Kellogg’s Corn Flakes are one of the original breakfast cereals created all the way back in 1894. Interestingly, the original recipe used wheat instead of corn (maize), which is bizarre given the name.
The success of Corn Flakes has helped make Kellogg’s the company it is today. The cereal is make from toasted flakes of corn flavored with salt, sugar, and malt.
And while it was originally marked as a health food in the 19th century, just how healthy is it for the 21st?
Please note all the information below is specific to Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. For other brands of corn flakes you’ll have to look at the manufacturer’s website.
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Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Nutrition Facts
Kellogg’s claims their Corn Flakes are: “Loaded with iron and 6 other vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal is a great way get your family’s day off to a nutritious start.”
Here are the real nutritional facts:
Serving Size 1 1/2 Cup (42 g):
| Amount Per Serving | Cereal | % Daily Value* | with 3/4 cup skim milk | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 210 | ||
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0% | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g | ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0 g | ||
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0 g | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | <5 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 300 mg | 13% | 380 mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36 g | 13% | 45 g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g | 5% | 1 g | 5% |
| Total Sugars | 4 g | 14 g | ||
| Includes 4g Added Sugars | 4 g | 8% | 4 g | 8% |
| Protein | 3 g | 9 g | ||
| Vitamin D | 3 mcg | 15% | 5.2 mcg | 25% |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% | 220 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 12 mg | 60% | 12 mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 60 mg | 0% | 340 mg | 6% |
| Thiamin | 30% | 35% | ||
| Riboflavin | 30% | 50% | ||
| Niacin | 30% | 35% | ||
| Vitamin B6 | 30% | 30% | ||
| Folate(115 mcg Folic Acid) | 200 mcg | 50% | 205 mcg | 50% |
| Vitamin B12 | 30% | 60% |
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Ingredients
Here are the ingredients for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes:
- Milled Corn
- Sugar
- Malt Flavor
- Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt
Vitamins And Minerals:
- Iron (Ferric Phosphate)
- Niacinamide
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Hydrochloride)
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin B12
Are Corn Flakes Healthy?
The British Heart Foundation ranked Corn Flakes as the 5th healthiest breakfast cereal.
However, the cereal is low in fibre (just 1g) and has 4g of added sugar.
This is a lot lower than many “sugary cereals,” but is far from sugar-free.
Moreover, the cereal has 13% of your recommended daily sodium (salt) intake so might not be the best bet for those wanting to lower their blood pressure.
It also does not have a lot of protein, just 3g.
Where it does do really well is on fat content, with no fat or saturated fat.
Moreover, the cereal is cholesterol free.
Therefore, Corn Flakes can be considered relatively healthy as breakfast cereals go. Although the British Heart Foundation notes that: “Adding a piece of fruit will help to balance your breakfast as well as making it more filling to eat.”
Are Corn Flakes Gluten-Free?
Despite being made with primarily with corn, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes can not be considered gluten-free because of the malt flavouring added to the cereal.
However there are some gluten-free alternatives such as: EnviroKidz Amazon Flakes, Nature’s Path Corn Flakes and Barbara’s Organic Corn Flakes.
Are Corn Flakes Vegan?
Looking at the ingredients you would think Kellogg’s Corn Flakes are vegan. All the main ingredients are plant based. But you’d be wrong.
The issue is they contain refined sugar and vitamin D.
In terms of sugar I am going Vegan states:
Sugar is often debated amongst vegans. Why? Well, non-organic cane sugar is often filtered with bone char to make it whiter in color. Some vegans avoid it, but most don’t bother.
And in terms of vitamin D, the US version of the cereal uses the D3 variety which comes from lanolin, (the grease from sheep’s wool).
That said it is only added in very small quantities, so some vegans may still feel that this is acceptable.
Are Corn Flakes Keto?
No, the cereal is high in carbs with one serving clocking-in at 36g of carbohydrates close to the recommended total daily limit of carbs on a keto diet. Moreover, the carbs themselves are highly processed and include a significant amount of sugar.
For an alternative have a look at Magic Spoon cereals.
Are Corn Flakes High In Protein?
With just 3g of protein per serving (without milk) Corn flakes are not high in protein.
Are Corn Flakes High In Fiber?
Corn Flakes are not high in fibre with just a single gram of fibre per standard serving.
Corn Flakes Varieties
There are a probably more varieties of Corn Flakes than almost any other breakfast cereal. However, almost all of these are store brands.
In terms of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes varieties. There are:
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes® Honey Flavor cereal
Kellogg’s describes them in the following way:
We’ve taken the toasted, golden, crunchy flakes you love and added an irresistible honey flavor. With a good source of eight vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes® Honey Flavor will leave you buzzing whether you enjoy in a bowl with your favorite milk or sprinkle in to your favorite recipes.
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes® Crumbs
Described as:
The all-purpose crumb coating that starts with the original flavor and crispness of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes® cereal. Deliciously crisp, fat free.
Store and other Varieties
Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Fruit Juice Corn Flakes
Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Fruit Juice Corn Flakes are made with non-GMO corn and a fruity blend of pear juice, Nature’s Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes bring a fat and gluten-free option to your table.
Barbara’s Organic Corn Flakes Cereal
Barbara’s Corn Flakes. Non-GMO Project Verified and USDA-organic certified, with a happy, wholesome crunch that pairs beautifully with your favorite milk.
Walmart Great Value Toasted Corn Flakes
Great Value Corn Flakes are a delicious way to start your day! This lightly toasted corn cereal contains no artificial flavors or colors and is packed full of great vitamins and minerals like iron, B vitamins, zinc, and calcium to help you kick start your day.
Kroger® Corn Flakes Cereal
Described as:
Crispy, crave-y, light & wavy flakes! Scrumptious, crunch-ious, righteous, delight-ious flakes! Yummers-in-your-tummers, flakey-when-you-wakey flakes.
Where You Can Buy Kellogg’s Corn Flakes?
You can buy Kellogg’s Corn Flakes at almost every grocery store in America including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger and pretty much all others.
Famous Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Commercials
Given the brands very long history it probably has more commercials than almost any other cereal brand. Here are a few of the more memorable ones:
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes featuring a younger Keanu Reeves circa 1987:
The first of three “Corny the Rooster” live/animated commercials for Kellogg’s Corn flakes done by Hanna Barbera, directed by the great Wally Burr starring Billy Bowles, circa 1964:
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes – Librarian (1992):
“BC” Kelloggs Corn Flakes ad:
One of the cutest Christmas ads of all time: