FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorgrainPOCKET-WATCH· 11/3 Cup

POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL, RED TITAN'S VANILLA

POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL scores 32/100 (Poor) due to its high amount of added sugar, which significantly outweighs its fortified micronutrient content.

  • This POCKET-WATCH cereal has a FoodScore of 32/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
  • A single serving contains 35.9g of added sugar, contributing to its ultra-processed NOVA 4 classification.
  • It is fortified with several micronutrients, including 86% DV iron and 513% DV vitamin B12 per 100g.
  • 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 due to its sugar content.
  • Scores -15 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 foods).
Fiber
5.1g
18% of Daily Value
Protein
5.13g
10% of Daily Value
Added sugar
35.9g
72% of Daily Value
Sodium
538.46mg
23% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5.1g)+6
Protein (5.1g)+1
Micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Folate, Riboflavin)+12
What holds it back
Added sugar (35.9g)-25
Sodium (538.5mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 32

POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL receives a FoodScore of 32/100, primarily driven by its significant added sugar content. With 35.9g of added sugar per 100g, this product incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The ingredient list shows sugar as the second ingredient, indicating its prominence. Additionally, the cereal is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is ultra-processed, which results in a -10 point penalty. Sodium also contributes negatively, with 538.46mg per 100g leading to a -2 point penalty. On the positive side, the cereal does contain 5.1g of fiber, earning +6 points, and 5.1g of protein, adding +1 point. It is also heavily fortified with micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, folate, and riboflavin, collectively adding +12 points. However, these bonuses are not enough to offset the penalties from added sugar and processing. Compared to a baseline of plain rolled oats, POCKET-WATCH cereal contains considerably more added sugar and sodium, while plain oats provide fiber and whole grains without these additions.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in pocket-watch red titan's vanilla flavored cereal, red titan's vanilla actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Fortified Micronutrients

This POCKET-WATCH cereal is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals, which can help address potential dietary gaps. For example, it provides 86% DV of iron and 52% DV of zinc per 100g, both crucial for immune function and energy metabolism. It also offers a high amount of vitamin B12 (513% DV) and folate (128% DV), important for red blood cell formation and neurological health. While fortification is beneficial, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the food.

Contribution to Daily Fiber Intake

POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL contains 5.1g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber goals. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and promote satiety. The inclusion of whole grain yellow corn flour and whole grain oat flour contributes to this fiber content. While this amount is a positive, it is still advisable to seek fiber from less processed sources like whole fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Convenient Option for Specific Dietary Needs

For individuals who may struggle to meet certain micronutrient requirements through other foods, this cereal offers a convenient way to boost intake of specific vitamins and minerals. The high levels of vitamin B12 and folate can be particularly useful for those with specific dietary restrictions or absorption issues. However, it is important to balance this convenience with the product's high added sugar content and consider it as one component of a varied diet.

How to eat it

This cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast item, often with milk. A common portion is 1 1/3 cups, which is the serving size. Due to its high added sugar content, it is best enjoyed in moderation or as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

To reduce the overall sugar intake, consider mixing this cereal with a lower-sugar, plain whole-grain cereal like unsweetened shredded wheat.
Pair with a source of protein and healthy fats, such as plain Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts, to increase satiety and balance blood sugar response.
Use a smaller portion than the suggested serving size to moderate added sugar intake, especially for children.
Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced banana to provide natural sweetness and additional fiber, reducing the need for extra sugar.
Things to keep in mind

This cereal contains a significant amount of added sugar, listed as the second ingredient, which can contribute to excessive sugar intake if consumed regularly. The presence of Red 40, an artificial food coloring, may be a concern for some individuals, particularly children, due to potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive populations. The product also contains BHT for freshness, a synthetic antioxidant that some consumers prefer to avoid. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should note that this product contains wheat flour and oat flour, making it unsuitable for their dietary needs. The sodium content, at 538.46mg per 100g, is also relatively high and should be considered by those monitoring their sodium intake.

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Reader questions
Is POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL healthy?
POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL scores 32/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile. While it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, its high added sugar content (35.9g per 100g) and ultra-processed nature are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is best considered an occasional food rather than a daily healthy choice.
How does POCKET-WATCH RED TITAN'S VANILLA FLAVORED CEREAL compare to other breakfast cereals?
Compared to a less processed option like plain rolled oats, POCKET-WATCH cereal has significantly more added sugar and sodium. When compared to other sweetened cereals, such as General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, the added sugar content is comparable. For a more nutritionally dense breakfast, options like plain Greek yogurt with fruit or whole-grain oatmeal are generally preferred.
What is 'degerminated yellow corn flour' in the ingredient list?
Degerminated yellow corn flour is corn flour where the germ and bran have been removed. This process typically extends shelf life but also removes some of the fiber and nutrients naturally present in the whole grain. This contributes to the cereal's ultra-processed classification.
What is a reasonable portion size for this cereal?
The declared serving size is 1 1/3 cups. However, due to the high added sugar content, consuming a smaller portion, such as 1/2 cup, can help manage sugar intake. Pairing it with other foods like fruit and protein can also help create a more balanced meal.
Does this cereal contain whole grains?
Yes, the ingredient list includes 'whole grain yellow corn flour' and 'whole grain oat flour'. However, these are part of a 'corn flour blend' where 'degerminated yellow corn flour' is also present, and sugar is the second ingredient. While it contains some whole grains, the overall formulation is still high in added sugars and classified as ultra-processed.
Are the artificial colors in this cereal a concern?
This cereal contains Red 40, an artificial food coloring. While approved by regulatory bodies, some individuals, particularly children, may experience sensitivities or behavioral changes linked to artificial colors. If you have concerns, it may be prudent to choose products without artificial colorings.

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