Sneaky Marketing
Countless cereals out there claim to be healthy, but not all of them actually live up to that claim. Sure, they might have whole grains, fiber, and nutrients to give you a great start to the day, but there are many that are also riddled with sneaky sugars, sodium, and refined ingredients that negate their nutritional value. With that in mind, here are 10 “healthy” cereals to avoid, and 10 to indulge in.
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1. Raisin Bran
Raisin Bran is frequently advertised as a nutritious, fiber-filled breakfast cereal. Its flakes are substantial and its raisins are large. The cereal looks naturally healthy. But it has 9 grams of added sugar per serving.
2. Honey Nut Cheerios
The Honey Nut Cheerios advertise itself as a heart-healthy, whole-grain cereal, making it the perfect healthy breakfast to start the day. With its sweet honey taste and crunchy texture, Honey Nut Cheerios can make you think you’re making a healthy choice. The truth is, one serving of this cereal has 12 grams of added sugar, making it very unhealthy.
3. Corn Flakes
Corn Flakes are often branded as a no-fuss, low-fat breakfast cereal that makes a healthy morning choice. Its bland, crispy flakes give the illusion of a wholesome light snack. But with 300 mg sodium and 4 grams of added sugar per serving, it’s far from a healthy option.
4. Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted
The Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Roasted variety is marketed as a hearty, full-flavored cereal that's full of grains and clusters. The mix of flakes and crunchy oat clusters makes it seem like a wholesome breakfast choice. But with 8 grams of added sugar per serving, it's much sweeter than it seems.
5. Frosted Mini-Wheats
Frosted Mini-Wheats are generally advertised as a fiber-rich cereal. The wheat biscuits of Frosted Mini-Wheats imply a healthy breakfast. They are actually not very healthy, since there are 12 grams of added sugar per serving.
6. Life
Life cereal is marketed as a healthy, kid-friendly breakfast filled with whole grains. The lightly sweetened flakes give it a healthy, whole-food image. But with 8 grams of added sugar per serving, it's a lot sweeter than it looks.
7. Special K
Special K is frequently advertised as a low-calorie, diet-conscious cereal that promotes healthy living. And its light flakes certainly make it appear like a sensible, healthy breakfast choice. But the truth is, at 270 mg of sodium and 4 grams of added sugar per serving, it’s not all that healthy.
8. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Many view Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a whole-grain, healthy breakfast option. The squares covered in cinnamon and sugar also seem tasty. The cereal has just 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 9 grams of sugar per serving.
9. Frosted Flakes
Frosted Flakes are often advertised as a playful, energizing, and wholesome-tasting breakfast cereal. The sugary coating and crispy texture are deceptively satisfying, making them seem like a filling option for children and adults. But with less than 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 10 grams of sugar per serving, and no whole grain to speak of, they are far from healthy.
10. Froot Loops
The deceptive marketing of Froot Loops convinces many that this sugary cereal is fun, fruity, and full of kid-approved nutrition. Its appearance alone creates a totally false health halo. What they may contain includes 3 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein, which is outweighed by 10 grams of sugar in every serving, and the fact that they're mostly refined corn flour.
Now that we’ve talked about 10 unhealthy breakfast cereals, here are 10 that are actually good for you.
1. Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes
Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes is a healthy cereal that is made with whole grains and organic ingredients. It is high in fiber, low in added sugars, and fortified with important vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to start the day with a nutritious and filling breakfast.
2. General Mills Wheaties
General Mills Wheaties is a traditional cereal made with whole grains and filled with nutrients. Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this cereal is a wholesome and energizing way to start the day. Low in added sugar and packed with nutritious ingredients, Wheaties is a truly healthy breakfast option.
3. Kind Honey Almond
Kind Honey Almond cereal is made from whole grains, nuts, and a little honey for sweetness. It is high in fiber and includes protein from almonds. There are few added sugars, so it's a really healthy breakfast. It's a tasty way to start the day that is satisfying and nutritious.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been a go-to breakfast for those looking to eat healthier. Cardiologists often recommend oatmeal as a heart-healthy food. It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote good digestion and general health. Research has also found that eating oatmeal regularly can reduce cholesterol and aid in weight loss.
5. Post Grape-Nuts Original
Post Grape-Nuts Original is a high-fiber, whole-grain cereal that is both nutritious and filling. This dense and hearty cereal is made from ingredients like wheat, oats, and barley, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals. Its low sugar content and focus on whole foods make it a healthy breakfast choice.
6. Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls Original
Barbara's Multigrain Spoonfuls Original is a whole-grain and seed cereal. It's high in both fiber and protein, making it a satisfying and well-rounded breakfast option. With low added sugars and all-natural ingredients, it's a genuinely healthy way to start the day.
7. General Mills Total
General Mills Total is a nutrient-rich cereal made with whole grains and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. It offers a balanced blend of fiber, protein, and nutrients to help power a healthy day. It has little added sugar, so Total is a truly wholesome, heart-smart breakfast choice.
8. General Mills Cheerios
General Mills Cheerios is a timeless, heart-healthy cereal made with whole grains. It is low in sugar, high in fiber, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. This simple, wholesome cereal offers a nutritious and satisfying start to the day.
9. Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates & Pecans
Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates & Pecans cereal is a healthy cereal. It is made with whole grains, dried fruit, and nuts. This cereal is high in fiber and has a good balance of natural sweetness and protein from the pecans. It is a very nutritious cereal with little added sugar.
10. Post Grape-Nuts Flakes
Post Grape-Nuts Flakes is a whole-grain, high-fiber cereal that delivers a host of key nutrients. Crunchy and satisfying, this cereal provides sustained energy and keeps you full well into the morning. With very little added sugar and a focus on real ingredients, this is one healthy breakfast cereal.
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