Multi Grain Cheerios are a popular cereal choice that many people believe to be healthy. But is this true? This article will explore the nutritional profile of Multi Grain Cheerios, as well as the potential health benefits and risks associated with eating them.
We’ll also compare regular Cheerios to their multigrain counterparts in order to get a better understanding of which one may be healthier for you. Read on to learn more about whether or not multigrain Cheerios are an appropriate addition to your diet.
Ingredients in Multi Grain Cheerios
First of all, we need to mention that this *supposedly* healthier variety of Cheerios comes in British and US varieties. The US version is made by General Mills and called “Multi Grain Cheerios” while the British version is made by Nestle and called “Multigrain Cheerios“.
Here we will compare the ingredients in both versions.
| CEREAL | INGREDIENTS |
| Multi Grain Cheerios (US) | Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Starch, Whole Grain Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Sugar Syrup, Salt, Tripotassium Phosphate, Color (caramel color, annatto extract). Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Iron and Zinc (mineral nutrients), A B Vitamin (niacinamide), Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), A B Vitamin (calcium pantothenate), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), A B Vitamin (folic acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin A (palmitate), Vitamin D3 |
| Multigrain Cheerios (UK) | Whole grain OAT flour (29.5%), whole grain WHEAT (29.5%), whole grain BARLEY flour (17.8%), sugar, WHEAT starch, invert sugar syrup, whole grain maize flour (2.0%), whole grain rice flour (2.0%), sunflower oil, calcium carbonate, salt, molasses, caramelised sugar syrup, colours: annatto norbixin, carotene; antioxidant: tocopherols, iron, vitamin C, B3, B5, B9, D, B6, B2 |
The ingredients for the US version are very similar to those in the British version, with a few key differences. Both versions are rich in whole grains, which are an important source of fiber and other nutrients and both are fortified with a number of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium and iron.
However, the US version also contains Tripotassium Phosphate which is used as an acidity regulator. This chemical has been linked to a number of negative health effects, including kidney damage and osteoporosis.
Both versions contain annatto food dye which is natural but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. There is also some salt present in both versions.
The British version of multigrain Cheerios contains sunflower oil which is not found in the US version.
Overview of the Nutritional Profile of Multi Grain Cheerios
Multigrain Cheerios (UK) have 384 calories per 100g, 5g of fat, 71g of carbohydrates (17.6 of sugar), and 9.2g of protein. They contain 8.9g of fiber per 100g and 0.83g salt.
The US version of Multi Grain Cheerios contains 384 calories, 3.84g of fat, 82g of carbohydrates (20.5g of sugar), and 7.69g of protein. They contain 7.69g of fiber per 100 g and 384mg of sodium (equal to 0.96g salt).
Overall, the nutritional values of the two varieties are fairly similar, but the British version is slightly higher in fat, protein and fiber. The US version, however, has much higher levels of sugar and also contains more salt.
Are Multi Grain Cheerios high in calories?
While some people may believe that Multi Grain Cheerios are high in calories, this is not necessarily true. With only 150 calories per 39g serving, they are actually quite low in energy compared to many other breakfast cereals. However, it’s important to remember that the nutritional profile of Multi Grain Cheerios can vary greatly depending on factors such as portion size and additional toppings or ingredients.
Normally, people don’t stick to just one serving of cereal when they’re eating it, which means that you may be getting more calories and other nutrients than you bargained for. If you eat double the recommended portion size with 200ml of full-fat milk, you will eat around 400 calories, which is quite high for a breakfast meal.
Carbs in Multi Grain Cheerios
Multi Grain Cheerios are rich in carbs due to their grain-based ingredients and sugar content. They contain over 70g of carbs per 100g (71g of carbs in the UK version and 82g of carbs in the US version).
Carbohydrates provide your body with energy, but they can also cause spikes in blood sugar levels if you eat them in excess or on an empty stomach. If you’re watching your carb intake, Multi Grain Cheerios may not be the best choice for you.
Added sugar in multigrain Cheerios
The sugar content in Multi Grain Cheerios varies depending on the product, but it is typically high. For example, the US version contains an average of 20.5g of sugar per 100g, while the UK version contains 17.6g of sugar per 100g.
This means that if you eat a 60g portion (a quite typical portion) of multigrain Cheerios, you will be consuming around 12g of sugar or about 3 teaspoons in the case of the US version. The UK version has around half a teaspoon less sugar per 60g portion.
While sugar is a natural part of many foods, eating too much can be bad for your health and contribute to weight gain and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
How much fiber is in Multi Grain Cheerios?
Multi Grain Cheerios are quite rich in fiber, with around 8g per 100g (8.9g in the UK version and 7.69g in the US version).
