You already know that
sugary cereal isn’t exactly a healthy food.

Still, a recent study finds that
breakfast cereals marketed to kids may be getting even worse: sweeter, saltier and less nutritious. Consumer Reports has tips to help you make smarter choices
at the grocery store.

A
recent study took a close look at newly launched breakfast cereals between 2010
and 2023 that were geared to kids ages 5 to 12. Over that time, the fat,
sodium and sugar content trended higher, while some good stuff like protein
and fiber dropped.

And when it comes to sugar, the numbers
really jump out.

On average, a single serving of cereal packed nearly three
teaspoons of sugar. According to the study authors, that’s about 45% of
the maximum amount of added sugars the American Heart Association recommends a
child have in an entire day.

All
this might have you looking beyond those brightly colored boxes.

Consumer
Reports has advice on how to choose a breakfast cereal that will offer your
kids – and your whole family – a better balance of nutrition!

Breakfast
can help kick-start the day. It can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep
you satiated, making you less likely to overeat later in the day.

Cereals are convenient
and can be a good source of some nutrients. That’s why choosing the right one
can make all the difference.

When you’re shopping for cereal, don’t just check the front
of the box; flip it over and take a close look at the ingredients list and
nutrition facts. The ingredients are listed in order of amount, from most to
least, so whole grains, like whole wheat, oats or barley, should be the first
ingredient.

Whole
grains have fiber, which is great for your gut and keeps you full.

You can further boost your
cereal’s fiber content by adding unsweetened dried or fresh fruit. Your cereal
doesn’t have to be sugar-free to make it a healthy breakfast, but try to choose
one with less than 6 grams of added sugar per serving.

If
your family’s favorite cereal has more sugar than you’d like, don’t feel you
have to give it up completely. Try mixing it half and half with a lower-sugar,
higher-fiber cereal.

That way, everyone stays happy, and you’re sneaking in
some extra nutrition. It’s an easy way to find a good balance.

Cereal on its own isn’t usually a major source of protein, but adding a cup of
low-fat dairy or soy milk can add enough protein to help keep blood sugar steady.

And
Consumer Reports says it’s worth measuring what you pour. Most people serve
themselves more cereal than they realize. Pour your usual amount, then measure
it so you know what you’re really getting in terms of sugar, calories and
sodium.

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