MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL PEANUT BUTTER receives a FoodScore of 31 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely driven by its high added sugar content, which stands at 30.33g per 100g, incurring a substantial penalty of -25 points. The product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, further deducts 10 points. While the cereal does offer some nutritional benefits, such as 3.3g of fiber and 6.7g of protein per 100g, these contribute only +3 and +2 points respectively. The inclusion of various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, folate, and riboflavin, adds a collective +12 points. However, the presence of ingredients like sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup as primary sweeteners, along with hydrogenated vegetable oil, contributes to its overall lower nutritional quality compared to a generic, less processed dairy equivalent.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in malt o meal sweetened corn puff cereal with real peanut butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Micronutrients
This MALT O MEAL cereal is fortified with several important vitamins and minerals. Per 100g, it provides 117% of the Daily Value for iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport and preventing anemia. It also offers 125% DV for Vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation, and 148% DV for Vitamin A, important for vision and immune health. These fortifications can help address potential dietary gaps in these specific nutrients.
Contribution to Daily Calcium Intake
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL contributes to daily calcium needs, providing 21% of the Daily Value per 100g. Calcium is a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission. While not a primary source, it can be a part of a diet aiming to meet calcium recommendations, especially when consumed with milk.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 3.3g of fiber per 100g, this cereal offers a modest contribution to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While not a high-fiber food, this amount can still be beneficial as part of a balanced breakfast, especially for individuals who may struggle to meet their fiber goals from other sources.
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL PEANUT BUTTER scores 31/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL PEANUT BUTTER is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal, often with milk. It is a convenient and quick option for many households. The recommended serving size is 0.75 cup, which is a relatively small portion given its nutrient density.
Pair with fresh fruit like berries or sliced banana to add natural sweetness and increase fiber content.
Combine with a source of lean protein such as Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg to enhance satiety and balance blood sugar.
Measure your portion to the recommended 0.75 cup to manage added sugar intake effectively.
Use as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast to limit exposure to ultra-processed ingredients and added sugars.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains peanuts, which is a common allergen, and individuals with peanut allergies should avoid it. The ingredient list also includes hydrogenated vegetable oil (cottonseed, soybean, and rapeseed), which is a source of saturated fat and can contribute to the product's overall fat content. The presence of BHT to preserve freshness is noted; BHT is an antioxidant additive. Given its high added sugar content, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this cereal in moderation and be mindful of portion sizes. Its NOVA 4 classification indicates it is an ultra-processed food, which some dietary guidelines suggest limiting.
Is MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL PEANUT BUTTER healthy?
This MALT O MEAL cereal scores 31/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high added sugar content of 30.33g per 100g. While it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin B12, its ultra-processed nature and sugar load mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption.
How does MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a plain, unsweetened whole-grain cereal like Shredded Wheat, MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL with Real Peanut Butter has significantly more added sugar and is more processed. While it offers fortification, the nutritional profile of whole-grain cereals generally provides more fiber and less added sugar, aligning better with dietary guidelines.
What is 'hydrogenated vegetable oil' in the ingredients?
Hydrogenated vegetable oil, listed as cottonseed, soybean, and rapeseed oil, is a fat that has undergone a process to make it more solid at room temperature. This process can create saturated fats and, historically, trans fats. While this product declares 0g trans fat, it still contributes to the saturated fat content of the cereal.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The recommended serving size is 0.75 cup. Sticking to this portion is important to manage the intake of added sugars and calories. Consuming larger portions will significantly increase the amount of sugar and other less desirable ingredients consumed in one sitting.
Can this cereal be part of a balanced diet?
While it can be included in a diet, MALT O MEAL SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL with Real Peanut Butter should be consumed in moderation due to its high added sugar and ultra-processed nature. It is best balanced with other nutrient-dense foods throughout the day, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to ensure a comprehensive nutritional intake.