Let's Talk About Sugar

Look past the headlines and get the facts on sugar.

Sugar is a hot topic at the moment – breakfast cereal is often drawn into the conversation and not always in a fair or factual way. Cereal contributes <5% of added sugar to American diets and is not a top 10 contributor of total sugar in Canadian diets. Cereal delivers many important nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and many cereals provide fiber. As well, cereal is a carrier for other nutritious foods like milk, fruit, and yogurt.

What Exactly Is Sugar?

Sugars are part of the carbohydrate family and come from a variety of different sources. There are naturally-occurring sugars such as lactose in milk or fructose in fruit, and there are added sugars like white and brown sugar, honey, and syrups. All sugars are broken down in the body into glucose for energy.

How Much Should I Be Having?

Both US and Canada's Dietary guidelines recommend consuming no more than 10% of total calories from added or free sugars. The majority of Kellogg's cereals follow this guideline, contributing <50 calories from added sugar per serving.

Why Add Sugar?

Besides the obvious answer, taste and sweetness, sugar plays a number of other functions in food. Sugar adds crunch and texture, acts as a preserve to help foods stay fresh, and promotes browning in baking.

WK Kellogg Has Tasty Cereals to Help Manage Your Sugar Intake

WK Kellogg has tasty options you can choose from that are <5g of added sugar per serving and vary in sweetness level, including  Rice Krispies®,  Kellogg's   Corn Flakes®,  Crispix®  and  Special K® Original, Jumbo Snax (snack size), Special K® Zero Cinnamon  and  Eat Your Mouth Off™  Fruity and Chocolate high protein offerings.

FAQs

Is cereal too high in sugar to be healthy?

No, cereal is not too high in sugar to be healthy according to WK Kellogg. Research shows that ready-to-eat cereal contributes to only 5% of added sugar in American diets and is not a top 10 contributor of total sugar in Canadian diets. Many Kellogg's cereals fit within dietary guidelines, with the majority contributing less than 50 calories from added sugar per serving. Additionally, cereals with less than 12g of added sugars per serving can fit well into dietary recommendations, especially when consumed with milk and fruit, creating a balanced meal.

What cereals do people talk about the most?

Some of the most popular cereals mentioned on WK Kellogg's website include:

  1. Frosted Flakes® - Featuring the iconic Tony the Tiger mascot.
  2. Froot Loops® - Known for its vibrant colors and fruity flavors.
  3. Apple Jacks® - A favorite among kids and families.
  4. Frosted Mini-Wheats® - A fiber-rich option.
  5. Special K® - Introduced as the first high-protein cereal fortified with vitamins and minerals.
  6. Rice Krispies® - Famous for its "snap, crackle, and pop" sound.
  7. Raisin Bran® - One of the first cereals to include fruit.
  8. Kashi Honey Toasted Oats® - A certified organic cereal available in the WIC program.

These cereals are highlighted for their nutritional benefits, innovation, and popularity among consumers.