Cold Cereals

Also indexed as: Dry Cereals

Whether your preference is flakes, O s, or puffs, cold cereal is a traditional breakfast favorite.

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America’s first breakfast cereal was introduced to the United States in 1895 by John Harvey Kellogg to help his clients boost their fiber intake. Over the years, cold cereals have become a breakfast favorite in the United States.

Varieties

Cold cereals come in flakes, puffs, Os, biscuits, and many other forms. They vary widely in nutritional value, from sugar-coated, brightly colored puffs to 100-percent wheat bran. Whole- and multigrain cereals, unsweetened or lightly sweetened with barley malt syrup or molasses, are generally the most nutritious. Read labels carefully: even so-called “healthy” granola may have 400 calories and more than 16 grams of fat in one serving.

Buying and storing tips

Cold cereals can be purchased prepackaged or in the bulk section of most health food stores and groceries. Store cereal in sealed glass or plastic containers, or in tightly sealed plastic bags, in a cool, dark cupboard.

Availability

Cold cereals are available year-round.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Add a handful of high-fiber bran cereal to your favorite cold cereal. Top cereal with half a cup of berries, a small sliced peach, or half a banana. If you’re trying to increase your intake of soy, sprinkle some soy-based protein powder on cereal, or use soy milk instead of cows’ milk. Although best known as a breakfast food, cold cereal can be enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, too.

Nutritional Highlights

Cold cereal (flakes, corn), 1.5 cups (42g)
Calories: 150
Protein: 2.7g
Carbohydrate: 36g
Total Fat: 0.3g
Fiber: 1.2g
*Excellent source of: Iron (13mg), Vitamin C (21mg), and Thiamine (0.3 mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for cereals
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other cereals. Read about health benefits and concerns for cereals for a full description.

The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.