This study examines the nonlinear relationship between cereal self-sufficiency and economic growth. Compiling a comprehensive balanced panel dataset encompassing 100 countries spanning the period from 1995 to 2020, this study conducts the panel analyses to examine how cereal self-sufficiency rates are associated with economic growth. Our empirical analyses yield illuminating insights into the stylized patterns of cereal self-sufficiency rates at various economic growth stages. These patterns highlight asymmetrical and nonlinear relationships between cereal exporting and importing countries. Exporting countries demonstrate a U-shaped curve, which indicates a propensity for amplifying domestic production, generating excess surpluses of cereals. In contrast, importing countries exhibit an inverted U-shaped curve, reflecting that challenging production conditions compel them to depend on international imports to meet their food demand.