s you must go and I must crunch alone.