\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA recent study finds that breakfast cereals marketed to kids may be getting even worse: sweeter, saltier, and less nutritious. Researchers 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 \u2014 and your whole family \u2014 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\u2019s why choosing the right one can make all the difference. When you\u2019re shopping for cereal, don\u2019t 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\u2019s favorite cereal has more sugar than you\u2019d like, don\u2019t feel you have to give it up completely. Consumer Reports experts suggest mixing it with a lower-sugar, higher-fiber cereal. That way, everyone stays happy, and you\u2019re sneaking in some extra nutrition. It\u2019s an easy way to find a good balance.Cereal on its own isn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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\u2019re really getting in terms of sugar, calories and sodium.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tBOSTON \u2014<\/strong> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n A recent study finds that breakfast cereals marketed to kids may be getting even worse: sweeter, saltier, and less nutritious. <\/p>\n Researchers 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n