Say whatever you want about the breakfast cereal Fruit Loops — there’s been years of colorful cereal eaten and enjoyed and there inky will be plenty more. But as nutritional science becomes more widespread, many are asking the question: Are fruit loops healthy? Are there better versions of it? And what are the healthiests breakfast cereals, for a good start to the day? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the health of Fruit Loops and other similar cereals before discussing what you and your family can do instead.
Is There a Healthy Fruit Loops Version?
Given their popularity, many cereal brands have recognized the need for healthier alternatives to traditional breakfast cereals and have launched their own versions of Fruit Loops using better-for-you ingredients. But instead of ordinary Fruit Loops, heavy with artificial flavors, colors and sugar, some organic or natural brands make similar cereals with whole grains, less sugar and natural colorings made from fruits and vegetables. Brands such as Love Grown, Kashi and Cascadian Farm have made healthier versions of traditional sweetened cereals.
Why Are Fruit Loops Advertised as Good for You?
Public perception is largely driven by marketing. Many cereal brands — Fruit Loops included — put their vitamins and minerals front and center, to make them seem healthier. Fruit Loops are usually fortified with both iron and B vitamins, and other vitamins, making for the illusion of a nutritious meal. But with lots of sugar and artificial ingredients, these pluses just don’t add up to make it a perfect breakfast food.
Is Too Much Sugar in Fruit Loops Bad for Kids?
Parents frequently ask whether Fruit Loops are a good option for their kid. And although they may be entertaining and delicious, they pack more than 12 grams of sugar per serving, artificial colors, and processed ingredients that offer little true nutrition. Sugary cereals are eaten most of the times as they can lead to energy crashes, low concentration and even obesity in kids. Choosing low-sugar, high-fiber cereals that contain whole food ingredients, instead, is a much better option for growing kids.
Is Fruit Cereal Healthy?
Fruity cereals, such as Fruit Loops and Trix, are frequently marketed to contain fruit or fruit flavor. Yet many are filled with synthetic flavors and tons of sugar, and not much else. A truly healthy fruit cereal would use whole grains, dried fruit, and natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar and synthetic additives.
Are there healthier options for Fruit Loops?
- Yes! If the sweet taste and crunch of Fruit Loops is your thing but you still want something healthier, try these:
- Love Grown Power O’s – These crunchy cereals are made with beans and lentils for a protein- and fiber-rich option
- Cascadian Farm Organic Fruitful O’s – Organic with lower sugar and natural coloring in cereal.
- Barbara’s Organic Corn Flakes with Fresh Fruit – Prettier, better, and good alternative with less sugar when topped with real food (high fiber fruit).
- Enfagrow Neuropore Gentles – Age-appropriate for children and great nutrients.
- Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Cereal — Low sugar, non-GMO, whole grain.
These options offer the same crunch and satisfaction without the excessive sugar and artificial additives.
What Are Some of the Healthiest Breakfast Cereals?
When searching for a healthy breakfast cereal, here are some things to consider: whole grains, high fiber, low sugar, and low processing. Here are some of the healthiest cereals:
- Ezekiel 4:9 cereal — Sprouted whole grain, protein and fiber packed.
- Bob’s Red Mill Old Country Style Muesli — A cereal made with a medley of oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
- Kashi GoLean – Whole grains, high-protein, high-fiber cereal
- Shredded Wheat — Just whole wheat, no added sugar.
- Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes — These are organic whole grains and have a nice crunch with plenty of fiber.
- Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola — Superfood blend with no refined sugar
Is It Really Okay for Kids to Eat Things Like Fruit Loops for Breakfast Every Day?
Even if you consume an occasional bowl of Fruit Loops every now and then, it’s probably not going to give you any adverse health effects, but making a high-sugar cereal a regular part of your breakfast routine could lead to some negative health consequences. Sugary cereals, when consumed every day, can lead to weight gain, dental complications, and an increased risk of diabetes. Instead, try providing nutrient-dense breakfasts, such as oatmeal with fruit, whole grain toast with nut butter or yogurt with granola, which can help with better energy levels and overall health.”
Why Do All Fruity Cereals Taste Alike?
Trix, Fruit Loops, and Fruity Pebbles all taste alike. That’ s because most of these cereals make artificial fruit flavors by mixing them with a common blend of sugar, corn and artificial ingredients so they all taste the same. Natural fruit instead contains a wide variety of complex flavor compounds, while processed cereals depend on artificial flavor compounds to approximate fruity tastes.
How Are Fruit Loops Compared With Other Cereals?
Fruit Loops contain a similar amount of sugar and processed ingredients to other sugary cereals. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Fruit Loops — 12g sugar per serve, artificial colors & flavors.
- Trix — 10g sugar per serving, artificial flavors.
- Fruity Pebbles — 9g sugar per serving, rice-based, artificial colors
- Cheerios — 1g sugar per serving, whole grain oats.
- Raisin Bran — 17g sugar per serving, albeit with added fiber.
- Special K — 4g sugar/serving, with protein and fiber added.
Clearly, cereals that look like Cheerios are the better option, with more whole grains and orders less sugar.
Is Ezekiel Cereal the Healthiest Boxed Cereal?
Yes! Ezekiel 4:9 Cereal considered one of the healthiest boxed cereals on the market. It’s made from sprouted whole grains — including wheat, barley, lentils and spelt — with no added sugars, artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is a powerhouse of fiber, protein and essential nutrients, keeping you full and energized throughout the day.
More Tips for a Healthier Breakfast
- Add nuts to your cereal — These ingredients will make your breakfast healthy.
- Choose unsweetened milk or plant-based alternatives Avoid added sugars in flavored milk.
- Add in fresh fruit — Bananas, berries or apples for natural sweetness and fiber.
- Homemade cereal mixes — Mix whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit to make a custom and healthful breakfast.
- Sure, Fruit Loops and similar cereals may be a nostalgic and tasty treat, but they’re not the best breakfast option due to their high sugar content and excessive amounts of artificial ingredients. There are healthy alternatives, such as organic, whole grain, and low sugar cereals that are just as good without all the unhealthy baggage. If you choose cereals such as of Ezekiel 4:9, Kashi, or Love Grown, you can get a healthier and more balanced start to the day. Choosing wisely when it comes to breakfast for yourself — or your kids — can set the stage for improved health and well-being in the long term.
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