Concerned About Sugar in Cereal? Pick These Cereals, Not Those

My Diet Matters

When you look at a Nutrition Fact Label, you can see sugars noted on the label. The amount of sugar will be stated in grams of sugar from the product based on the serving size noted on the label. Here’s a quick fact to visualize what those grams of sugar look like if put into a teaspoon. For every 5 grams of sugar, that is equal to one teaspoon of sugar. So, if a cereal has 17 grams of sugar per serving, then that cereal contains over 3 teaspoons of sugar per serving. I think most nutrition professionals would say there is too much sugar in that cereal. At least this one would!

Checking labels for sugar in cereal

So, if you take a look at the Nutrition Fact Label, you can see that a serving of this cereal has only 2 grams of sugar. That sugar content is very low in comparison to most cereal products. It would be a good choice if you wanted to limit your sugar from cereals. While limiting sugars is important, a cereal should be providing other important nutrients such as fiber and iron. For many people, the amount of iron in cereal is particularly problematic and could potentially be harmful to their health.

Drawbacks to lots of sugar in the diet

Sugar is classified as a simple carbohydrate. It is a type of carbohydrate that has virtually no nutritional value other than calories. This is in direct contrast to complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates give us so much more than just empty calories. These foods are significant sources of B complex vitamins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Examples of complex carbohydrates include potatoes, corn, legumes, barley, brown and wild rice, and whole grain derived products. In fact, the cereal chosen to eat for breakfast should be viewed primarily as a complex carbohydrate and should not be a significant source of the other carbohydrate-the simple ones. So, what ‘s the real problem with too much dietary sugar?

Here are some highlights:

  • We don’t need the empty calories. We need calories that have lots of nutritional value. Unless you are underweight, this is a carbohydrate to limit.
  • Too much sugar in the diet causes tooth decay.
  • While sugar does not cause diabetes, too much dietary sugar can cause weight gain which is correlated with type 2 diabetes.
  • Too much sugar causes weight gain, which can increase blood pressure.
  • High sugar diets may increase the risk of heart disease. In particular, triglyceride levels can increase with too much sugar.
  • Too much sugar may be bad for your skin. Think both acne and wrinkles!
  • Too much sugar increases inflammation. Inflammation is pretty much the root of all diseases.
  • Sugar may actually make you tired. Better carbohydrate choices for sustaining energy are the complex carbohydrates that offer endless benefits.

Sugar in standard serving sizes of cereal

Sugar in popular cereal (3 tsp. sugar or more)

  • Frosted Flakes have 21 grams
  • Raisin Bran Crunch has 19 grams
  • Raisin Bran has 17 grams
  • Lucky Charms have 17
  • Cracklin Oat Bran has 16 grams

Sugar in more popular cereal (2+ tsp. sugar)

  • Cheerios Oat Crunch have 14 grams
  • Kashi GoLean Cereal Crunch 13
  • Great Grains have 13 grams
  • Honey Nut Chex have 12 grams
  • Frosted Mini Wheats have 11 grams
  • Kashi GoLean Multigrain Toasted Berry Crisp has 11 grams
  • Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch has 11 grams

Lower sugar cereal (under 2 tsp. sugar)

  • Cinnamon Toast Crunch has 9 grams
  • Oatmeal Squares with Hint of Brown Sugar have 9 grams
  • Honey Nut Cheerios have 9 grams
  • Life Cereal has 8 grams
  • Quaker Life Cereal has 6 grams
  • Multi Grain Cheerios have 6 grams

Lowest amount of sugar (1 tsp. or less sugar)

  • Grape Nuts have 5 grams
  • Wheat Chex has 5 grams
  • Special K (plain) has 4 grams
  • Rice Krispies have 4 grams
  • Crispix has 4 grams
  • Corn Chex has 4 grams
  • Wheaties have 4 grams
  • Corn Flakes have 3 grams
  • Kix has 3 grams
  • Rice Chex has 2 grams
  • Cheerios (plain) have 1 gram
  • Fiber One has 0 grams

Choosing the best cereal for your needs

So, none of us need to be loaded up with sugary cereal. It does not matter how old or young we are, we should be avoiding high sugar cereals! The one exception might be if you count it as a dessert (which I do occasionally).

However, when choosing your cereal, it is also important to consider things like the iron and fiber content. For determining your iron needs and which cereal would be best for your individual health, just check here. This is actually quite important. Iron requirements vary by age and gender, and cereal is fortified for the population needing the most iron. Those needing the most iron are women of childbearing years. The rest of us may actually be exposed to excessive quantities of iron in cereal. This is particularly true for those that like extra large servings. Knowing your iron requirements should always be a guideline for picking a healthy cereal.

Take away messages

Sometimes it’s not an easy decision on which cereal to pick. If cutting iron is critical, you may need to be eating a tad more sugar than desired. And, if fiber is a priority, you may need to comprise once again. But, knowing the nutrition facts on your favorite cereal choices can go a long way on choosing the best option for your individual or family needs!

Do you have a great cereal that you enjoy that is low in sugar with the right amount of iron and fiber? Care to share? Speaking of sharing, please share this post if you enjoyed it.

Sue Rose, MS, RD, LDN

Sue Rose helps readers sort through the maze of nutrition information available to the public. As a seasoned clinical dietitian/nutritionist with decades of experience, her blogs attempt to educate and inform the public at a time when there is so much information it is often overwhelming to understand. Stay tuned for clarity on a variety of topics!

2 Comments

  1. Rita VanMaanen on September 7, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Because I carry a gene of hemachromatisis, I have to watch my iron intake as well as Vitamin C. In addition, I look for low sugar content. In addition, I am not allowed caffiene or carbonated beverages, chocolate, mint, etc. due to a hiatal hernia. Not gonna lie! A very occasional (1-2 year) can of pop sure hits the spot!This article is very helpful. Thanks!



  2. Robin Selinger on December 15, 2021 at 12:11 pm

    Even a “healthy” cereal like Wheat Chex is more than 10 percent sugar by weight…six grams of added sugar in a 59 gram serving.

    I keep imagining that every 10th piece of cereal is pure sugar. YUCK.

    Why don’t cereal makers substitute Splenda or another sweetener to reduce sugar content without compromising flavor?

    I read about a company called Amai Proteins that has developed a new sweetener made of protein. I wonder if that would work in cereal. More protein, less sugar would definitely get my attention.



Disclaimer

Use this information at your own risk. Although I am a licensed IL dietitian/nutritionist, I am not your dietitian. The information in my blog Chew on This located at www.mydietmatters.com is for educational and informational purposes only. It is also my own opinion and subject to change in the future. Please consult with your own medical professionals for individual treatment.