The cost of a cereal has little to do with how healthy it is. Many sugar and fat-laden cereals come with high price tags, so you are actually paying extra to harm your health. Don't rule out all cereals, though, since they can be a good source of vitamins and minerals you might otherwise miss. Healthy options do exist, and they are typically at a moderate price tag that allows you to include them more into your diet more often.
Healthy Cereals Defined
Healthy cereals include those made using whole grains instead of refined grains and cereals that include actual healthy fruit or nuts and little added sugar or fruit flavored components not made of actual fruit. Dr. William Sears of AskDrSears.com maintains that the healthiest cereals contain 5 g or more of fiber and 5 g or less of sugar per serving. There should be at least 3 g of protein per serving. Zinc and iron content in healthy cereals falls between 25 to 40 percent of the daily recommended value. The cereal should not contain any hydrogenated oil, dyes, artificial colors or chemical preservatives.
Deceptive Cost
The cost of a cereal can be deceptive. Brand name cereals add on their higher costs of marketing and packaging, things that don't make the cereal inside any healthier. In an October 2010 report in the UK publication the "Mirror," reporters found that higher-priced brand-name cereals tended to have more fat and sugar than store brand versions. Cereals marketed to children are often more expensive than healthier options by the same company because the marketing costs are so much higher.
Tips
Look at the nutrition label and ingredient list, not the front of the box or the price tag, to determine how healthy a cereal is. Avoid cereals with showy names or pictures on the front of the box because these are often the most heavily marketed. Try to find heavier cereals and those with visible flecks in the flakes, since these two things indicate a higher percentage of fiber and nutrients and less air or refined grains. Whole grains should top the ingredient list on the back of the box. Avoid cereals with sugar at or near the top of the ingredient list and those with multiple types of sugar, such as those containing both sugar and high fructose corn syrup, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Other Options
If the expensive unhealthy options on the cereal aisle get too overwhelming, try some other healthy breakfast options instead. Muselix made with rolled oats, dried fruit and nuts is often sold in bags near the cereal aisle and can be eaten just like boxed breakfast cereals with milk, yogurt or plain. Hot whole grain cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat can provide an alternative on days when you don't want dry cereal.
Member Comments