Navigating the Cereal Aisle

  

NAVIGATING THE CEREAL AISLE

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you walk down the cereal aisle? There are so many different products and brands to choose from, which all have different nutrient contents, it can make your head spin. But, there are key things to look for in the nutrition facts panel and ingredients list that will help you pick the best breakfast.

SUGAR 

Cereals can have hidden sources of sugar, so look at the Nutrition Facts to see how much total sugar and added sugar is in each serving. For cereal, the goal is 7 grams or less per serving (Under 16 grams if there is dried fruit in the cereal). For less added sugar, buy unsweetened cereals and sweeten them with fruit; you’ll get that great sweet taste while adding more nutrients to your breakfast!

WHOLE GRAINS

Half of the grains we eat each day should be whole grains. If you look at the ingredients list, whole grains should be the first ingredient. This means that along with getting part of your whole grain recommendation for the day, you will also be getting fiber, extra protein, and even more vitamins and minerals that are found in the whole grain. Multigrain does not mean that it is whole grain, some manufacturers use this to entice shoppers to buy their cereal by seeing nuts and seeds on the product, when it is actually not whole grain at all.

FIBER

Fiber is what helps make us feel full and stay full between meals, as well as acts as a digestive aid. Fiber is found in the bran portion of a grain, making it commonly found in whole grain items. Strive for at least 3 grams of fiber per serving in your cereal. In order for the cereal to be marketed as high in fiber, it has to have at least 5 grams of fiber per servings. Most cereals will advertise on the box that it is high in fiber, too!

Remember to use low-fat or fat free milk on your cereal, too! You'll get the 9 essential nutrients that milk has to offer as well as the benefits of the cereal in one breakfast!