When I saw Multi-grain Hoops in Aldi, I decided to give them a try since they look like Cheerios which my toddler loves. Sure enough, he was drawn to them straight away and started eating them with no complaints. However, I’ve noticed there were a few differences.
If you are thinking of giving them a try, they are certainly not a bad cereal to eat, for sure. High in fibre, packed with whole grains, and fortified with various vitamins and minerals, what’s not to love?
In this review, I will dive deep into the world of Multigrain Hoops from Aldi so you can see if they are right for you.
Ingredients
Before we delve into the taste and texture of Harvest Morn Multi-grain Hoops, let’s start with a key aspect: the ingredients. Understanding what goes into your cereal is crucial in assessing its health benefits.
Whole Grains (70% in Total):
- Wholegrain Oat Flour (30%)
- Wholegrain Wheat Flour (30%)
- Wholegrain Barley Flour (18%)
- Wholegrain Maize Flour (2%)
Sweetening Agents:
- Sugar – processed white sugar
- Invert Sugar Syrup – a liquid sugar mix of glucose and fructose
- Oligofructose – a sweet-tasting fiber that isn’t digested
- Caramelised Sugar Syrup
Added Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin C, Iron, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B6, Thiamin (B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12
Other ingredients:
- Wheat starch
- Sunflower oil
- Paprika Extract (for colour)
- Calcium Carbonate (stabilizer)
- Antioxidant Tocopherol-Rich Extract
- Carrot Concentrate
Notably, this cereal is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it doesn’t contain palm oil.
Now, let’s move on to the nutritional values and see how healthy this cereal really is.
Nutrition overview
When selecting this cereal, my primary concern was its sugar content. With 13.9g of sugar per 100g, it’s relatively low, especially compared to most cereals today which often exceed 20g per 100g. This translates to about 1 teaspoon of sugar in a 30g portion, a moderate and acceptable amount in my view.
Caloric Content:
- Per 100g: 371 calories
- Per 30g serving: 111 calories
- For comparison, Cheerios contain 378 calories per 100g, making the two fairly similar in this regard.
Key Nutritional Values (Per 100g):
- Protein: 10.7g
- Fat: 3.2g (Note: This cereal is slightly above the NHS’s low-fat food threshold of 3g of fat or less per 100g)
- Fibre: 12.4g
Per Portion Analysis:
- Fibre: 3.7g per portion, which is quite substantial.
- Protein: 3.2g per portion, comparable to about two-thirds of an egg.
- Sugar: around 1 teaspoon per portion.
Salt Content:
- Contains 0.58g per 100g, slightly above the NHS’s guideline of 0.3g per 100g for being considered low in salt.
Comparison with Multigrain Cheerios:
- Sugar: Cheerios contain more (17.7g per 100g).
- Protein: Cheerios have slightly less (9.9g per 100g).
- Fibre: Cheerios have less (9.6g per 100g).
- Salt and Fat: Cheerios contain higher amounts in both categories.
- Vitamins and Minerals: While both cereals contain iron, Cheerios have a higher iron content. Additionally, Cheerios include vitamin D, which is not found in Harvest Morn Multigrain Hoops.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a healthier cereal option, Harvest Morn Multigrain Hoops appears to be the better choice. They offer lower sugar content and are lower in both salt and fat compared to Multigrain Cheerios. Additionally, they provide a comparable calorie count, along with higher fibre and protein levels.
Aldi’s Multi-grain Hoops vs Cheerios – What are the differences?
First off, Harvest Morn Multigrain Hoops are smaller and crunchier than Cheerios. They’re a bit harder, which you’ll really notice if you eat them without milk. But, when you add milk, both cereals get softer, so this might not be a big deal for everyone.
When we talk about what’s inside, there are a few key things to remember. Cheerios have less protein and fiber but more fat and salt. In simpler terms, they’ve got more of the stuff you might want to eat less of. But they do have more iron and vitamin D, which is important for some folks.
So, which one should you go for?
I like the way Cheerios feel when I eat them dry because they’re not as hard. But if we’re talking about which is healthier, I’d pick Harvest Morn Multi-grain Hoops. They’re better for you because they have more good stuff like fibre and protein, and less sugar. Plus, they’re cheaper.
At the end of the day, it’s your call. It depends on what you like and what you’re looking for in your cereal. If you want more fiber and protein, Harvest Morn Multigrain Hoops are a great choice. They also have a bit less sugar and calories, which is good if you’re watching your weight. But if you need more iron or vitamin D, then Cheerios might be better for you.
All in all, Harvest Morn Multi-grain Hoops from Aldi are pretty healthy although they don’t have the same in texture as Cheerios. However, they are really affordable and I recommend them if you are looking for an alternative to sugary cereals especially if you have children.