CHEERIOS CINNAMON SWEETENED MULTIGRAIN CEREAL achieved a FoodScore of 38/100, categorized as 'Poor'. The score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and less desirable components. On the positive side, the cereal earns 9 points for its fiber content of 7.41g per 100g and 3 points for its 7.41g of protein. It also receives 12 points for a range of micronutrients including Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Folate, and Riboflavin, with Iron and Zinc notably exceeding 100% DV per 100g. However, significant penalties reduce the score. A substantial 25 points are deducted due to the 27.8g of added sugar per 100g, with 'SUGAR' being a prominent ingredient. The sodium content, at 425.93mg per 100g, incurs a minor 1-point penalty. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food results in a 10-point deduction. Compared to plain rolled oats, which serve as a whole-grain breakfast baseline, this CHEERIOS product contains significantly more added sugar and is more processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheerios cinnamon sweetened multigrain cereal with whole grain oats crunch, cinnamon actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This CHEERIOS cereal provides 7.41g of fiber per 100g, which is a meaningful contribution to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. The presence of whole grain oats and other whole grains in the ingredient list supports this fiber content. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can also support healthy blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption.
Fortified with Essential Micronutrients
The cereal is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, notably providing 111% DV for Iron and 152% DV for Zinc per 100g. It also contributes significantly to daily needs for Vitamin B12 (278% DV), Folate (111% DV), and Vitamin A (62% DV). This fortification helps address potential dietary gaps, particularly for individuals who may not consistently consume a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods. These micronutrients play crucial roles in energy metabolism, immune function, and red blood cell formation.
Contains Whole Grains
The primary ingredient in CHEERIOS CINNAMON SWEETENED MULTIGRAIN CEREAL is whole grain oats, followed by whole grain corn, whole grain rice, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain millet. Consuming whole grains is associated with various health benefits, including supporting heart health and providing complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. The inclusion of multiple whole grains means the product retains more of the grain's original nutrients compared to refined grain products.
CHEERIOS CINNAMON SWEETENED MULTIGRAIN CEREAL receives a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
This CHEERIOS cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk. It can also be eaten as a dry snack. A common serving size is 1 cup, which should be considered when evaluating its nutritional impact within a meal.
To reduce the added sugar impact, combine a smaller portion of this cereal with plain, unsweetened whole-grain oats.
Pair with a source of protein like Greek yogurt or nuts to enhance satiety and balance blood sugar response.
Use as a crunchy topping for fruit and yogurt parfaits rather than as the main component of a meal.
Be mindful of portion sizes; a 1-cup serving contains a notable amount of added sugar and calories.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals monitoring their sugar intake should be aware of the 27.8g of added sugar per 100g in this cereal, with 'SUGAR' listed as the second ingredient. This amount is significant and contributes to the product's 'Poor' FoodScore. While the cereal is fortified with many vitamins and minerals, the high sugar content may outweigh these benefits for some dietary goals. As an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4), it contains ingredients like modified corn starch and canola oil, which are common in such products. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list carefully.
Is CHEERIOS CINNAMON SWEETENED MULTIGRAIN CEREAL healthy?
This CHEERIOS cereal has a FoodScore of 38/100 (Poor). While it provides fiber and is fortified with several micronutrients like iron and zinc, its high added sugar content (27.8g per 100g) is a significant nutritional drawback. Its classification as an ultra-processed food also impacts its overall score.
How does CHEERIOS CINNAMON SWEETENED MULTIGRAIN CEREAL compare to plain oatmeal?
Compared to plain rolled oats, this CHEERIOS cereal contains significantly more added sugar and is more processed. Plain oatmeal typically has no added sugar and a simpler ingredient list, making it a more nutrient-dense whole-grain option. While both offer fiber, the CHEERIOS product's sugar content is a key differentiator.
What is 'TRIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE' in the ingredient list?
Tripotassium phosphate is a food additive used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent. In cereals like CHEERIOS, it can help maintain texture and prevent ingredients from separating. It is generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, but its presence contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size is 1 cup. Given the 27.8g of added sugar per 100g, consuming this cereal in moderation is advisable. Pairing a smaller portion with other nutrient-dense foods, such as fresh fruit or a protein source, can help create a more balanced meal.
Does this cereal contain artificial colors?
The ingredient list specifies 'COLOR (CARAMEL COLOR AND ANNATTO EXTRACT)'. Caramel color and annatto extract are derived from natural sources, not synthetic dyes. Therefore, this CHEERIOS cereal does not contain artificial food colors commonly associated with synthetic dyes.
How does this cereal compare to other sweetened cereals like Kellogg's Frosted Flakes?
This CHEERIOS cereal, with its 27.8g of added sugar per 100g, is comparable in sugar content to many other sweetened cereals. For example, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes also contains a high amount of added sugar. While CHEERIOS emphasizes whole grains, both are considered ultra-processed and should be consumed in moderation due to their sugar levels.