Etiquette Coach Says the Correct Technique for Eating Cereal Is with Both a Spoon “and” a Fork

An etiquette coach has ignited a social media firestorm after suggesting in a viral video that cereal should be eaten with both a spoon and a fork. William Hanson, a well-known podcaster and author, shared his unconventional breakfast advice, which has since garnered millions of views and sparked a whirlwind of reactions online.

In the now-famous video, Hanson, who has worked in various royal households, can be seen seated at a neatly arranged breakfast table. He begins with a rather peculiar premise: “Here’s how to eat breakfast cereal,” he states, before detailing his specific method. Bringing a spoon into play, he suggests placing it in the dominant hand while using a fork in the other. “You can use the fork to push some corn flakes onto your spoon,” he elaborates, describing how best to scoop the cereal.

The advice has raised eyebrows, with many viewers left questioning whether the video was intended as serious guidance or merely “rage bait” designed to provoke. A plethora of comments flooded in, with some users expressing genuine disbelief at his suggestion. “You don’t need the fork. Trust me,” one sceptical commenter stated, while another quipped, “Then I’m a philistine because I’m not wasting a fork on corn flakes.”

Hanson, who frequently shares etiquette tips on his Instagram account, remarked in a statement that he finds it amusing which pieces of advice resonate with viewers. “I can never tell when filming what will capture people’s attention and what may go a little undetected,” he explained. He expressed satisfaction that his tips have contributed to improving people’s breakfast experiences.

This isn’t the first time Hanson has stirred conversation with his etiquette insights. In another widely viewed clip, he asserts that correcting someone’s manners in front of others is extremely poor etiquette. “It’s much better instead to lead by example, even if that is just a touch passive aggressive,” he advises, a sentiment that has been echoed by over two million viewers.

Hanson’s background adds credibility to his advice. Growing up in Bristol, he has an established career in etiquette, offering advice that extends beyond breakfast to various social situations, including buffet arrangements and taco consumption. His book, *Just Good Manners*, due to be released in 2025, delves into the nuances of British and American etiquette, highlighting the cultural differences that characterise each.

Reflecting on these cultural contrasts, Hanson notes that Britons often adopt a more cynical approach to social interactions at first, whereas Americans tend to approach new encounters with enthusiasm. “Brits start off more cynical and work up to enthusiasm, whereas your average American starts off enthusiastic and probably works down to cynical,” he explained.

Hanson’s fascination with etiquette began at the tender age of 12 when his grandmother introduced him to a book on manners. This early interest has blossomed into a career that combines his love for protocol with social media engagement, allowing him to reach a broader audience than traditional avenues once permitted.

As the cereal-eating fork and spoon debate continues, the allure of unlikely etiquette advice has captured the attention of many. Whether viewers see it as a serious recommendation or a mere gimmick, William Hanson’s approach to social propriety certainly gets people talking. His distinctive style and unconventional tips provide a window into the world of manners, both old and new, in a modern context.

With millions of views under its belt, the video not only reflects the quirky nature of social media but also highlights the ongoing conversation about etiquette in contemporary life. One thing is clear: Hanson’s intriguing advice ensures that breakfast time may never look the same again.