Super (and Not-so-Super) Bowls: The Could-be-Better |
We give you the 10 best and the 10 could-be-better breakfast cereals of the bunch
The Could-be-Better
1. Froot Loops
Don’t be tempted by the toucan – though it’s low in fat and calories, it’s got far too much sugar and no significant nutritional value. “This is a bowl of empty calories. Plus, it’s got food colouring – chemicals which have been linked to hyperactivity in children,” Shulman says.
110 cals | 1g fat | 2g fibre 12g sugar
2. Frosted Flakes
Too low in fibre and too high in sugar, this is another nutritionally void breakfast. Remember, every 4g of sugar equals one full teaspoon – a serving of this cereal has four of them. “Parents should not make this a regular in their child’s diet,” Shulman warns.
120 cals | 0g fat | 1g fibre | 12g sugar
3. Lucky Charms
The leprechaun may look friendly, but it’s essentially like a bowl of candy. “It’s high in sugar, low in fibre and loaded with food colouring – not a good way to start the day.”
110 cals| 1g fat| 1g fibre| 11g sugar
4. Frosted Mini Wheats, Original
This one straddles the line between good and bad, Shulman says. “It’s got great fibre, but the sugar is high. I like to aim for the ‘five in five’ rule: less than 5g of sugar and at least 5g of fibre. You can do better than this.” Instead, go for un-frosted mini wheats and top with fresh fruit for a sweet boost.
190 cals| 1g fat| 6g fibre| 10g sugar
5. President’s Choice Organics Frosted Flakes
This cereal proves the caveat that organic doesn’t always mean healthy. “While organic ingredients are fantastic and free from herbicides, pesticides and fungicides, this cereal is still too high in sugar and doesn’t contain enough fibre,” Shulman says.
120 cals | 0g fat| 1g fibre | 9g sugar
6. Corn Pops
With its low calorie count and zero fat, a bowl of Pops may seem harmless enough, but a serving contains the equivalent of 4 teaspoons of sugar. “The decent fibre is cancelled out by too-high sugar,” Shulman says. “These are empty calories that will have your child crashing within a few hours of breakfast.”
120 cals | 0g fat | 3g fibre | 12g sugar
7. Reese's Puffs
Corn syrup, food colouring and artificial flavours does not a smart breakfast make. “This cereal is simply a bowl of dessert,” Shulman says. “It will not fill your child up and will leave him feeling hungry and tired – not a good state to be in for school.”
120 cals | 3g fat | 1g fibre | 11g sugar
8. Cinnamon Toast Crunch
A real piece of whole-grain toast with a real sprinkling of cinnamon is a far better option here. This cereal’s is far too high in fat and calories, while its fibre is way too low. “Stick to single digits for sugar in cereal,” Shulman says. “Extra sugar is a huge culprit in the child obesity epidemic.”
130 cals | 3g fat | 1g fibre | 10g sugar
9. President's Choice Organics Choco-Bears
Chocolate bears are more appropriate as a cookie treat than a bowl of cereal. Again, organic ingredients don’t always guarantee a virtuous product, Shulman says. Its redeeming qualities: it contains real cocoa and no preservatives.
110 cals | 0g fat | 1g fibre | 10g sugar
10. Trix
Loaded with artificial colouring, corn syrup and preservatives, it looks like candy and is pretty darn close.
120 cals | 1.5g fat | 1g fibre | 11g sugar
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