ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond scores 31/100 (Poor) due to its significant **added sugar** content, which is a primary factor in its low rating.
This cereal has a FoodScore of 31/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 19.66g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Compared to plain rolled oats, this cereal has substantially more added sugar and less fiber.
A typical serving provides 156% DV for iron and 106% DV for zinc, offering some micronutrient fortification.
Scores -16 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond receives a FoodScore of 31 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this score is the high amount of added sugar, at 19.66g per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, further deducts 10 points. While the cereal does offer some positive contributions, such as 3.1g of fiber and 6.25g of protein per 100g, earning +3 and +2 points respectively, these are outweighed by the penalties. Micronutrient fortification, including significant amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and Riboflavin, adds 12 points. However, the presence of corn meal as the first ingredient, followed by sugar and honey, highlights its composition. Compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal has considerably more added sugar and less naturally occurring fiber, making it a less optimal choice for a daily breakfast.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in essential everyday, corn cereal, honey & natural almond, honey & natural almond actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Micronutrient Fortification
This ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY cereal is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals, which can help address potential dietary gaps. A 100g serving provides 156% of the Daily Value for iron and 106% for zinc, both crucial for immune function and energy metabolism. It also contributes significantly to daily needs for Vitamin A (434% DV) and Vitamin B12 (195% DV), supporting vision and nervous system health respectively. This fortification can be beneficial for individuals who may not consistently meet their micronutrient requirements through other foods.
Source of Fiber
ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal contains 3.1g of fiber per 100g, primarily from soluble corn fiber. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it can contribute to daily fiber intake, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps promote regularity and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in portion control. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet is a key component of maintaining gut health and overall well-being.
Convenient Breakfast Option
For individuals seeking a quick and easy breakfast, this cereal offers a convenient solution. Its ready-to-eat format requires minimal preparation, making it a practical choice for busy mornings. While its nutritional profile suggests moderation, its accessibility can be a factor for those with limited time. The fortification also means that even a small serving can provide a boost of certain essential nutrients at the start of the day.
ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond scores 31/100 (Poor) due to its significant added sugar content, which is a primary factor in its low rating.
How to eat it
Cereal like ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk. A common portion is around 0.75 cup, but it's easy to over-pour, leading to higher intake of added sugars and calories. It can also be eaten as a dry snack.
Combine with unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based) to avoid adding more sugar to your meal.
Add a handful of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced banana, to increase fiber and natural sweetness without relying on added sugar.
Mix with a small amount of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts to boost protein and healthy fats, which can help with satiety.
Measure your portion size to the recommended 0.75 cup to manage intake of calories and added sugar.
Consider alternating with lower-sugar, higher-fiber breakfast options like plain oatmeal or whole-grain toast with avocado.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains natural and artificial flavor, which can be a concern for some consumers sensitive to flavor additives. The ingredient list also includes caramel color, which is sometimes derived from processes that create 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a compound that has raised questions in some health contexts. Individuals with allergies should note the presence of 'natural almond flavor,' indicating a tree nut component, which could be a cross-contamination risk for those with severe almond allergies, even if whole almonds are not explicitly listed. The high added sugar content (19.66g per 100g) means individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption, should consume this product in moderation.
Is ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond healthy?
ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond scores 31/100, which is considered 'Poor' by FoodScore standards. While it is fortified with several micronutrients like iron and zinc, its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is not a primary source of whole grains or naturally occurring fiber.
How does ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a whole-grain cereal like Cheerios Original, ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond has a higher amount of added sugar and is less likely to be considered a whole-grain product. While both are fortified, Cheerios typically offers more fiber per serving. For a more nutritionally dense option, plain rolled oats would be a better choice.
What is 'soluble corn fiber' in this cereal?
Soluble corn fiber is a type of dietary fiber derived from corn. It is added to foods to increase their fiber content and can contribute to digestive health. In this cereal, it helps to boost the overall fiber count, which is otherwise low due to the refined corn meal base.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The recommended serving size for ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond is 0.75 cup. Sticking to this portion helps manage the intake of added sugar and calories. Over-pouring can quickly increase your consumption of less desirable nutrients, so using a measuring cup is advisable.
Can children eat this cereal?
Children can consume ESSENTIAL EVERYDAY Corn Cereal, Honey & Natural Almond, but due to its high added sugar content, it should be offered in moderation. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars for all age groups. Pairing it with fruit or milk can help balance the meal, but it's best not to make it a daily staple.