FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsnackMOM'S BEST· 0.75 cup

MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA

MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA scores 24/100 (Avoid) due to its **high added sugar content**.

  • This cereal has a FoodScore of 24/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category.
  • A 100g serving contains 32.67g of added sugar, a significant amount.
  • It is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
  • Provides 6.7g of fiber per 100g, contributing to its bonus points.
  • Best consumed infrequently and in small portions, paired with whole foods.
  • Scores -17 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
6.7g
24% of Daily Value
Protein
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
32.67g
65% of Daily Value
Sodium
366.67mg
16% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (6.7g)+8
Micronutrients (Calcium)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (32.7g)-25
Sodium (366.7mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 24

MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA receives a FoodScore of 24 out of 100, primarily driven by its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature. A 100g serving contains 32.67g of added sugar, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The presence of sugar and corn syrup as primary sweeteners contributes significantly to this. Additionally, as a NOVA class 4 food, it receives a -10 point penalty for being ultra-processed. While the product does offer some positive attributes, such as 6.7g of fiber per 100g, earning +8 points, and 333mg of calcium (26% DV), adding +2 points, these are not enough to offset the penalties. The sodium content of 366.67mg per 100g also contributes a minor -1 point penalty. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this cereal provides a less favorable nutrient profile due to its high added sugars and processing level.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in mom's best sweetened corn puff cereal with real cocoa, sweetened corn puff cereal with real cocoa actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA provides 6.7g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While this product is ultra-processed, the fiber content from corn bran is a notable inclusion. Consumers can benefit from this fiber when this cereal is consumed as part of a varied diet that also includes whole, unprocessed fiber sources.

Contribution to Calcium Intake

This cereal contributes to daily calcium intake, providing 333mg of calcium per 100g, which is 26% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health and plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission. For individuals looking to increase their calcium intake, this product can be a supplemental source, though it should be balanced with other nutrient considerations, especially its added sugar content.

Convenient Snack Option

MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA offers a quick and convenient option for a snack or breakfast. Its ready-to-eat format requires no preparation, making it suitable for busy mornings or as an easy grab-and-go item. While its nutritional profile suggests moderation, its convenience can be a factor for consumers seeking accessible food choices. Pairing it with nutrient-dense foods can help improve the overall nutritional balance of the meal.

How to eat it

This cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast item with milk or as a dry snack. Given its high added sugar content, it's important to consider portion sizes and how it fits into your overall dietary pattern. A common pitfall is consuming larger than recommended servings.

Pair with plain milk (dairy or fortified plant-based) and a serving of fresh fruit to add protein, healthy fats, and additional fiber.
Use as an occasional topping for yogurt or oatmeal to add texture and a small amount of sweetness, rather than as a primary component.
Measure out a single serving (0.75 cup) to help manage added sugar and calorie intake.
Consider mixing with a lower-sugar, higher-fiber plain cereal to dilute the added sugar content.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with sensitivities to specific ingredients should review the label carefully. The product contains coconut oil, which is a source of saturated fat. While the total fat content is relatively low at 5g per 100g, 3.33g of this is saturated fat. Those monitoring their saturated fat intake should be mindful. The ingredient list also includes caramel color, which some individuals choose to avoid. There are no major allergens declared on the label, but consumers with severe allergies should always check for cross-contamination warnings if present on the physical packaging.

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Reader questions
Is MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 24/100, this cereal is categorized as 'Avoid.' Its high added sugar content (32.67g per 100g) and ultra-processed nature are the primary reasons for this score. While it offers some fiber and calcium, these benefits are outweighed by other nutritional factors.
How does MOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA compare to other cereals?
Compared to a whole-grain, lower-sugar cereal like Cheerios Original, MOM'S BEST has significantly more added sugar and is more processed. While Cheerios also contains some added sugar, it typically has a higher fiber content and a lower overall sugar load, contributing to a better FoodScore.
What is 'cocoa (processed with alkali)'?
Cocoa processed with alkali, also known as Dutch-processed cocoa, is cocoa powder that has been treated with an alkaline solution. This process reduces the acidity of the cocoa, resulting in a milder flavor and darker color. It can also reduce the flavanol content compared to natural cocoa.
What is a recommended portion size for this cereal?
The recommended serving size is 0.75 cup. Adhering to this portion helps manage the intake of added sugars and calories. Consuming larger portions would further increase the amount of added sugar consumed per sitting.
Can this cereal be part of a balanced diet?
While it can be included in a diet, it's best consumed in moderation and infrequently due to its nutritional profile. To balance it, pair it with nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit, nuts, or plain yogurt to add vitamins, minerals, and protein, and to dilute the impact of its added sugar.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll Bush's Best SKUs Competitor · 85/100ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT Competitor · 85/100BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI Head-to-headMOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA vs. ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT Head-to-headMOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA vs. BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI Head-to-headMOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA vs. BARILLA, WHOLE GRAIN, SPAGHETTI Head-to-headMOM'S BEST SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA, SWEETENED CORN PUFF CEREAL WITH REAL COCOA vs. BARILLA, WHOLE WHEAT PASTA

Data & references