Cheerios Frosted Cheerios Cereal receives a FoodScore of 29/100 (Avoid). The primary factor driving this low score is the **high amount of added sugar**.
This product scores 29/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice based on nutritional guidelines.
It contains 23.11g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
With 6.98g of fiber per 100g, it offers some dietary fiber.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is ultra-processed, unlike plain rolled oats.
Consider this cereal as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast staple.
Scores -18 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
6.98g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
8.99g
18% of Daily Value
Added sugar
23.11g
46% of Daily Value
Sodium
550.94mg
24% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.0g)+8
Protein (9.0g)+4
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (23.1g)-25
Sodium (550.9mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 29
Cheerios Frosted Cheerios Cereal earns a FoodScore of 29 out of 100, primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature. While it receives bonuses for its fiber (7.0g per 100g) and protein (9.0g per 100g), along with contributions from calcium and iron, these are outweighed by significant penalties. The product contains 23.11g of added sugar per 100g, leading to a substantial penalty of -25 points. Additionally, its sodium content of 550.94mg per 100g incurs a -2 point penalty. The presence of corn syrup and sugar high on the ingredient list indicates a formulation focused on sweetness. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is categorized as ultra-processed, which results in a -10 point penalty. In contrast, a baseline like plain rolled oats, which is minimally processed and contains no added sugars or high sodium, would score significantly higher, highlighting the impact of processing and added ingredients on this Cheerios product's nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheerios frosted cheerios cereal actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This product provides 6.98g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. While not as high as some whole grains, the fiber content in Frosted Cheerios is a positive attribute, stemming from the whole grain oats listed as the first ingredient.
Fortified with Essential Micronutrients
Cheerios Frosted Cheerios is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium (28% DV per 100g) and iron (56% DV per 100g). These nutrients are crucial for bone health and oxygen transport, respectively. The fortification helps address potential dietary gaps, making it a source of these specific micronutrients.
Convenient Breakfast Option
For individuals seeking a quick and easy breakfast, this cereal offers convenience. Its ready-to-eat format requires minimal preparation, which can be beneficial on busy mornings. While its nutritional profile suggests moderation, its ease of use makes it a practical choice when time is limited, especially when paired with other nutrient-dense foods.
Cheerios Frosted Cheerios Cereal receives a FoodScore of 29/100 (Avoid). The primary factor driving this low score is the high amount of added sugar.
How to eat it
Frosted Cheerios is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal, often with milk. It's a common choice for children and adults due to its sweet flavor and familiar texture. A standard serving size is 1 cup with 1/2 cup skim milk, but portion control is key given its added sugar content.
To balance the meal, pair Frosted Cheerios with a source of lean protein like Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg.
Add fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced banana, to increase fiber and nutrient intake without adding more sugar.
Consider mixing Frosted Cheerios with a less-sweet, whole-grain cereal to reduce the overall added sugar per serving.
Use as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to manage added sugar consumption over time.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals managing blood sugar levels should be mindful of the high added sugar content (23.11g per 100g) in Frosted Cheerios, as this can lead to rapid increases in blood glucose. The ingredient list includes corn syrup and sugar, which contribute significantly to this. While the product is fortified, it is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA class 4), which some dietary guidelines suggest limiting. There are no common allergens explicitly declared beyond the oats, but consumers with specific sensitivities should always review the full ingredient list and manufacturer's allergen statements.
Cheerios Frosted Cheerios Cereal scores 29/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption according to FoodScore guidelines. This is primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed classification. While it offers some fiber and fortification, these benefits are outweighed by other nutritional factors.
How does Frosted Cheerios compare to plain rolled oats?
Frosted Cheerios is significantly different from plain rolled oats. Plain rolled oats are a minimally processed whole grain with no added sugar or sodium. Frosted Cheerios, in contrast, is an ultra-processed cereal with 23.11g of added sugar and 550.94mg of sodium per 100g, making plain oats a nutritionally superior choice for a daily breakfast.
What does 'WHOLE GRAIN OATS' as the first ingredient mean?
Listing 'WHOLE GRAIN OATS' first indicates that oats are the most abundant ingredient by weight. While this contributes to the product's fiber content, the subsequent presence of sugar and corn syrup means that the overall nutritional profile is still heavily influenced by added sweeteners.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The suggested serving size is 1 cup with 1/2 cup skim milk. Given the added sugar content, it's advisable to stick to this portion or even reduce it, especially if you are consuming other sources of added sugar throughout the day. Moderation is key for this product.
Are the vitamins and minerals in Frosted Cheerios beneficial?
Yes, the fortification with vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron can be beneficial, helping to meet daily requirements for these specific nutrients. However, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context, as these benefits are delivered within a product that is high in added sugars and ultra-processed.
How does this compare to other breakfast cereals like Kellogg's Frosted Flakes?
Compared to other sweetened cereals like Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Frosted Cheerios shares a similar profile of being high in added sugars and ultra-processed. While both offer some fortification, they are generally considered occasional treats rather than daily staples due to their nutritional composition.