Ralston, which was originally part of The Ralston Purina Company, has created many varieties of breakfast cereal, ranging from Honey Nut Chex to Cookie Crisp. General Mills acquired the brand in 1994, which means these cereals are now sold under the GM name.
Sections
Ralston Brands Explained
Despite being taken over by General Mills, there is still one product out there which continues to have the Ralston name, which is the Ralston Whole Wheat Hot Cereal.
As well as more information relating to the only cereal sold under the Ralston name, this article will also share details of the discontinued Ralston Purina cereals and cereals still sold today by General Mills.
Ralston Cereal Brands
100% Whole Wheat Hot Cereal
This hot cereal is the only cereal product to be sold under the Ralston brand today and has been treating hungry Americans for over a century. For those looking for a nutritious, high-fiber breakfast, the 100% wholewheat cereal is a great choice and will keep you going for the whole day.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
Amazingly, there is only one ingredient in this hot cereal, and that’s 100% milled whole grain wheat.
Yes, that’s right! No added sugars, colors, preservatives, or sodium, just goodness. The detailed list of nutritional values per 42g serving is as follows:
- Calories – 150
- Total fat – 1g
- Total Carb – 31g
- Protein – 5g
- Iron – 1mg
Is it healthy?
You just need to look at how small the ingredients list is to realize that this cereal is just pure goodness. Adding the fact there is no sugar and the cereal is completely cholesterol-free, there is no denying that the hot cereal is a nutritious breakfast choice for the whole family.
Is it gluten-free?
Unfortunately, Ralston Hot cereal is not suitable for those who are gluten-free, as the main (and only) ingredient is wheat.
Is it vegan?
Absolutely, Ralston Hot cereal is vegan friendly because it simply contains milled wheat. That means, unlike other cereals, there are no non-vegan ingredients such as milk or Vitamin D3.
Is it keto?
The tasty hot cereal is not suitable for those who are keto, as it is high in carbs. Typically, individuals on keto limit their carb intake to around 20-50 grams daily.
Protein & fiber content
Ralston Hot Cereal is high in fiber, as it contains 5 grams per bowl. This is around 20% of an individual’s daily guideline amount of fiber. In regards to protein, the hot cereal provides 5 grams per serving. While this is a good amount, those who exercise regularly may want to opt for a cereal with a higher protein content.
Ralston Foods Old Fashioned Oats Cereal
Ralston Old Fashioned Oats is a whole grain cereal made from 100% rolled oats. Low in fat and cholesterol, this cereal is a great breakfast choice for the whole family, whatever the age. It also cooks instantly, meaning you can have your nutritious breakfast ready within minutes.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
Just like the Hot Cereal, the Old Fashioned Oats has only one ingredient, and that’s 100% whole grain rolled oats. The complete nutritional values for the cereal are as follows:
- Calories – 150
- Total Fat – 2.5g
- Total Carbohydrates – 27g
- Dietary Fiber – 4g
- Protein – 5g
- Iron – 2mg
- Potassium – 201mg
Is it healthy?
The Old Fashioned Oats can definitely be classified as a healthy choice for breakfast or even as a snack. It has only one ingredient, which is pure rolled oats, and has no added sugars or salts. It’s cholesterol-free, so great for your heart, and is also low in saturated fat, making for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
While on its own, the oatmeal has low quantities of ingredients that could cause harm in higher amounts making it very healthy; it doesn’t contain any other nutrients. This means that individuals should ensure they get the right amount of nutrients in another way through what they eat, which could simply be adding things like fruit to their serving of oatmeal.
Is it gluten-free?
Ralston’s Old Fashioned Oats are great for everybody, especially those who are gluten-free, as the cereal itself is gluten-free.
Is it vegan?
Yes, it is vegan friendly as the only ingredient is rolled oats. To ensure a completely vegan meal, make sure to cook the oatmeal with plant-based milk or enjoy it with a vegan yogurt alternative.
Is it keto?
Ralston’s Old Fashioned Oats are not suitable for those who are keto, as it is particularly high in carbohydrates.
Protein & fiber content
The total protein content in the cereal is 5 grams. While this is not particularly high, the cereal can be packed with more nutritional protein by adding things like nuts and seeds. The cereal contains 4 grams of fiber per bowl.
Ralston Foods Wheat Bran Flakes Cereal
For those who prefer a cereal that’s got a bit more of a crunch, Ralston’s Bran Flakes may be a better option. Made from whole grain wheat; this cereal is high in fiber and low in fat too.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
Unlike the other cereals already mentioned in this article, the Bran Flakes Cereal does contain a large number of ingredients. The full list is as follows:
- Whole grain wheat
- Wheat Bran
- Sugar
- High fructose corn syrup
- Malt Flavoring
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
- Niacinamide
- Zinc Oxide
- Reduced Iron
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Vitamin A Palmitate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin Mononitrate
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
In terms of nutritional values, the full list is as follows:
- Calories – 120
- Fat – 1g
- Carbohydrates – 31g
- Sugars – 6g
- Fiber – 7g
- Proteins – 4g
- Salt – 0.575g
Is it healthy?
In some respects, the Wheat Bran Flakes make for a healthy breakfast. It’s low in calories and is high in fiber. In addition, there is a high number of nutrients, such as Vitamin C and calcium, in each bowl.
However, in comparison with the cereals already listed above, the flakes are not as healthy. It contains high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. It also contains salt, another ingredient that American families should try to limit their intake of.
Is it gluten-free?
This cereal from Ralston Foods is not gluten-free, as the main ingredient is wheat.
Is it vegan?
