Evaluating the Health Benefits of Nutrigrain Cereal
With the popularity of convenient, on-the-go breakfast options, Nutrigrain cereal has become a staple for many busy households. But is this sugar-laden cereal actually good for you when it comes to healthy weight loss and maintenance?
Nutrigrain's Ingredient Profile
Nutrigrain is a line of breakfast cereals produced by Kellogg's. The cereals are marketed as an convenient way to get a serving of fruits, grains, and nutrients to start your day.
Common Nutrigrain varieties include:
- Strawberry Nutrigrain Bars
- Blueberry Nutrigrain Bars
- Cherry Nutrigrain Bars
- Nutrigrain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars
Ingredients generally include some combination of wheat flour, oats, rice, sugar, vegetable oils, salt, dried fruits, and added vitamins and minerals. The bars also contain a frosting coating.
Sugar Content of Nutrigrain Cereals
One of the biggest concerns with Nutrigrain cereal is its high sugar content. A single 1 packet (21g) serving of Strawberry Nutrigrain contains 8g of sugar. Blueberry and Cherry Nutrigrain Bars contain even more at 9g per packet.
That's almost as much as you'd get drinking a can of soda. Consuming too much added or refined sugar has been linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more.
Are Nutrigrain Bars Really That Nutritious?
While Nutrigrain cereals do contain some positive nutrients, the amounts are likely not as high as many consumers believe.
For example, a single Strawberry Nutrigrain bar contains just 11% DV fiber and small amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, D, zinc and folic acid. Yet it supplies a substantial portion of the maximum recommended intake for added sugars.
When you compare Nutrigrain bars to less processed whole grain cereals like oatmeal, the nutrition differences become even clearer. Oats supply more protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals, without the added sugars.
Healthier Cereal Options for Weight Loss
If weight loss is your goal, there are better cereal options than Nutrigrain's sugary bars and soft baked breakfast products.
Seek Out Whole Grains
Studies consistently show that consuming more whole grains is associated with lower body weight and reduced abdominal fat.
Some great whole grain breakfast cereal options include:
- Steel cut oats
- Old fashioned rolled oats
- Whole grain muesli
- Whole grain granola (with limited added sugars)
- Shredded wheat
- Grape nuts
Add Protein to Keep You Full
Another weight loss friendly cereal tactic is to choose options higher in protein. Eating adequate protein helps control appetite hormones and reduces overall calorie intake.
Look for cereals with at least 5-10 grams protein per serving, such as:
- Kashi GOLEAN
- Special K Protein
- Barbara's Shredded Wheat
- Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal
Limit Added Sugars
If you're trying to cut back on added sugars for health or weight loss, be sure to read nutrition labels carefully. Ingredients like sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup and molasses all count as added sugars.
Some unsweetened whole grain cereal options to consider include:
- Original Cheerios
- Corn Flakes
- Bran Flakes
- Puffed Wheat or Rice
The Bottom Line on Nutrigrain Cereals
While Nutrigrain bars do contain some positive nutrients from whole grains and dried fruit, the high amount of added sugars make them more of a dessert than a health food.
If you're looking for truly healthy breakfast cereal options to promote weight loss, seek out less processed picks with more whole grains, fiber and protein while limiting added sugars.
Oatmeal, granola, shredded wheat and high protein cereals can all be smarter choices to keep you full and satisfied while helping you achieve your health and weight goals.
FAQs
Is Nutrigrain cereal healthy?
While Nutrigrain cereal does contain some fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it is also high in added sugars which is unhealthy. There are healthier low sugar cereal options that provide more complete nutrition.
Can Nutrigrain cereals help you lose weight?
Unlikely. The high sugar content can promote overeating and fat storage, working against weight loss. To support weight loss, choose high protein, high fiber cereals that help control hunger.
Do Nutrigrain bars contain real fruit?
Yes, Nutrigrain bars do contain some real fruit in the form of fruit purees. However they also contain significant added sugars, making their nutritional value lower than fresh fruit.
Which is healthier: Nutrigrain or oatmeal?
Oatmeal is healthier than Nutrigrain cereal. It contains more fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals without tons of added sugar. Oats are a better breakfast option for weight loss or maintenance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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