Cereal Secrets

5 Best General Mills Cereal Brands

Since 1860 General Mills has been a leader in the American cereal and consumer foods industries, widely sold through retail stores across the globe.

The brand’s focus has shifted towards producing breakfast cereals and other brands that are targeted more toward health-conscious consumers.

Their ingredients typically consist of whole grains and a less-than-average amount of sugar when compared to most commercial cereals on the shelves.

Whether it’s Cheerios, Chex, or another family favorite, you’re likely to feel nostalgic eating General Mills cereals.

General Mills Cereal Brands Explained

General Mills’ cereals include the following brands:

Below we’ll take a look at the nutritional information of a few of the most popular General Mills Cereal Brands in America.

General Mills – Honey Nut Cheerios

This comforting golden-honey family favorite in the shape of little “o’s” has an incredible natural flavor, and it can even be enjoyed by those who are gluten-free.

It’s loaded with whole grains and 12 essential vitamins and minerals – to start your day the right way.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Oats, Sugar, Oat Bran, Corn Starch, Honey, Brown Sugar Syrup, Salt, Tripotassium Phosphate, Rice Bran Oil and/or Canola Oil, Natural Almond Flavor. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness.

Nutrition Facts:

Per serving (1 cup/ 37g):

  • Calories – 140
  • Total Fat – 2g / 3%
  • Saturated Fat – 0g
  • Trans Fat – 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Cholesterol – 0g
  • Sodium – 210mg / 9%
  • Total Carbohydrate – 30g / 11%
  • Dietary Fiber – 3g / 10%
  • Soluble Fiber – <1g
  • Total Sugars – 12g
  • Including Added Sugars – 12g / 24%
  • Protein – 3g
  • Vitamin D – 2mcg / 10%
  • Calcium – 130mg / 10%
  • Iron – 3.6mg / 20%
  • Potassium – 150mg / 4%
  • Vitamin A – 10%
  • Vitamin C – 10%
  • Thiamin – 20%
  • Riboflavin – 10%
  • Niacin – 10%
  • Vitamin B6 – 20%
  • Folate (45mcg folic acid) – 20%
  • Vitamin B12 – 20%
  • Phosphorus – 8%
  • Magnesium – 8%
  • Zinc – 20%

The Daily Value % is based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Is it healthy?

The high sugar content and vegetable oils make this cereal less of a healthy breakfast choice. However, it’s made from healthy whole grains and it does contain a good amount of iron and calcium, plus it’s low in fat.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, Honey Nut Cheerios are 100% gluten-free.

Is it vegan?

Since this product contains honey, it isn’t vegan. However, it’s suitable for vegetarians, and those following a vegan diet with the exception of honey.

Is it keto?

This cereal is not keto-friendly as it contains a high carb content as well as sugar, canola oil, and honey.

Protein & fiber content

With each serving offering 3g of protein and 3g of fiber, this cereal isn’t considered a high-protein and high-fiber breakfast option, but if you pair it with fruit and soy milk – it’s great!

General Mills – Original Lucky Charms

If you haven’t tried Lucky Charms yet, you’re certainly missing out on magic in a bowl!

Think multi-colored marshmallows in the shape of stars, hearts, unicorns, horseshoes, blue moons, rainbows, red balloons, and clovers – paired perfectly with crunchy gluten-free oats.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Oats, Sugar, Corn Starch, Modified Corn Starch, Corn Syrup, Dextrose. Contains 2% or less of Salt, Gelatin, Trisodium Phosphate, Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1, and Natural and Artificial Flavor. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness.

Nutrition facts:

Per serving (1 cup / 36g):

  • Calories – 140
  • Total Fat – 1.5g / 2%
  • Saturated Fat – 0g / 0%
  • Trans Fat – 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat  – 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Cholesterol  – 0mg / 0%
  • Sodium – 230mg / 10%
  • Total Carbohydrate – 30g/ 11%
  • Dietary Fiber – 2g / 7%
  • Sugars – 12g / 24%
  • Including Added Sugars – 12g / 24%
  • Protein – 3g
  • Vitamin D – 2mcg / 10%
  • Calcium – 130mg / 10%
  • Iron – 3.6mg / 20%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Vitamin A – 10%
  • Vitamin C – 10%
  • Thiamin – 20%
  • Riboflavin – 10%
  • Niacin – 10%
  • Vitamin B6 – 20%
  • Folate (45mcg folic acid) – 20%
  • Vitamin B12 – 20%
  • Phosphorus – 8%
  • Magnesium – 8%
  • Zinc – 20%

The Daily Value % is based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Is it healthy?

