Some popular breakfast cereals are highly processed and contain little of the natural whole grain. Whole grain foods are a powerful combination of naturally occurring nutrients and phytochemicals, that work in synergy to make whole grains foods a vital component of a healthy diet. Whole grains provide up to 70% more vitamins, minerals, nutrients and fibre than highly processed grains. They're one of the most nutritious sources of carbohydrate available to fuel our bodies. And because they are from plants, they contain low levels of fat and no cholesterol.
Is your family getting the right balance of whole grain, sugar, fibre and salt to help them fly into the day, check out the top selling cereals and see how they stack up!
What is in today's Breakfast cereals ?
Comparative Table
1. Wholegrain Definition
- Based on the National Wholegrain Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults.
- 2 classification types Green & Red Wholegrain foods refers to cereal foods that incorporate all the components of the natural grain.
- Wholegrain Green Classification are foods that contain at least 51% or more Wholegrain by total product weight.
- Wholegrain Red Classification are foods that contain less than 51% Wholegrain or less by total product weight.
2. Sugar
- Based on leading Consumer Magazine March 2005
- 3 classification types Green, Amber & Red
- Sugar Green less than or equal to 26% Sugar
- Sugar Amber greater than or equal to 27% and less than 40% Sugar
- Sugar Red greater than 40%
3. Fibre
- Based on NSW School Canteen Association Healthy Kid Nutrient Criteria
- 3 classification types Green, Amber & Red
- Fibre Green greater than or equal to 8g per 100g or 8%
- Fibre Amber greater than or equal to 4g per 100g and less than or equal to 7.9g per 100g
- Fibre Red less than or equal to 3.9g per 100g (Sanitarium classification)
4. Salt
- Based on NSW School Canteen Association Healthy Kid Nutrient Criteria
- 3 classification types Green, Amber & Red
- Salt Green less than or equal to 400mg per 100g
- Salt Amber greater than or equal to 401mg per 100g and less than 600mg per 100g
- Salt Red greater than or equal to 601mg per 100g (Sanitarium classification)
These facts are true and correct from a survey conducted in May 2005.
For more information on whole grains visit the Sanitarium whole grains web page.
