Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are popular for their convenience as they can be eaten straight from the pack without any cooking. They are typically enjoyed with milk, but can also be paired with fruits or consumed plain according to individual preference.
1. Ingredients: Look for cereals that list whole grains - rolled oats, wheat flakes, millet flakes; nuts - almonds, walnuts; and seeds - sunflower seeds, melon seeds and more as primary ingredients.
2. Sugar: Avoid cereals with sugar listed among the top five ingredients. Also, avoid other forms of sugars like high fructose corn syrup, cereal extracts, fruit juice concentrates, maltodextrin, and others.
3. Additives: Choose cereals without added flavors, colors, preservatives, or other additives.
4. Nutritional content: Ensure the cereal provides a good amount of fiber (4-5 grams per serving) and protein (8-10 grams per serving).
5. Nutrient Profile: Select cereals that offer less than 5% RDA of saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars, sodium, and cholesterol. They should provide between 10-20% RDA of essential vitamins and minerals.
Choose options that are made from whole grains and are high in fiber and protein but free from added sugars, colors, flavors, and additives.