Watch Out for High Sugar and Poor Nutrient Content in Many Children’s Cereals
Results from a study released this week by Consumer Reports found that only four of the 27 cereals tested rank as “very good.” Those that were judged to be “very good” are Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios.
The majority of the cereals (23 of the top 27 cereals marketed to children) reviewed were classified as “good” or “fair.”
Rice Krispies only ended up with a “fair” rating. Although low in sugar it is also low in fiber. Cocoa Puffs and Frosted Flakes ended up in the “good” category because they had some fiber (1 gm) and were a good source of iron. Fruit Loops ended up with a “fair” rating, with a low fiber amount and 12 grams of sugar.
Two childrens’ cereals Honey Smacks (15 gms) and Golden Crisp (14 gms) classified as “fair” are more than 50 percent sugar by weight; this is as much sugar per serving as a glazed donut from Dunkin’ Donuts. This amount of sugar is less than the amount of sugar in a serving of yogurt.
The Classifications
- Very Good – Relatively low in sugars, with some fiber; high in iron and a good source of calcium.
- Good – Room for improvement in sugars and/or figer; high in or a good source of iron.
- Fair – Eat only occasionally; most have a lot of sugar and too little figer; most are high in or a good source of iron, but not calcium.
The Good Cereals
Cheerios topped the list with only 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per serving.
- Cheerios
- Kix
- Honey Nut Cheerios
- Life (Quaker Oats)
These four cereals earned points for relatively lower sugar and higher dietary fiber, the two categories weighed as most important.
Cereal Not Just for Children Anymore
While sugary cereals are heavily marketed to children ($229 million advertising dollars per year) an estimated 58 percent of children’s cereals are consumed by those over 18 a strong indication that childrens cereals are not just for children anymore.
Watch Serving Sizes
Another issue when eating cereals is to watch the serving size. Most children and many adults serve themselves 50 to 65 percent more than the serving size on the package or have a second serving which ultimately increases the number of calories eaten.
One student several years ago in my nutrition course admitted to eating a very large bowl of cereal, one that would hold three to four servings.
Paid subscribers can view the entire list of cereals reviewed at the Consumer Reports Website or for free at My Fox Twin Cities.
Sources:
MyFox 9. October 1, 2008. Report Rates Cereal Nutrition, with Surprising Results Is your kid getting too much sugar, enough fiber? My Fox Twin Cities.
Rob Stein. October 1, 2008. Kids’ Cereals Rated. The Washington Post.
Image Source: Carolyn Coles. Fruit Loops Donut. Some rights Reserved.
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