Instant breakfast typically refers to breakfast food products that are manufactured in a powdered form, which are generally prepared with the addition of milk and then consumed as a drink.^[1][2] Some instant breakfasts are produced and marketed in liquid form. The target market for instant breakfast products includes consumers who tend to be busy, such as students and working adults.^[2]

Powdered instant breakfast has been described as a breakfast substitute, used as a quick meal replacement in place of traditional quickly prepared breakfast foods^[2] such as bacon and eggs,^[1][2] oatmeal and pancakes.

Carnation-brand Instant Breakfast (renamed Carnation Breakfast Essentials in 2022)^[3] was introduced in 1964.^[4] It is a powdered instant drink that is manufactured with protein, vitamins and minerals and sugar.^[2] It is typically prepared with milk,^[2] and is available in different flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.^[5] Powdered forms are marketed in individual-serving packets and in cans. Carnation also manufactures prepared bottled instant breakfast drinks in liquid form.