Despite the recession, the breakfast foods category experienced a 20% increase in sales from 2007-2011, rising from $10 to $12 billion, according to Chicago-based Mintel. The study also forecasts continued growth, with the category expected to grow nearly 26% by 2017.

That’s because outside of the kitchen, breakfast is eaten on foot, in the office, on the train, in the car and even waiting for a flight. Fortunately for consumers, they can relish an on-the-go breakfast, thanks to an array of new offerings that are equipped with a convenience factor like no other.

Bite-sized breakfast in a big way. Pinnacle Foods, Parsippany, N.J., introduced Aunt Jemima Lil’ Griddles, a line of bite-sized breakfast options that include Frozen Blueberry Mini pancakes, Frozen Original Mini pancakes and Frozen Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.

Keeping weight managers in mind. Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, Mich., introduced Special K Flatbread Breakfast Sandwiches in Sausage, Egg and Cheese; Ham, Egg, and Pepper Jack Cheese; and Egg with Vegetables and Pepper Jack Cheese varieties. Each option delivers between 180-240 calories and is a good source of protein and fiber. Plus, they are ready in the microwave in just 90 seconds.

Special K Red Berry waffles are low in fat, a good source of fiber and build on the appeal of the Special K Red Berry cereal.

And, Eggo Drizzlers are homestyle waffles with blueberry or strawberry topping packets that contain 35% less sugar than traditional syrup.

Easing the morning scramble. Columbus, Ohio-based Bob Evans Food Products introduced Breakfast Bakes, four individually-wrapped, hand-held hash browns that can be heated and ready to eat in just three minutes. The Sausage, Egg & Cheese variety combines Bob Evans premium sausage with scrambled eggs, warm, melted cheese and hash browns, whereas the Bacon, Egg & Cheese variety brings together breakfast favorites in one hand-held hash brown. Looking for a meatless option? Opt for the Southwest Breakfast Bake, which features a blend of red and green peppers, fluffy scrambled eggs, hash browns and cheese.

Half bagel, half muffin. Flowers Foods, Thomasville, Ga., launched Oatmeal Toasters, which are like a bagel, but also like an English muffin. Sold under the Nature’s Own brand of breakfast items, Oatmeal Toasters are made with whole grains and real oats and studded with sweet fruit. Each square offers 4 grams of fiber and 20 grams of whole grain. They are available in Cinnamon Raisin and Cranberry Orange varieties and come in resealable packages of eight.

The attack of allergy-friendly foods. Ian’s Natural Foods, Framingham, Mass., stepped up to the gluten-free plate yet again by introducing new breakfast items, including French toast sticks, pancrepes (in Blueberry, Apple, Sausage and Strawberry varieties) and Original Pancakes. Each all-natural recipe is formulated without preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.

Regardless of how—or where—you eat breakfast, today’s items rip through the category in a big, big way.

 To learn more about these and other new breakfast items, go to http://bit.ly/19VCNBi.