FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorgrainMOM'S BEST CEREALS· 1 1/4 cup

MOM'S BEST CEREALS HONEY NUT TOASTY O'S SWEETENED WHOLE GRAIN OAT CEREAL WITH REAL HONEY, HONEY NUT TOASTY O'S

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's scores 33/100 (Poor) due to its significant **added sugar** content, which is the primary factor lowering its nutritional score.

  • This cereal has a FoodScore of 33/100, indicating a Poor nutritional rating.
  • It provides 7.3g of fiber per 100g, contributing positively to its score.
  • A serving contains 31.7g of added sugar per 100g, a major nutritional drawback.
  • As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs significantly from plain rolled oats.
  • Consider this cereal as an occasional treat rather than a daily breakfast staple.
  • Scores -14 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
7.29g
26% of Daily Value
Protein
7.32g
15% of Daily Value
Added sugar
31.7g
63% of Daily Value
Sodium
609.76mg
27% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.3g)+9
Protein (7.3g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc, Folate)+8
What holds it back
Added sugar (31.7g)-25
Sodium (609.8mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 33

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's earns a FoodScore of 33 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its high added sugar content, with 31.7g per 100g, resulting in a substantial 25-point penalty. The product also receives a 10-point penalty for being a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, indicating extensive industrial processing. Additionally, its sodium content of 609.76mg per 100g contributes a minor 2-point penalty. On the positive side, the cereal gains 9 points for its fiber content (7.29g per 100g) and 3 points for its protein (7.32g per 100g). Significant micronutrient contributions from iron (73% DV) and zinc (67% DV) add 8 bonus points. While the product highlights 'whole grain oat flour' as its first ingredient, the presence of cane sugar and cornstarch as subsequent ingredients significantly impacts its overall nutritional profile, especially when compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, which contain no added sugar or sodium.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in mom's best cereals honey nut toasty o's sweetened whole grain oat cereal with real honey, honey nut toasty o's actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

This cereal provides 7.29g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote regularity. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet may also support feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for appetite management. While MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's offers fiber, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context.

Good Source of Iron

MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's is fortified with iron, providing 13.2mg per 100g, which is 73% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Adequate iron intake is important for preventing iron deficiency. This cereal can be a convenient way to boost iron intake, particularly for individuals who may struggle to get enough from other dietary sources.

Provides Essential Zinc

This product contains 7.32mg of zinc per 100g, meeting 67% of the Daily Value. Zinc is a vital trace mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, including immune system support, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Ensuring sufficient zinc intake is important for overall health. Fortified cereals like this one can help contribute to meeting daily zinc requirements, especially for those with limited dietary diversity.

How to eat it

Honey Nut Toasty O's is typically consumed as a breakfast cereal, often with milk. Its sweet flavor profile makes it appealing, but it's important to be mindful of portion sizes due to its added sugar content. It can also be used as a crunchy topping for yogurt or as an ingredient in snack mixes.

Pair with unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based) to avoid adding more sugar to your meal.
Combine with a handful of nuts or seeds to boost protein and healthy fats, which can help increase satiety.
Mix with plain rolled oats to dilute the added sugar content and increase the overall fiber.
Use as a small topping on Greek yogurt or fruit for a touch of sweetness and crunch, rather than as a primary component.
Things to keep in mind

This cereal is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which means it has undergone extensive industrial processing and contains ingredients not typically found in home kitchens, such as trisodium phosphate. The primary concern is the high level of added sugar (cane sugar, honey, molasses), which can contribute to excessive caloric intake without significant nutritional benefit. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product sparingly due to its sugar content. The product also contains wheat starch and natural almond flavor, which are relevant for individuals with wheat or tree nut allergies.

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Reader questions
Is MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's healthy?
MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's scores 33/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides some fiber, iron, and zinc, its high added sugar content (31.7g per 100g) and classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) significantly lower its nutritional value. It is best considered an occasional food rather than a daily healthy staple.
How does MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's compare to other cereals like Cheerios?
Compared to original plain Cheerios, MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's has a significantly higher amount of added sugar. While both are oat-based, plain Cheerios typically contain very little to no added sugar, making them a more nutritionally favorable choice for daily consumption. This product's flavor profile relies heavily on sweeteners like cane sugar and honey.
What is 'trisodium phosphate' in the ingredient list?
Trisodium phosphate is a common food additive used as an emulsifier, thickener, and acidity regulator in many processed foods. In cereals, it can help with texture and processing. While generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, its presence is an indicator of the product's ultra-processed nature.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size is 1 1/4 cup. Given the high added sugar content, it's advisable to stick to this portion or even slightly less if you are monitoring sugar intake. Pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods can help create a more balanced meal. Being mindful of portion control is key for this type of cereal.
Can I give MOM'S BEST CEREALS Honey Nut Toasty O's to my child?
Due to its high added sugar content, this cereal should be offered to children in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars for children. While it provides some iron and zinc, there are many other whole grain options with less added sugar that would be more beneficial for a child's regular diet.

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