Researchers analyze 1,200 ready-to-eat cereals and find increasing amounts of sugar, fat and sodium, and decreasing amounts of protein and fiber.
Breakfast cereal is a favorite of kids and kids-at-heart, but it may not be the healthiest way to kick-start your day.
A new study finds ready-to-eat cereals are loaded with increasing amounts of fat, sodium and sugar.
Researchers analyzed 1,200 children’s cereals launched in the U.S. between 2010 and 2023. During that time period, total fat per serving increased about 34%, according to the results. Sodium content jumped 32% and sugar content rose nearly 11%.
The researchers say added sugar in a single serving often exceeded 45% of the American Heart Association’s daily recommended limit for children.
On the other hand, healthy ingredients like protein and fiber decreased significantly in 2023.
The authors say these findings suggest manufacturers are prioritizing taste over nutritional quality, “contributing to childhood obesity and long-term cardiovascular health risks.”
Source: JAMA Network Open
Author Affiliations: University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, University of Minnesota, St Paul
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