Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Cereal scores 36/100 (Poor) due to its **high added sugar content**, despite providing some fiber and micronutrients.
This product has a FoodScore of 36/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 17.52g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
The cereal provides 7.99g of fiber per 100g, a positive nutritional aspect.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it is highly processed compared to whole foods.
Scores +3 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
7.99g
29% of Daily Value
Protein
11.01g
22% of Daily Value
Added sugar
17.52g
35% of Daily Value
Sodium
635.22mg
28% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (8.0g)+10
Protein (11.0g)+7
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (17.5g)-23
Sodium (635.2mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 36
Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Cereal receives a FoodScore of 36 out of 100, primarily driven by its significant amount of added sugar. With 17.52g of added sugar per 100g, this contributes a substantial penalty of -23 points. The product is also classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which incurs a -10 point penalty. Sodium content, at 635.22mg per 100g, also adds a minor penalty of -2 points. On the positive side, the cereal benefits from its fiber content, providing 7.99g per 100g, earning +10 points. It also offers a notable amount of protein at 11.01g per 100g, contributing +7 points. Furthermore, the fortification with micronutrients like calcium (361.01mg, 28% DV) and iron (10mg, 56% DV) adds +4 points. The presence of Whole Grain Oats as the first ingredient is a positive, but the overall nutritional impact is heavily influenced by the added sugars like sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often has lower added sugar and sodium, this cereal presents a less favorable nutritional balance.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheerios chocolate peanut butter cheerios cereal actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This Cheerios cereal provides 7.99g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in appetite regulation. The fiber primarily comes from the Whole Grain Oats listed as the first ingredient.
Fortified with Essential Micronutrients
Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Cereal is fortified with several important vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of iron, providing 10mg (56% DV) per 100g, which is crucial for oxygen transport and preventing iron deficiency. It also contains 361.01mg of calcium (28% DV), a mineral essential for bone health and various bodily functions. These fortifications help to address potential nutrient gaps in the diet.
Contains Protein for Satiety
With 11.01g of protein per 100g, this cereal contributes to your protein intake. Protein is a macronutrient vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Including protein in your breakfast can help promote satiety and keep you feeling full longer, which may help manage hunger throughout the morning. The protein content is supported by the whole grain oats and peanut butter ingredients.
Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Cereal scores 36/100 (Poor) due to its high added sugar content, despite providing some fiber and micronutrients.
How to eat it
Cereals like Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios are typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk. A common serving size is around 30-40g of cereal, which is less than the 100g used for the nutritional analysis, so portion control is key.
To reduce the added sugar impact, consider mixing this cereal with a plain, unsweetened whole-grain cereal.
Pair with a source of healthy fats and additional protein, such as a handful of nuts or seeds, to enhance satiety and nutrient density.
Use a smaller bowl to help manage portion sizes and avoid overconsumption, especially given the calorie density.
Consider this cereal as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple due to its ultra-processed nature and sugar content.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the peanut butter in this product, as peanuts are a common allergen. Individuals with peanut allergies should avoid this cereal. The high added sugar content, at 17.52g per 100g, is a significant consideration, particularly for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption. The presence of caramel color is also noted, which some consumers prefer to avoid. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, the overall nutritional profile is impacted by the processing and added ingredients like corn syrup and dextrose.
Is Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios Cereal a healthy breakfast option?
This cereal has a FoodScore of 36/100 (Poor). While it provides fiber and is fortified with some micronutrients like iron and calcium, its high added sugar content (17.52g per 100g) and status as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) detract from its overall nutritional quality. It is not considered a top-tier healthy breakfast option for regular consumption.
How does Cheerios Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios compare to other cereals?
Compared to a plain, unsweetened whole-grain oat cereal like original Cheerios, this chocolate peanut butter variant contains significantly more added sugar and calories. For instance, a basic oat cereal would likely have a higher FoodScore due to minimal or no added sugars and less processing. When compared to a highly sugary children's cereal, it might offer more fiber and protein, but still falls short of less processed options.
What is the role of 'Natural Flavor' in this cereal?
Natural flavor is a broad term for flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or animal products. In this cereal, it contributes to the chocolate peanut butter taste profile. While derived from natural sources, these flavors are often highly processed and can contribute to the ultra-processed nature of the food, even if they don't add significant nutritional value.
What is a recommended portion size for this cereal?
The nutrition information is provided per 100g, but a typical serving size for cereal is often around 30-40g. Consuming a smaller portion helps manage the intake of added sugar and calories. For example, a 30g serving would contain approximately 5.25g of added sugar, which is a more moderate amount than the 17.52g per 100g.
Can this cereal be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, this cereal can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutrient-dense foods. Due to its high added sugar and ultra-processed classification, it is best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a daily staple. Pairing it with fruits, nuts, or plain yogurt can help improve the overall nutritional balance of the meal.