FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidgrainMALTO O MEAL· 1 BOWL

MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON

MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON scores 29/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.

  • This MALTO O MEAL cereal scores 29/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice.
  • It contains 23.33g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
  • The product 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 sodium.
  • Consider this cereal as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast staple.
  • Scores -18 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
5.3g
19% of Daily Value
Protein
5.26g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
23.33g
47% of Daily Value
Sodium
473.68mg
21% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5.3g)+6
Protein (5.3g)+1
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (23.3g)-25
Sodium (473.7mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 29

MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON receives a FoodScore of 29 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its significant added sugar content, which stands at 23.33g per 100g serving. Ingredients like sugar, fructose, and dextrose contribute to this high amount, leading to a substantial penalty in the scoring system. The product's classification as NOVA 4 also incurs a penalty, reflecting its ultra-processed nature. While it does offer some nutritional positives, such as 5.3g of fiber and 5.26g of protein per 100g, along with notable amounts of calcium and iron, these benefits are outweighed by the penalties. The sodium content, at 473.68mg per 100g, also contributes a minor penalty. In comparison to a baseline of plain rolled oats, which are a whole grain with no added sugar or significant sodium, MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON contains considerably more added sugars and is a more processed option.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in malto o meal cereal, cinnamon actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Fortified Iron

This cereal is a significant source of iron, providing 15.81mg per 100g, which is 88% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. For individuals seeking to increase their iron intake, particularly those at risk of deficiency, fortified cereals like MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON can contribute to meeting daily requirements. It is important to consider the overall nutritional profile when relying on fortified foods.

Contains Dietary Fiber

MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON provides 5.3g of fiber per 100g, which is a moderate amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to satiety. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it can contribute to your daily fiber intake, especially when combined with other fiber-rich foods throughout the day. The whole grain wheat listed as the first ingredient is a primary source of this fiber.

Fortified with Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Beyond iron, this cereal is fortified with several other vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), thiamin mononitrate (Vitamin B1), calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), and folic acid. These micronutrients play diverse roles in the body, supporting bone health, immune function, and energy production. Fortification helps address potential nutrient gaps in the diet, making this cereal a source of these added nutrients.

How to eat it

Cinnamon-flavored cereals like MALTO O MEAL are typically consumed as a quick breakfast, often with milk. They can also be eaten as a dry snack. Due to its sweetened profile, portion control is key to managing added sugar intake.

Pair with unsweetened milk or a milk alternative and fresh fruit to add natural sweetness and additional fiber.
Combine with plain rolled oats or a less-processed cereal to reduce the overall added sugar content per serving.
Use as an occasional topping for yogurt or smoothies instead of a standalone meal to limit portion size.
Measure out a single serving rather than eating directly from the bag to better control calorie and sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains soy lecithin, an emulsifier derived from soy, which is a common allergen. Individuals with soy allergies should avoid this cereal. The presence of BHT added to preserve freshness is a synthetic antioxidant; while generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, some consumers prefer to limit their intake of such additives. The high amount of added sugar may be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels or those aiming to reduce their overall sugar consumption. The ultra-processed nature of this cereal, indicated by its NOVA 4 classification, suggests it contains ingredients and processing methods that may not align with dietary patterns emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods.

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Reader questions
Is MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON healthy?
MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON scores 29/100, classifying it as an 'Avoid' food. While it is fortified with iron and other vitamins and minerals, its high added sugar content (23.33g per 100g) and ultra-processed status are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption.
How does MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON compare to Cheerios?
Compared to original Cheerios, MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON generally has a higher amount of added sugar and is often more processed. Original Cheerios typically contain less added sugar and are made primarily from whole grain oats, often leading to a higher FoodScore. Always check the specific nutrition facts for direct comparison.
What is maltodextrin, and is it a concern in this cereal?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch and is used as a thickener, filler, or preservative. In MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON, it contributes to the overall carbohydrate content. While generally safe, it has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, which may be a concern for individuals monitoring their glucose levels.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size is '1 BOWL,' but nutrient values are provided per 100g. To manage added sugar and calorie intake, it's advisable to measure out a smaller portion, perhaps closer to 30-50g, especially if consumed regularly. Pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods can help balance the meal.
Can MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON be part of a weight management diet?
Due to its high calorie density (421.05 calories per 100g) and significant added sugar content, MALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON would require careful portion control to fit into a weight management diet. Foods lower in added sugars and higher in fiber and protein are generally more supportive of satiety and calorie management.
Does this cereal contain whole grains?
Yes, the first ingredient listed is whole grain wheat, indicating that this cereal does contain whole grains. However, the presence of other ingredients like sugar, rice flour, and various additives means it is not solely a whole grain product and is classified as ultra-processed.

Explore more

CategoryAll grains & breads →BrandAll MALTO O MEAL SKUs →Competitor · 85/100Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti →Competitor · 85/100BETTER OATS ORIGINAL STEEL CUT INSTANT OATMEAL WITH FLAX SEEDS, ORIGINAL →Head-to-headMALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON vs. Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti →Head-to-headMALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON vs. BETTER OATS ORIGINAL STEEL CUT INSTANT OATMEAL WITH FLAX SEEDS, ORIGINAL →Head-to-headMALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON vs. Jovial Organic Whole Grain Einkorn Penne →Head-to-headMALTO O MEAL CEREAL, CINNAMON vs. Jovial Organic Einkorn Spaghetti →

Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central (Branded, fdcId 2477383, modified 3/2/2018)Updated 2026-04-24