[[{“value”:”Cereal has long been considered a favorite morning meal. It’s quick, convenient, and delicious, and the number of toppings you can add—from bananas and berries to nuts and seeds—are truly endless. With many brands and varieties on the market, it’s easy to see why cereal is a quintessential breakfast. But keep in mind that not all cereal is created equal.
We spoke with Avery Zenker, MAN, RD, a registered dietitian at CrohnsandColitisTeam (MyHealthTeam), who works with clients to support digestive health, manage chronic conditions, and address nutritional deficiencies. Zenker shares seven cereals you may want to think twice about adding to your shopping cart on your next grocery run.
What qualifies as “the least nutritious breakfast cereal” can vary depending on your individual health and dietary requirements. However, Zenker says some cereals may be less aligned with general nutritional guidelines compared to others. Always be mindful of the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label.
“On the nutrition facts table, less nutritious cereals will be higher in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, and lower in fiber and protein. Added sugar is the main concern when it comes to breakfast cereals, followed by refined carbohydrates. Make sure to pay attention to the serving size, since it’s common for people to consume more than the listed serving size in one sitting. A cereal could be moderate in sugar per serving, but once it’s doubled, it could be quite high. Brands can adjust the serving size, which can make some cereals look lower in sugar than others, but may actually just be a smaller serving size,” Zenker says.
Below, Zenker shares seven cereals she considers to have less-than-favorable nutritional profiles.
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Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks®
Kellogg’s® Honey Smacks® are lightly puffed and crispy. According to the product description, this cereal contains whole grains and the sweet flavor of honey.
“Honey Smacks contain 18 grams of sugar per serving. They’re low in protein and fiber, at only 2 grams. Although the first ingredient is whole grain wheat, the next three ingredients are all sugar, in the form of sugar, glucose syrup, and honey,” Zenker says.
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Golden Crisp Cereal
Golden Crisp, which is produced by Post Consumer Brands, is sweetened puffed wheat cereal. According to Zenker, this product contains a significant amount of added sugar.
“A one-cup serving contains 21 grams of added sugar and zero fiber. The ingredient in the highest quantity is sugar. It contains 6 ingredients, and 3 of them are forms of sugar (sugar, corn syrup, and honey). It lacks whole food ingredients, fiber, and protein,” Zenker says.
Kellogg’s® Froot Loops® With Marshmallows
Kellogg’s® Froot Loops® With Marshmallows consist of sweetened multi-grain cereal and marshmallows.
“They contain 16 grams of added sugar and only 2 grams of fiber and protein. Sugar is the second ingredient, followed by marshmallows (which contain sugar as the first 3 ingredients). They also contain artificial colors. However, they do actually contain some whole grain flours, including corn and [whole grain] oat,” Zenker says.
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Marshmallow Fruity PEBBLES
Marshmallow Fruity PEBBLES bring together Fruity PEBBLES cereal and marshmallows for a “flavor explosion,” according to the product’s description. Zenker says that this cereal is high in sugar and low in both fiber and protein.
“A one-cup serving contains 18 grams of added sugar, zero fiber, and only one gram of protein. Sugar is the second ingredient, followed by marshmallows (which, the first ingredient is sugar), then corn syrup (more sugar). They also contain a number of artificial colors,” Zenker tells us.
Kellogg’s® Corn Pops® Cereal
According to Kellogg’s®, Corn Pops® Cereal is a sweetened cereal made from real corn.
“A serving (1 ⅓ cup) of Corn Pops® contains 15 grams of added sugar and zero fiber. The second and third ingredients are sugar, as sugar and corn syrup,” Zenker notes.
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Cap’N Crunch
Cap’N Crunch is sweetened corn and oat cereal.
According to Zenker, “Cap’N Crunch is one of the highest sugar breakfast cereals, with varieties containing 15-17 grams of added sugar per serving. Cap’N Crunch is very low in fiber and protein, and it’s primarily made with refined grains and sugar. These cereals also contain a surprisingly significant amount of sodium.”
The post A Dietitian Flags 6 Sugary Cereals, Including One With Nearly Half a Day’s Added Sugar per Cup appeared first on Eat This Not That.”}]]