A breakfast routine most people never question has suddenly become a hot topic. The reason? One etiquette expert’s unexpected take on how cereal should be eaten is turning heads, sparking debate, and racking up millions of views online.
At the center of it all is etiquette coach William Hanson, who has built a loyal following by sharing polished, often traditional guidance on everyday manners. His latest tip, however, has people doing a double-take.
© Getty Images for SXSW LondonThe Rule That Started It All
An etiquette coach has caused quite the stir by insisting that people should be eating cereal with a spoon and a fork. Podcaster, author, and professional etiquette coach William Hanson has been sharing etiquette rules — such as how to set up a buffet table and the proper way to eat tacos — on his Instagram for years.
But a recent video on cereal-eating protocol has gone viral, having been viewed millions of times. “Here’s how to eat breakfast cereal,” Hanson began in his video, which features him sitting primly in front of a breakfast table. “First of all, add your milk of choice [to the cereal] … and then, with a spoon held in your dominant hand and the fork in your non-dominant hand you will eat.”
“Now it’s not soup so you don’t need to spoon away from you like you would with soup, but you can use the fork to push some cornflakes onto your spoon and eat accordingly,” he added, before demonstrating how to sweep the cereal onto the spoon.
Internet Reactions
The video has since received thousands of comments. “I can’t tell if this is rage bait or not,” one person wrote. “You don’t need the fork. Trust me,” said someone else, while another commenter wrote, “Then I’m a philistine because I’m not wasting no fork on corn flakes.”
The mixed reactions highlight that people are fascinated by etiquette, but only up to a point. When rules begin to clash with convenience, humor quickly takes over. Still, that tension is exactly what keeps Hanson’s content engaging.
© Getty ImagesBreakfast is one of the most personal, low-pressure meals of the day. It’s quick, often rushed, and rarely formal. Introducing a second utensil into that equation feels almost theatrical.
At the same time, there’s a growing curiosity around “doing things properly.” From hosting dinners to setting tables, etiquette content is having a resurgence, especially among younger audiences looking to elevate everyday routines.
Hanson’s Take on the Viral Moment
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Hanson, who is currently on a podcast tour, said, "It’s always so amusing to me which tips people engage with."
"I can never tell when filming what will capture people’s attention and what may go a little undetected," he added. "I’m glad that I’ve been helping improve people’s breakfasts this month.”
© Getty ImagesThat response suggests he’s well aware of the balance between tradition and entertainment. Not every rule is meant to be followed rigidly, but each one sparks conversation.
The Bigger Etiquette Lesson People Missed
Interestingly, one of Hanson’s other widely viewed videos offers a completely different kind of advice. In another one of Hanson’s most widely viewed videos, he explains that it’s actually very poor manners to correct other people’s etiquette — at least in front of others. “Did you know that it’s actually very bad manners to correct other people’s etiquette in front of other people?” he asked in the video, which has been watched over 2 million times.
So, should you actually use a fork with your cereal? Probably not necessary. But the conversation itself reveals people are paying attention to how they present themselves, even in the smallest daily habits.
