GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL receives a FoodScore of 37 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is significantly influenced by its high amount of added sugar, which stands at 22g per 100g serving, incurring a substantial penalty of -25 points. The product's classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, also contributes a -10 point penalty. On the positive side, the cereal provides 6.8g of fiber, earning +8 points, and 6.8g of protein, adding +2 points. It is also fortified with several micronutrients, including iron (25% DV), zinc (35% DV), and Vitamin A (282% DV), which collectively contribute +12 points. However, these bonuses are outweighed by the penalties, particularly from the added sugar, which includes cane sugar and invert sugar. Compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, which are minimally processed and contain no added sugars, GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL has a considerably higher sugar load and is more processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in great grains blueberry morning cereal, blueberry morning actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL provides 6.8g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by making you feel fuller for longer. This cereal can be a convenient way to add some fiber to your breakfast routine.
Fortified with Essential Micronutrients
This cereal is fortified with several important vitamins and minerals, helping to address potential dietary gaps. It is a good source of iron (25% DV), zinc (35% DV), and Vitamin A (282% DV) per 100g. These nutrients play crucial roles in the body; for instance, iron is vital for oxygen transport, zinc supports immune function, and Vitamin A is important for vision and immune health. Fortified cereals like GREAT GRAINS can be a useful option for individuals looking to increase their intake of these specific micronutrients.
Contains Whole Grains
The primary ingredients in GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL are whole grain wheat and whole grain rolled oats. Consuming whole grains is associated with various health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Whole grains retain all parts of the grain kernel—the bran, germ, and endosperm—which contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While this product contains added sugars, the presence of whole grains still offers some nutritional advantages over refined grain cereals.
GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL scores 37/100 (Poor) primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk or a milk alternative. A common portion is 1 cup. Be mindful of the added sugar content when combining with other sweetened items.
Pair with unsweetened dairy or plant-based milk and fresh fruit to add nutrients and dilute the overall sweetness.
Combine with plain rolled oats or another unsweetened whole grain cereal to reduce the added sugar per serving.
Use as a topping for plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to add crunch and fiber while boosting protein intake.
Measure your portion (1 cup) to manage calorie and sugar intake effectively, as serving sizes can be misleading.
Things to keep in mind
GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL contains a notable amount of added sugar (22g per 100g), which may be a concern for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption. The ingredient list also includes BHT, a preservative added to preserve freshness, which some consumers prefer to avoid. Allergens present include wheat, oats, and almonds, so individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution. The product is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), which may be a consideration for those prioritizing minimally processed foods in their diet.
GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL scores 37/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides fiber and is fortified with several micronutrients like iron and zinc, its high added sugar content (22g per 100g) significantly impacts its overall nutritional quality. It is classified as an ultra-processed food.
How does GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL compare to plain rolled oats?
Compared to plain rolled oats, GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL contains significantly more added sugar (22g vs. 0g per 100g) and is ultra-processed (NOVA class 4). While both offer whole grains and fiber, plain rolled oats provide a more neutral base, allowing for greater control over added sugars and other ingredients. For a similar comparison, a cereal like Cheerios also has less added sugar per serving than GREAT GRAINS.
What is 'invert sugar' in the ingredient list?
Invert sugar is a type of sugar syrup, often used in food products to retain moisture and prevent crystallization. It is a mixture of glucose and fructose, derived from sucrose. From a nutritional perspective, it contributes to the total added sugar content of the product, similar to cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size for GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL is 1 cup. Adhering to this portion size helps manage the intake of calories and, more importantly, the 22g of added sugar per 100g. Consuming larger portions would proportionally increase your intake of these components.
Does this cereal contain artificial colors or flavors?
The ingredient list for GREAT GRAINS BLUEBERRY MORNING CEREAL includes 'caramel color' and 'natural flavor'. While it does not list artificial flavors, caramel color is often produced through a chemical process. The 'natural flavor' designation means the flavor is derived from a natural source, but the specific components are not disclosed, which is common for proprietary flavor blends.