MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, COCOA DYNO-BITES
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, COCOA DYNO-BITES receives a FoodScore of 25/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content**.
FoodScore: 25/100 (Avoid) for MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL.
Contains 31.38g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
Fortified with 288% DV Vitamin A and 215% DV Vitamin B12 per 100g.
This product is NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed.
Compared to plain rolled oats, this cereal has substantially more added sugar and sodium.
Scores -22 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.45g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
31.38g
63% of Daily Value
Sodium
517.24mg
22% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Folate, Riboflavin)+12
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (31.4g)-25
Sodium (517.2mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 25
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, COCOA DYNO-BITES scores 25 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. The primary factor driving this score is its high added sugar content, which stands at 31.38g per 100g, incurring a significant penalty of -25 points. Additionally, the product's sodium content of 517.24mg per 100g contributes a -2 point penalty. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is classified as ultra-processed, resulting in a further -10 point deduction. While the cereal is fortified, providing bonuses for micronutrients like Vitamin A (288% DV), Vitamin B12 (215% DV), Folate (86% DV), Iron (35% DV), and Zinc (47% DV), these positive contributions (+12 points) are outweighed by the penalties. The presence of sugar and corn syrup early in the ingredient list reflects the high sugar load. In contrast, plain rolled oats, a whole-grain breakfast baseline, contain no added sugar or significant sodium, highlighting the nutritional differences.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in malt o meal sweetened rice cereal with real cocoa, cocoa dyno-bites actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Micronutrients
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, making it a source of key micronutrients. Per 100g, it provides 288% DV of Vitamin A, 215% DV of Vitamin B12, and 86% DV of Folate. These nutrients are important for various bodily functions, including vision, red blood cell formation, and cellular growth.
Contributes to Iron and Zinc Intake
This cereal offers a notable amount of iron and zinc, two minerals vital for health. With 35% DV of iron and 47% DV of zinc per 100g, it can help contribute to daily intake goals. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, while zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
Quick Energy Source
Due to its carbohydrate content, MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL can provide a quick source of energy. The combination of rice and sugars offers readily available glucose, which can be useful for individuals needing a rapid energy boost, such as before light physical activity. However, the rapid energy release is often followed by a quick drop due to the high sugar content.
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, COCOA DYNO-BITES receives a FoodScore of 25/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL is typically consumed as a breakfast food, often with milk. Its sweet profile makes it appealing, but it's important to consider the portion size and what it's paired with to balance its nutritional impact.
To reduce the overall sugar intake, consider mixing this cereal with an unsweetened whole-grain cereal like plain shredded wheat or puffed rice.
Pair with a source of protein and healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts, seeds, or a serving of plain Greek yogurt, to help slow sugar absorption.
Use the recommended serving size of 0.75 cup to manage calorie and added sugar intake, as larger portions can significantly increase the nutritional load.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the high added sugar content in MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL, which is 31.38g per 100g. This level of added sugar may be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, or for parents monitoring sugar intake in children. The product also contains caramel color, which some individuals choose to limit in their diet. While the cereal is fortified, the overall nutritional profile is dominated by refined ingredients and added sugars. There are no common allergens explicitly declared beyond the general 'contains 2% or less of' statement, but individuals with specific sensitivities should review the full ingredient list carefully.
MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL receives a FoodScore of 25/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its low score is primarily due to its high added sugar content (31.38g per 100g) and its classification as an ultra-processed food.
How does MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a plain, unsweetened whole-grain cereal like Kellogg's Shredded Wheat, MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL has significantly more added sugar and sodium. While it is fortified with some vitamins and minerals, its overall nutritional profile is less favorable due to the high level of processing and added ingredients.
What is 'cocoa (processed with alkali)'?
'Cocoa (processed with alkali)' refers to cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkaline solution, often to reduce its acidity and darken its color. This process, also known as Dutching, can sometimes reduce the flavonoid content of the cocoa, which are beneficial plant compounds.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size is 0.75 cup. Adhering to this portion size helps to manage the intake of calories, added sugar, and sodium. Consuming larger portions will proportionally increase the amounts of these components, making it more challenging to maintain a balanced diet.
Can this cereal be part of a balanced diet?
While it can be consumed occasionally, MALT O MEAL SWEETENED RICE CEREAL should not be a staple in a balanced diet due to its high added sugar and ultra-processed nature. For a more balanced approach, consider pairing it with nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit, nuts, or plain yogurt to add fiber, protein, and healthy fats.