FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidgrainMOM'S BEST CEREALS· 1 cup

MOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY GRAHAMS SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT AND CORN CEREAL, HONEY GRAHAMS

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams scores 22/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.

  • This cereal received a FoodScore of 22/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice.
  • It contains 33.3g of added sugar per 100g, significantly contributing to its low score.
  • With 857.14mg of sodium per 100g, this product is high in sodium.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, this is an ultra-processed food.
  • Compared to plain rolled oats, this cereal offers less fiber and significantly more added sugar and sodium.
  • Scores -25 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
4.81g
17% of Daily Value
Protein
4.76g
10% of Daily Value
Added sugar
33.3g
67% of Daily Value
Sodium
857.14mg
37% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (4.8g)+5
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron, Zinc)+6
What holds it back
Added sugar (33.3g)-25
Sodium (857.1mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 22

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams received a FoodScore of 22 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. The primary factor driving this low score is the substantial amount of added sugar, at 33.3g per 100g, which incurred a significant penalty of -25 points. Ingredients like SUGAR, MOLASSES, FRUCTOSE, HONEY, and DEXTROSE contribute to this high sugar load. Additionally, the product's classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, resulted in a -10 point penalty. The sodium content, at 857.14mg per 100g, also led to a -4 point penalty. On the positive side, the cereal received +5 points for its fiber content of 4.81g per 100g and +6 points for notable micronutrients, specifically calcium (29% DV), iron (72% DV), and zinc (49% DV). However, these bonuses were not sufficient to offset the penalties from added sugar, sodium, and processing. In comparison to a baseline of plain rolled oats, MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams contains considerably more added sugar and sodium, and a similar amount of fiber.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in mom's best cereals honey grahams sweetened whole grain wheat and corn cereal, honey grahams actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Iron

This cereal provides a significant amount of iron, with 12.9mg per 100g, contributing 72% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and various cellular functions. Including iron-fortified foods can help individuals meet their daily requirements, particularly for those at risk of iron deficiency, such as menstruating women or vegetarians. The iron in this product comes from ferric orthophosphate.

Good Source of Calcium

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams offers a good source of calcium, providing 380.95mg per 100g, which is 29% of the Daily Value. Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While this cereal contributes to calcium intake, it is important to balance it with other calcium-rich foods that may offer a more favorable nutrient profile, such as dairy products or fortified plant-based milks. The calcium is added as calcium carbonate.

Contains Zinc

This product contains 5.36mg of zinc per 100g, fulfilling 49% of the Daily Value. Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Including foods fortified with zinc can help ensure adequate intake, supporting overall health. However, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context of the food when relying on fortified cereals for micronutrient intake, as they often come with other less desirable components.

How to eat it

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal, often with milk. It can also be eaten dry as a snack. Due to its high added sugar content, portion control is key to managing its impact on daily sugar intake.

Pair with unsweetened milk or yogurt to avoid adding more sugar to your meal.
Combine with fresh fruit like berries or sliced banana to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
Use as a small topping for plain oatmeal or yogurt to add texture and a hint of sweetness without consuming a full serving.
Measure out a single serving size (1 cup) to help manage calorie and added sugar intake effectively.
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 be aware of its presence. The high sodium content of 857.14mg per 100g is a consideration for those monitoring their sodium intake, such as individuals with high blood pressure. Additionally, the significant amount of added sugars, including SUGAR, MOLASSES, FRUCTOSE, HONEY, and DEXTROSE, may be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or prediabetes. The ultra-processed nature of this cereal also means it contains various additives beyond whole food ingredients.

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Reader questions
Is MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams healthy?
MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams received a FoodScore of 22/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice. While it provides some iron, calcium, and zinc, its high added sugar content (33.3g per 100g) and sodium (857.14mg per 100g) are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is also classified as an ultra-processed food.
How does MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a less processed option like plain rolled oats, MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams has significantly more added sugar and sodium. When compared to other sweetened cereals, such as Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, it may have a similar or slightly lower sugar content, but its overall nutrient density remains low due to the processing and added ingredients.
What is 'rosemary extract' in the ingredient list?
Rosemary extract is included in this cereal as an antioxidant. It helps to preserve the freshness of the product, particularly the fats, by preventing oxidation. While derived from a natural source, its primary function here is as a food additive rather than for its nutritional value.
What is a recommended portion size for this cereal?
The recommended serving size for MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Grahams is 1 cup. Adhering to this portion size is important to manage the intake of added sugars and sodium, as consuming larger portions would significantly increase these amounts. Consider pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods to create a more balanced meal.
Does this cereal contain whole grains?
Yes, the first ingredient listed is WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT, indicating that it contains whole grains. However, the presence of multiple forms of added sugar (SUGAR, MOLASSES, FRUCTOSE, HONEY, DEXTROSE) and its classification as an ultra-processed food mean that the overall nutritional profile is not solely defined by its whole grain content.

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CategoryAll grains & breads BrandAll Bush's Best SKUs Competitor · 85/100Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti Competitor · 85/100BETTER OATS ORIGINAL STEEL CUT INSTANT OATMEAL WITH FLAX SEEDS, ORIGINAL Head-to-headMOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY GRAHAMS SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT AND CORN CEREAL, HONEY GRAHAMS vs. Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti Head-to-headMOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY GRAHAMS SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT AND CORN CEREAL, HONEY GRAHAMS vs. BETTER OATS ORIGINAL STEEL CUT INSTANT OATMEAL WITH FLAX SEEDS, ORIGINAL Head-to-headMOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY GRAHAMS SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT AND CORN CEREAL, HONEY GRAHAMS vs. Jovial Organic Whole Grain Einkorn Penne Head-to-headMOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY GRAHAMS SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT AND CORN CEREAL, HONEY GRAHAMS vs. Jovial Organic Einkorn Spaghetti

Data & references