The cereal itself is not labeled as vegan, which leaves consumers to make their own minds up if it is suitable. One thing to bear in mind is that it does contain Vitamin D, which can be derived from animal sources.
Is it keto?
Due to the high carbohydrate content, as well as the number of sugars, it is not suitable for those who are keto.
Protein & fiber content
The Flakes contain 4 grams of protein per bowl, which all in all is pretty low compared to other brands. It is high in fiber as it contains 7 grams of fiber in each serving, which makes up 24% of an individual’s guideline daily amount.
Ralston Cereals Now Under General Mills
So far in this article, we have discussed the cereals that remain under the Ralston brand. We will now go on to explore the cereals that are now listed under the General Mills brand.
Honey Nut Chex
Are you somebody with a sweet tooth looking for a new cereal choice? Then the Honey Nut Chex might be your new favorite thing. The corn squares are flavored with real honey, making for a super tasty breakfast or a delicious snack.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
The full list of ingredients in Honey Nut Chex is as follows:
- Whole Grain Corn
- Corn Meal
- Sugar
- Corn Starch
- Honey
- Molasses
- Canola and/or Sunflower Oil
- Baking Soda
- Natural Flavor
- Natural Almond Flavor
- Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Calcium Carbonate
- Zinc and Iron (mineral nutrients)
- Vitamin C
- A B Vitamin (niacinamide)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate)
- Vitamin A (palmitate)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- A B Vitamin (folic acid)
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D3
The comprehensive list of nutritional values is as follows:
- Calories – 170
- Total Fat – 1g
- Sodium – 270mg
- Total Carbohydrate – 38g
- Dietary Fiber – 2g
- Total Sugars – 12g
- Protein 2g
Is it healthy?
In some ways, Honey Nut can be considered healthy. It contains 14 grams of whole grain per serving and is a good source of calcium. In addition, it contains no artificial colors or flavors and also does not have high fructose corn syrup. It is also completely cholesterol-free.
It does, however, contain 12% of the guideline daily amount of salt and is also high in sugar. It also contains Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), which is added to preserve freshness.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes! The cereal proudly states on the box that it is suitable for those who are gluten-free.
Is it vegan?
Honey Nut is not suitable for vegans as it contains honey and Vitamin D3, which is derived from animal sources.
Is it keto?
Honey Nut contains a large number of carbohydrates and sugars and is therefore not suitable for those who follow a keto diet.
Protein & fiber content
One serving of Honey Nut contains 2 grams of protein, which is not very high at all. In terms of fiber, the cereal offers 2 grams per bowl, which, again, is not a large number, and you can definitely find other cereals on the market with better quantities.
Cookie Crisp
If you’re looking for a cereal that is actually more like a dessert, then this offering from General Mills may be the perfect option for you. The cereal is made up of tiny cookies made from whole grain corn and can be enjoyed for breakfast with milk or even as an after-school or work treat.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
- Whole Grain Corn
- Sugar
- Corn Meal
- Yellow Corn Flour
- Canola Oil
- Corn Syrup
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali
- Brown Sugar Syrup
- Salt
- Caramel Color
- Baking Soda
- Natural Flavor
Vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium Carbonate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Iron and Zinc (mineral nutrients)
- Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
- A B Vitamin (niacinamide)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate)
- Vitamin A (palmitate)
- A B Vitamin (folic acid)
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D3
The full list of nutritional values is:
- Calories – 140
- Total Fat – 1.5g
- Sodium – 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate – 31g
- Dietary Fiber – 2g
- Total Sugars – 12g
- Protein – 2g
Is it healthy?
The cereal contains no artificial colors or flavorings, no high fructose corn syrup, and is low in fat. It does, however, contain a high amount of sugar and sodium.
Is it gluten-free?
It cannot be considered gluten-free because it may contain traces of wheat.
Is it vegan?
No, it is not suitable for vegans as it contains Vitamin D3, derived from animal sources.
Is it keto?
The cereal is high in carbs and sugars, making it not suitable for those following a keto diet.
Protein & fiber content
The breakfast cereal offers 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, which is relatively low compared to other brands out there.
Where to Buy Ralston and General Mills Cereal
Shop in-store
As some of the Ralston Purina brands, such as Ralston Hot Cereal, have been discontinued, there are only a limited number of products on this list that you will be able to find in store. You will be able to grab a box of General Mills cereal at supermarkets such as Walmart.
Shop online
For those cereals that have been discontinued, you can find them in a bulk form on Amazon and on other websites such as Open Tip.
FAQs
Is Ralston cereal good for you?
Overall, Ralton cereal is good for you. Most products are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain many other nutritional values. If you are specifically looking for a healthy breakfast choice, then it is best to avoid any cereals that contain sugars, such as their Bran Flakes, and opt for their oatmeal instead.
Who founded Ralston Purina?
Ralston Purina was founded by William H. Danforth in 1849. While it began by making food for animals, the company quickly became popular for its breakfast cereal with its original checkerboard packaging.
In 1994, the human food aspect of the business was sold to Ralcorp Holdings Inc, and from there, the line of breakfast cereals was sold to General Mills.
Is Chex cereal healthy?
The healthiest cereals are those which are flavored naturally, i.e., the Wheat, Rice, and Corn products. This is because they are low in sugars while providing consumers with a high amount of fiber and protein.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have discussed a whole range of cereals under the Ralston and General Mills brands, and there is definitely something for everyone here. Those who are more health-conscious may opt for the hot cereal, which cooks instantly and can be tailored to your tastes completely.
Those who are searching for a sweeter breakfast option can choose from the likes of Honey Nut Chex or Cookie Crisp, promising a hint of sweetness with each bite. Either way, you are sure to not be disappointed!