Shopper’s Guide: Hot Cereal
A bowl of creamy, steamy hot cereal is a perfect way to start a chilly day. And these days there are plenty of quick-cooking, instant, and microwavable options to make them easy to enjoy on busy weekday mornings. Nutrition-wise, many hot breakfast cereals contain oats as their base, therefore they are good sources of whole grains and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals. In addition to their digestive and heart-health benefits, whole grains and fiber slow the digestion process. This means they can keep your energy levels from dropping and keep you feeling fuller longer. So you can say goodbye to those mid-morning energy slumps that have you scrounging for whatever snacks you can find.
In addition to fiber, most hot cereals are low in saturated fat and sodium. These three benefits create a healthy breakfast trifecta. The only nutrient issue you may need to consider is added sugar. Some cereals contain fruit which contributes natural sugar, but that doesn’t need to be a concern for most. The current guidelines for added sugar are no more than
36 grams daily for men and no more than 24 grams daily for women. Consider how much added sugar you get from drinks and other foods to determine which hot cereals are best for you, sugar-wise.
Helpful Hints. Keep these ideas in mind when you’re feeling like starting your day with a warm bowl of cereal.
- Not all packets are equal. When comparing different cereals, be sure to check the gram weight of each packet. Some claim to have less or more of certain nutrients, but when you compare equal amounts, you may find the differences aren’t that significant.
- Stick with the OG. Choose the “original,” or plain flavor, and add your own flavorings with extracts, honey, maple syrup, etc. This allows you to control how much added sugar you’re eating.
- Mix it in. Nuts, seed, and fresh or dried fruits are delicious and nutritious ways to had flavor to your morning meal.
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