CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL, OATS & HONEY scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its **high amount of added sugar**, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile.
This CHEERIOS cereal has a FoodScore of 42/100, indicating a poor nutritional rating.
It provides 12.69g of protein and 7.31g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its score.
A significant concern is the 21.64g of added sugar per 100g, a major penalty.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs substantially from plain rolled oats.
Consider portion control to manage intake of added sugars and sodium.
Scores -5 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL, OATS & HONEY receives a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, primarily driven by its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature. While it earns bonus points for its fiber (7.3g per 100g) and protein (12.7g per 100g), as well as a range of micronutrients including iron (63% DV) and zinc (74% DV), these are offset by significant penalties. The product contains 21.6g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a substantial penalty. Ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and refiner's syrup are listed early, indicating their prevalence. Additionally, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food incurs a penalty. The sodium content of 509.1mg per 100g also results in a minor penalty. Compared to plain rolled oats, which would score much higher due to minimal processing and no added sugars or high sodium, this CHEERIOS product presents a less favorable nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cheerios protein cereal, oats & honey actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This CHEERIOS cereal provides 7.31g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to digestive health and satiety. Fiber is important for maintaining regular bowel movements and can help manage blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of glucose. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet supports overall gut function.
Contribution to Protein Intake
With 12.69g of protein per 100g, this product can help meet daily protein requirements. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it plays a role in satiety, helping individuals feel full longer. This can be a useful component of a breakfast for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Fortified with Key Micronutrients
CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL is fortified with several important vitamins and minerals. It provides 63% DV for iron and 74% DV for zinc per 100g, which are crucial for immune function and energy metabolism. It also contains significant amounts of Vitamin A (101% DV) and Vitamin B12 (114% DV), supporting vision and nerve function respectively.
CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL, OATS & HONEY scores 42/100 (Poor) due to its high amount of added sugar, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile.
How to eat it
This cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk or a plant-based alternative. A common portion size is around 1 1/4 cup, but it's important to be mindful of the added sugar content when considering daily intake.
Pair with unsweetened milk or a plant-based beverage to avoid adding more sugar.
Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced banana for natural sweetness and additional fiber without extra added sugars.
Combine with a handful of nuts or seeds to boost healthy fats and further increase protein content, enhancing satiety.
Consider a smaller portion size than the recommended 1 1/4 cup to manage added sugar intake, especially if consuming other sugary foods throughout the day.
Use as an occasional breakfast option rather than a daily staple to help moderate overall added sugar consumption.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high added sugar content in CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL, OATS & HONEY, which is 21.64g per 100g. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consider this when incorporating the product into their diet. The ingredient list includes BHT added to preserve freshness, a synthetic antioxidant. While generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, some individuals prefer to limit synthetic additives. The product also contains soy protein, which is an allergen for some individuals.
This CHEERIOS cereal has a FoodScore of 42/100, indicating a poor nutritional rating. While it offers protein and fiber, its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is fortified with several micronutrients, which is a positive aspect.
How does CHEERIOS PROTEIN CEREAL compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to plain rolled oats, which serve as a whole-grain baseline, this CHEERIOS cereal contains significantly more added sugar and sodium. When compared to other protein-fortified cereals like Kellogg's Special K Protein, the nutritional profiles can vary, but many such products also contain notable amounts of added sugar.
What is 'refiner's syrup' in the ingredient list?
Refiner's syrup is a byproduct of sugar refining, similar to molasses, and is primarily composed of sugars. Its presence contributes to the overall added sugar content of the cereal. It is another form of sweetener used in the product's formulation.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The recommended serving size is 1 1/4 cup. However, given the 21.64g of added sugar per 100g, individuals may consider consuming a smaller portion, especially if they are monitoring their sugar intake. Pairing it with other low-sugar foods can help balance the meal.
Can this cereal be part of a weight management diet?
While this cereal provides protein and fiber, which can contribute to satiety, its calorie density and high added sugar content should be considered for weight management. Portion control is crucial, and balancing it with lower-calorie, nutrient-dense foods is advisable.