Besides offering whole grain oats and a good source of vitamins and minerals, Lucky Charms are not considered a healthy breakfast option.

It’s high in refined sugar (almost 3 teaspoons per serving), contains artificial flavors and colors, and has unhealthy ingredients like modified corn starch.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this cereal is approved gluten-free. It’s made with gluten-free oats.

Is it vegan?

Lucky Charms cereal isn’t vegan as it contains gelatin as well as artificial colors, vitamin D3, and natural taste, all of which are unclear whether or not they’re vegan approved.

Is it keto?

This product isn’t keto-friendly due to its high-carb and high-processed sugar content.

Protein & fiber content

This cereal has a moderate fiber content of 2g and protein content of 3g per serving.

General Mills – Fiber One Original

If you’re one of the majority of Americans who struggle to get enough fiber in their diet, Fiber One Breakfast Cereal is the (super-tasty) way to go!

It’s crunchy, it’s delicious, and it’s healthy.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Bran, Modified Wheat Starch, Color (caramel color and annatto extract), Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Salt, Baking Soda, Sucralose, Natural Flavor.

Nutrition facts:

Per serving (2/3 cup / 40g):

  • Calories – 90
  • Total Fat – 1g / 1%
  • Saturated Fat – 0g / 0%
  • Trans Fat – 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 0g
  • Cholesterol – 0mg / 0%
  • Sodium – 140mg / 6%
  • Total Carbohydrate – 34g / 12%
  • Dietary Fiber – 18g / 65%
  • Soluble Fiber 1g
  • Insoluble Fiber – 17g / 8%
  • Total Sugars – 0g / 0%
  • Protein – 3g
  • Vitamin D – 0mcg / 0%
  • Calcium – 130mg / 10%
  • Iron – 3.6mg / 20%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Vitamin C - 10%
  • Thiamin - 20%
  • Riboflavin - 10%
  • Niacin - 10%
  • Vitamin B6 - 20%
  • Folate (45mcg folic acid) - 20%
  • Vitamin B12 - 20%
  • Phosphorus - 6%
  • Magnesium - 8%
  • Zinc - 20%

The Daily Value % is based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Is it healthy?

Yes, Fiber One Original cereal is an excellent breakfast option for those who are health-conscious. Not only will it provide you with 65% of your daily fiber intake, but it’s also sugar-free.

Is it gluten-free?

No, this product contains gluten in the form of whole-grain wheat and modified wheat starch.

Is it vegan?

Fiber One cereal is 100% vegan, as it doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Is it keto?

This cereal is not keto-friendly as it contains a high carbohydrate content.

Protein & fiber content

If you’re looking for fiber, this cereal is packed with a massive 18g of fiber per serving!

In terms of protein, 3g per serving is a moderate amount.

General Mills – Cocoa Puffs

If delicious crunchy puffed corn that turns your milk into chocolatey goodness is your thing – you are sure to love Cocoa Puffs!

This cereal is especially a favorite among kids as the best breakfast or after-school sweet treat.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Meal, Corn Syrup, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Canola Oil, Fructose, Salt, Caramel Color, Refiner’s Syrup, Baking Soda, Natural Flavor.

Nutrition facts:

Per serving (3/4 cup / 27g):

  • Calories – 100
  • Total Fat – 1.5g / 2%
  • Saturated Fat – 0g / 0%
  • Trans Fat – 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 0.5g
  • Cholesterol  – 0mg / 0%
  • Sodium – 100mg / 4%
  • Potassium – 85mg / 2%
  • Total Carbohydrate – 23g / 8%
  • Dietary Fiber – 1g / 6%
  • Sugars – 9g
  • Other Carbohydrates – 12g
  • Protein – 1g
  • Vitamin A - 10%
  • Vitamin C - 10%
  • Calcium - 10%
  • Iron - 25%
  • Vitamin D - 10%
  • Thiamin - 25%
  • Riboflavin - 25%
  • Niacin - 25%
  • Vitamin B6 - 25%
  • Folic Acid - 25%
  • Vitamin – B12 / 25%
  • Phosphorus - 6%
  • Magnesium - 4%
  • Zinc - 25%
  • Copper - 2%

The Daily Value % is based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Is it healthy?

