Cream of Wheat 2.5 Minute Hot Cereal Original Flavor Kosher Shelf-Stable 28 oz Box
Summary
This hot cereal is minimally processed and contains a short list of ingredients, primarily consisting of wheat farina and fortified vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of beneficial nutrients like calcium, iron, and various B vitamins enhances its nutritional profile. However, the presence of disodium phosphate, a synthetic additive, slightly detracts from its overall healthiness.
At a glance
Key ingredients 11
Wheat farinaNeutral
Wheat farina is a coarsely ground wheat product used as a base for hot cereals. It is minimally processed and retains some of the wheat's natural nutrients. However, it lacks the fiber content found in whole grain wheat products.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance.
Benefits
Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy and contains some essential vitamins and minerals.
Calcium carbonateGood
Calcium carbonate is used as a dietary supplement to provide calcium, an essential mineral for bone health. It is a common fortification in cereals to enhance nutritional value. The compound is well-absorbed when consumed with food.
Risks
Excessive intake may lead to hypercalcemia, but this is rare with normal consumption.
Benefits
Supports bone health and helps in maintaining strong teeth.
Defatted wheat germGood
Defatted wheat germ is a nutrient-rich component of wheat that has been processed to remove fat, enhancing its shelf stability. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. The removal of fat reduces calorie content while retaining nutritional benefits.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance.
Benefits
Rich in vitamins such as vitamin E and B vitamins, and provides protein and fiber.
Disodium phosphateBad
Disodium phosphate is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products. It is a synthetic additive that can contribute to the phosphorus load in the diet. Excessive phosphorus intake can disrupt calcium balance in the body.
Risks
High phosphorus intake may lead to bone and kidney issues over time.
Ferric orthophosphateGood
Ferric orthophosphate is used to fortify foods with iron, an essential mineral for oxygen transport in the blood. It is a stable form of iron that is commonly used in cereal fortification. This helps prevent iron deficiency anemia, especially in populations at risk.
Risks
Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is rare with normal dietary consumption.
Benefits
Supports the production of hemoglobin and overall energy levels.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used to fortify foods and support metabolic health. It is essential for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy skin. Fortification helps prevent niacin deficiency, which can lead to pellagra.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and skin health.
Thiamine mononitrateGood
Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 used to fortify foods, essential for carbohydrate metabolism. It plays a crucial role in nerve function and energy production. Fortification helps prevent thiamine deficiency, which can lead to beriberi.
Benefits
Supports energy metabolism and nerve function.
Pyridoxine hydrochlorideGood
Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6 used to fortify foods, important for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It aids in the production of neurotransmitters and hemoglobin. Fortification helps prevent vitamin B6 deficiency.
Benefits
Supports brain health and red blood cell production.
RiboflavinGood
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is used to fortify foods and is essential for energy production and cellular function. It helps convert carbohydrates into ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Fortification helps prevent riboflavin deficiency, which can lead to ariboflavinosis.
Benefits
Supports energy production and cellular health.
Folic acidGood
Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used to fortify foods, crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is especially important during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy. Fortification helps prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses.
Benefits
Supports DNA synthesis and prevents birth defects.
CholecalciferolGood
Cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, is used to fortify foods and is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It is the form of vitamin D that is naturally produced in the skin in response to sunlight. Fortification helps prevent vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to bone disorders.
Benefits
Supports bone health and immune function.
Processing
Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store