The original Cheerios® cereal is made with whole grain oats, no artificial colors or flavors and 1 gram of sugar per serving. It has at least 10% of the daily value of 14 vitamins and minerals for kids age 4 and over, and 10% of 11 vitamins and minerals for kids under 4 (this is because the serving size varies; for under-fours it’s 3/4 cup, and 1 cup for kids 4 and older). But how good is it, really? Outside opinions include 4 out of 5 pediatricians, who recommend original Cheerios as a first finger food. Also, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines emphasize the importance of whole grain. 3 servings of whole grain foods each day, 48 grams’ worth, can be heart healthy and can help maintain a healthier weight. All Big G cereals have at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving; at least 48 grams are recommended daily.
Parents have also discovered a practical purpose for the “O” and the texture of Cheerios. Graspable and not too crumbly, the Os make it easier for kids to get all of that good nutrition.