If you’re looking for healthy breakfast cereals, Cocoa Puffs isn’t one of them. Sugar (the 2nd ingredient) makes up 40% of its net calories.

On the bright side, this cereal is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and it’s also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Is it gluten-free?

According to the brand’s website, this cereal may contain wheat ingredients. Therefore it isn’t suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Is it vegan?

Cocoa Puffs are not 100% vegan, as it contains an animal-derived source of vitamin D3. However, it is dairy-free.

Is it keto?

This product is not keto-friendly due to its high-carb and high-sugar content.

Protein & fiber content

In terms of fiber and protein, this cereal contains very low amounts of the two.

General Mills – Reese’s Puffs

If you enjoy Reese’s peanut butter, Reese’s Puffs will blow you away! These sweet and crunchy corn puffs will be sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Reese’s Peanut Butter (peanuts, sugar, monoglycerides, peanut oil, salt, molasses, corn starch), Dextrose, Corn Meal, Corn Syrup, Canola Oil, Salt, Hershey’s Cocoa, Caramel Color, Trisodium Phosphate, Natural Flavor. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness

Nutrition Facts:

Per serving (3/4 cup / 29g):

  • Calories – 120
  • Total Fat – 3g / 5%
  • Saturated Fat – 0.5g / 3%
  • Trans Fat – 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat – 1g
  • Monounsaturated Fat – 1.5g
  • Cholesterol – 0mg / 0%
  • Sodium 1- 60mg / 7%
  • Potassium – 70mg / 2%
  • Total Carbohydrate – 22g / 7%
  • Dietary Fiber – 1g / 5%
  • Sugars – 9g
  • Other Carbohydrates – 12g
  • Protein – 2g
  • Vitamin A - 10%
  • Vitamin C - 10%
  • Calcium - 10%
  • Iron - 25%
  • Vitamin D - 10%
  • Thiamin - 25%
  • Riboflavin - 25%
  • Niacin - 25%
  • Vitamin B6 - 25%
  • Folic Acid - 25%
  • Vitamin B12 - 25%
  • Phosphorus - 8%
  • Magnesium - 4%
  • Zinc – 25%

The Daily Value % is based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Is it healthy?

Although Reece’s Puffs don’t contain high fructose corn syrup, colors from artificial sources, or artificial flavors, it has a high sugar content from Cane Sugar, Dextrose, and Corn Syrup.

Therefore it’s best to be enjoyed in moderation.

Is it gluten-free?

This cereal is gluten-free. It’s made with whole-grain corn instead of wheat grain.

Is it vegan?

This product contains animal-derived Vitamin D, making it unsuitable for vegans.

Is it keto?

Reece’s Puffs is not keto-friendly due to its high carb and sugar content.

Protein & fiber content

With 2g of protein and 1g of fiber per serving, this product doesn’t have a high protein and fiber content.

Where to Buy General Mills Cereal

Shop in-store

General Mills’ popular brands can be found in the cereal aisle of your local grocery store or supermarket, like Target, Walmart, and Costco.

Shop online

You can purchase General Mills products online via Amazon, Walmart, and American Food Shop, to have them delivered straight to your door.

FAQs

What is General Mills’ top-selling cereal?

Not only is Cheerios cereal General Mills’ best seller, but it’s also the top-selling cereal in America, according to the number of boxes sold and revenue.

Did you know that it was originally called Cheerioats before it was named Cheerios in 1945?

Which General Mills cereal is keto-friendly?

General Mills has a whole line of keto-friendly cereals under the brand name, Wonderworks.

This delicious cereal is mainly made from milk protein, whey protein, inulin, cocoa, corn fiber, and starch. It’s totally sugar-free and sweetened with allulose, erythritol, and stevia.

The cinnamon, peanut butter, and chocolate flavors are all incredibly tasty!

What General Mills cereal has the highest fiber?

General Mills Fiber One (Original Bran) doesn’t leave much room for its competitors.

In just one serving you’ll be getting 18g of dietary fiber, which is an impressive 65% of your daily requirement!

Besides being an amazing source of fiber, it’s also completely sugar-free, making it a healthy breakfast choice.

Final Thoughts

Ever think about the good old days when you were just a kid eating a bowl of cereal while watching your favorite cartoon?

General Mills has always done a great job at making people feel nostalgic.

Whether you’re looking for a cereal that’s healthy, gluten-free, high in protein, a sweet treat, or one to simply bring back your inner child – you’re bound to find it here!