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Tip 1: Check the Ingredients List
The ingredients used in making bran cereals have a significant impact on their overall nutritional value. When selecting a bran cereal, ensure that the first ingredient listed is 'whole grain.' Whole grains are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they tend to have a lower glycemic index, which means they release energy slowly, keeping you fuller for longer. Bran cereals that contain added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives should be avoided.Examples of acceptable ingredients in bran cereals include:
- Whole grain wheat
- Whole grain oats
- Whole grain barley
- Brown rice
- Flaxseed
- Almonds
- Raisins
- Dried fruit
Tip 2: Check the Sugar Content
Many processed bran cereal products tend to have added sugars to enhance their flavor. Excessive amounts of added sugars in your diet increase your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Before purchasing a bran cereal product, check the sugar content on the nutrition label. A good rule of thumb is to select a bran cereal that has less than 5 grams of added sugars per serving. Bran cereals that contain honey, molasses, or fruit juice concentrate should be avoided.Examples of acceptable sugar substitutes in bran cereals include:
- Stevia leaf extract
- Monk fruit extract
- Lo Han Guo
Tip 3: Check the Fiber Content
The fiber content in bran cereals varies depending on the manufacturer's processing methods. Fiber is an essential nutrient that aids in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, adults require approximately 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber daily. When purchasing a bran cereal, ensure it contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.Examples of high in fiber bran cereal brands include:
- Kellogg's All-Bran Buds
- Fiber One
- Post Grape-Nuts
- Bear Naked Fruit & Nut Granola
- Cascadian Farms Organic Hearty Morning Fiber Cereal
Tip 4: Check the Sodium and Fat Content
Before purchasing a bran cereal, check the sodium and fat content on the nutrition label. Excessive amounts of sodium and fats in your diet can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A good rule of thumb is to select a bran cereal that contains less than 200 milligrams of sodium and 3 grams or less of fat per serving.Examples of low sodium and low-fat bran cereal brands include:
- Barbara's Original Puffins Cereal
- Cheerios
- Uncle Sam Cereal
- Kashi GoLean Original Cereal
Tip 5: Check the Serving Size
Bran cereals come in different package sizes, and each package contains different serving sizes. It's critical to check the serving size before purchasing a bran cereal product. Some manufacturers may list the nutritional values based on a smaller serving size, making the product appear healthy, whereas it may not be the case. You may be consuming more calories, fat, sodium or sugar unknowingly. Always refer to the serving size, and adjust the portion size accordingly.Example of package sizes and typical serving sizes:
- Kellogg's All-Bran Buds (1.3 oz box) – serving size 1/3 cup (31g)
- Post Grape-Nuts (18 oz box) – serving size 1/2 cup (57g)
- Cascadian Farms Organic Hearty Morning Fiber Cereal (14.6 oz box) – serving size 3/4 cup (55g)
- Kashi GoLean Original Cereal (13.1 oz box) – serving size 1 cup (51g)