Fiber can help to fill you up, regulate your digestive tract, and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. We should all be aiming to eat at least 25g of fiber each day and Multi Grain Cheerios can help you to meet this goal.
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Multigrain Cheerios
In addition to being a good source of energy, carbs and fiber, multigrain Cheerios may offer other health benefits. For example, some studies have found that eating whole grains such as oats may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They may also help to lower your cholesterol levels, improve digestive health, and boost heart health.
However, multigrain Cheerios also contain other ingredients such as sugar and salt, which are not necessarily healthy so it’s important to be mindful of your portion sizes and overall diet.
Potential Risks Associated with Eating Multigrain Cheerios
While multigrain Cheerios may offer some health benefits, they do come with their fair share of risks. For example, they are high in sugar and contain salt. Too much sugar and salt can lead to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease.
They are also rich in calories and may contribute to weight gain if you eat more than the recommended portion size or if you eat them regularly.
Additionally, some people may be sensitive or allergic to one or more of their ingredients, such as oats and wheat.
Multi Grain Cheerios vs Regular Cheerios
So, are multigrain Cheerios healthier than regular Cheerios? The answer is not a straightforward one.
Both types of cereal are made from whole grains and offer some health benefits, such as a good source of carbs, fiber, and protein. However, Multi Grain Cheerios contain four times more sugar than the Original Cheerios per 39g portion (2g vs 8g).
Surprisingly, the Original Cheerios contain slightly more fiber and more protein. There is 5g of protein per serving in the original Cheerios versus 3g of protein in the Multi Grain Cheerios. The Original Cheerios contain slightly more fat but fewer calories per 39g portion.
Overall, the Original Cheerios are healthier as they contain fewer calories, more protein and less sugar.
Interestingly, there are only flavored varieties of British Cheerios and no original version – so we can’t make any comparisons.
FAQs
Are Multigrain Cheerios good for weight loss?
There is no simple answer to this question, as the effect of eating Multigrain Cheerios on weight loss will likely depend on several factors, including your overall diet and activity level. That being said, Multigrain Cheerios are a high-calorie food and may not be ideal for those trying to lose weight, as they are high in sugar.
If you do want to include them in a weight loss diet, it is important to be mindful of portion size and not overindulge. Additionally, it may be a good idea to pair Multigrain Cheerios with other nutrient-dense foods in order to feel more satisfied and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Are Multigrain Cheerios safe during pregnancy?
It is generally recommended that pregnant women follow a healthy and well-balanced diet in order to provide optimal nutrition for their baby. As Multigrain Cheerios are high in sugar it is important to stick to the recommended portion size and not overindulge.
Additionally, be sure to check the ingredient list to make sure that this cereal is safe for you to eat during pregnancy. If you have any concerns or questions, it is best to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Are Multigrain Cheerios safe for babies?
Multigrain Cheerios are a popular breakfast cereal for adults and children alike, but due to their small size and crunchy texture, there’s a common question that comes up – are they safe for babies? Generally speaking, the answer is yes. As long as babies have developed the motor skills necessary to chew and swallow dry food safely, then Multigrain Cheerios can be an excellent source of whole grains and other nutrients.
That said, it’s important for parents to monitor their baby closely when introducing multigrain Cheerios into their diet. They should also look for signs of choking or gagging in case the pieces are too big or hard to maneuver on their own.
Lastly, many nutritionists encourage parents to only offer Cheerios in moderation since they contain sugar and too much sugar early in life is not recommended as it has been linked to obesity and other health problems.
Overall, if you are considering giving your baby multigrain Cheerios, it is best to consult with a pediatrician or other healthcare provider beforehand. They will be able to offer personalized advice based on the individual needs of your baby.
Are Multigrain Cheerios good for diabetics?
While it’s true that Multigrain Cheerios are made from whole grains, which can be beneficial for many diets, the added sugar content may make them less than ideal for people with diabetes.
The glycemic index of cereals like Multigrain Cheerios is thought to be relatively high, and since these products contain significantly more grams of carbohydrates per serving than other cereals that are lower in sugar, individuals with diabetes may not want to include them as part of their regular diet.
Are Multi Grain Cheerios good or bad for you?
When it comes to the question of whether Multi Grain Cheerios are good or bad for you, the answer is that they can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. They provide complex carbohydrates and fiber while being low in fat. Furthermore, they are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, calcium and folic acid, providing numerous essential nutrients.
That being said, based on their nutritional content, it seems that Multi Grain Cheerios may not be so good for you. They are high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
If you are trying to lose weight or have other dietary restrictions, it may be a good idea to limit your consumption of Multi Grain Cheerios or opt for a lower-sugar variety such as the Original Cheerios.