CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN CRUNCHY, SWEET, OVEN-BAKED OAT CEREAL scores 32/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN scores 32/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It provides a notable 12.5g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily intake.
The product contains 26.8g of added sugar per 100g, a significant amount.
As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs substantially from plain rolled oats.
Consider portion control to manage intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
Scores -15 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN receives a FoodScore of 32 out of 100, categorized as 'Poor.' This score is influenced by several factors, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the cereal earns bonus points for its substantial fiber content of 12.5g per 100g and a moderate protein contribution of 7.1g. It also provides meaningful amounts of certain micronutrients, specifically 45% DV for iron, 89% DV for Vitamin B12, and 36% DV for folate per 100g. However, these benefits are significantly outweighed by penalties. A major detractor is the high added sugar content of 26.8g per 100g, which contributes a large penalty. The presence of palm oil also adds to a penalty for saturated fat, at 6.25g per 100g. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food incurs an additional penalty. Compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN contains significantly more added sugar and saturated fat, despite its fiber content.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in cracklin' oat bran crunchy, sweet, oven-baked oat cereal actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN provides 12.5g of dietary fiber per 100g, which is a substantial contribution to the recommended daily intake. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and potentially contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can support overall gut function. This product can be a way to increase fiber intake, especially for individuals who may struggle to meet their daily fiber needs from other sources.
Fortified with Key Micronutrients
This cereal is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals, notably providing 89% DV for Vitamin B12, 45% DV for iron, and 36% DV for folate per 100g. These micronutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and neurological health. Fortified cereals can be a convenient way to ensure adequate intake of these nutrients, particularly for those with specific dietary needs or deficiencies.
Contains Whole Grain Oats
The primary ingredient in CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN is whole grain oats, which are recognized for their nutritional benefits. Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and various micronutrients. Consuming whole grains as part of a balanced diet is associated with supporting cardiovascular health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. While this product contains whole grains, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile, including added sugars and fats, when evaluating its contribution to a healthy diet.
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN CRUNCHY, SWEET, OVEN-BAKED OAT CEREAL scores 32/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal, often with milk or a milk alternative. A common portion size is 3/4 cup. Due to its sweet profile, it can also be used as a topping for yogurt or fruit, or as an ingredient in homemade trail mixes. The primary pitfall is consuming larger portions, which can quickly increase intake of added sugars.
To manage added sugar intake, consider mixing CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN with plain, unsweetened rolled oats or a lower-sugar cereal.
Pair with fresh fruit (like berries or sliced banana) to add natural sweetness, additional fiber, and vitamins without extra added sugar.
Use as a crunchy topping for plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to add texture and a small amount of fiber, balancing the sweetness with protein.
Be mindful of the 3/4 cup serving size; using a measuring cup can help maintain portion control and manage calorie and sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should note that this product contains wheat bran and wheat starch, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet. The ingredient list also includes soy lecithin, which is a common allergen for individuals with soy allergies. While the product is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, the presence of palm oil contributes to its saturated fat content, which individuals monitoring their cardiovascular health may wish to limit. The significant amount of added sugar (26.8g per 100g) means that individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in controlled portions.
CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN receives a FoodScore of 32/100, categorized as 'Poor.' While it contains whole grains and is fortified with some micronutrients like iron and Vitamin B12, its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food significantly impact its overall nutritional rating. It is not considered a primary choice for a healthy diet when consumed regularly.
How does CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN compare to plain rolled oats?
Compared to plain rolled oats, CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN contains significantly more added sugar (26.8g vs. 0g per 100g) and saturated fat (6.25g vs. minimal). While both provide fiber, plain rolled oats are a whole, unprocessed food, whereas CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN is a NOVA 4 ultra-processed cereal. For example, a serving of Quaker Old Fashioned Oats would offer a much simpler nutritional profile without added sugars or fats.
What is 'palm oil' doing in this cereal?
Palm oil is included in CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN as a source of fat, contributing to the cereal's texture and flavor. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods. However, palm oil is also a source of saturated fat, which contributes to the product's penalty for saturated fat content.
What is a reasonable portion size for CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN?
The recommended serving size for CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN is 3/4 cup. Adhering to this portion size is important for managing the intake of added sugars and calories. Consuming larger portions will proportionally increase your intake of these components, potentially exceeding daily recommendations.
Can CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN be part of a weight management diet?
Due to its calorie density (410.71 calories per 100g) and high added sugar content, CRACKLIN' OAT BRAN should be consumed with careful portion control if you are managing your weight. While it provides fiber, the added sugars can contribute to excess calorie intake if not monitored. Consider pairing it with lower-calorie, higher-volume foods.