<p>Cereals are the cornerstone of human nutrition, providing a staple source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients that are vital for the sustenance of global populations. However, microbial contamination and lipid oxidation of cereal products have caused great losses to human beings, and even threaten human health. The food safety and shelf life of cereal products were related to the field of food packaging. Unlike traditional packaging, which primarily serves as a protective barrier, active packaging could interact with the environment inside the package to extend the shelf life of cereal products. This paper reviewed the classification of responsive active packaging, including temperature, light, pH, humidity, oxygen, and enzyme response, and briefly analyzed some of the mechanisms. And then, the application and prospects of responsive active packaging in cereals and their products were specifically discussed, in order to provide some feasible schemes for improving the safety and quality of cereal products.&#xa0;</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>