Agglomerates of cereals are held together by a binding matrix, rather than sugars, and are formed by providing a dry mix of cereals in particular form, such as flakes, and starch-based matrix—forming material, optionally along with other components. These are then mixed with water to hydrate the binding matrix and allow it to swell to form a paste and to bind the bulk materials together. The resulting blend is extruded to an outlet using a relatively open or no die so that any back pressure and heat generated is sufficient to permit the matrix material to set and bind the particular cereal without excess heat. The agglomerate extruded from the extruder are cut into pieces of the desired size and dried to final desired moisture content.