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You may have heard of oatmeal, but what exactly is hot cereal? Oatmeal is, in fact, a type of hot cereal, but did you know that there are many others?

We will discuss the nutritional benefits of both oatmeal and another type of hot cereal and which might be right for you.

 

Hot Cereal

There are many types of hot cereals other than oatmeal, such as grits, cornmeal mush, cream of wheat, cream of rice, and mixed grain hot cereals that contain quinoa, barley, buckwheat, or amaranth.

For the purpose of this article, we will look at the nutritional benefits of one brand of cream of wheat in order to compare its nutritional value to one brand of oatmeal and see which would be better for you and whether either will be suitable for vegans, and those on keto or gluten-free diets.

Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal

Cream of Wheat Original is a classic hot cereal enjoyed by many Americans. It is an excellent breakfast cereal that is known to be both nutritious and filling.

It is generally eaten with added milk and sugar to enhance the flavor and improve the taste, but it is still a wholesome and healthy meal regardless of this.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

One serving of Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal without adding milk contains:

• Calories: 110
• Total fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100mg or 4% of Daily Value
• Total carbohydrates: 24g or 8% of Daily Value
• Dietary fiber: 1g or 4% of Daily Value
• Added sugar: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Calcium: 20% of Daily Value
• Iron: 50% of Daily Value
• Thiamin: 10% of Daily Value
• Riboflavin: 4% of Daily Value
• Niacin: 6% of Daily Value
• Folic acid: 10% of Daily Value

The ingredients used to make Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal are:

• Wheat farina
• Calcium carbonate
• Defatted wheat germ
• Disodium phosphate
• Ferric orthophosphate
• Niacinamide
• Thiamine mononitrate
• Riboflavin
• Folic acid

Is it healthy?

Cream of Wheat Original Hot Cereal is healthy, as it does not contain any unhealthy ingredients or additives. It is usually eaten with milk and sugar, so consumers should be wary of how much sugar they decide to add to their hot cereal.

It is generally a filling meal that will satisfy most people until lunch and is known to be exceptionally easy on the gut.

It contains a lot of iron and vitamins and is frequently consumed by vegetarians and vegans because of this.

Is it gluten-free?

Unfortunately, this healthy hot cereal contains wheat, which means those with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance will not be able to consume this breakfast cereal.

Is it vegan?

Yes, Cream of Wheat Original is vegan, as it does not contain any animal products and is, in fact, consumed by many vegans and vegetarians, owing to it being a great source of nutrition.

Is it keto?

This hot cereal is, unfortunately, not keto-friendly, as it contains a large amount of carbohydrates, which are not permitted on keto diets.

Protein & fiber content

While Cream of Wheat Original Hot Cereal is quite healthy, it does not contain much protein or fiber, so this will need to be consumed in your other meals throughout the day in order to maintain a balanced diet.

 

Oatmeal

Cooked oatmeal is one of the most popular types of breakfast cereal around, and it is definitely one of the most well-known.

Instant oatmeal or instant oats are extremely easy to prepare and are often quick cooking, which means you could have a hot, healthy breakfast in a couple of minutes. The most popular types of oats are steel-cut oats and rolled oats, which are often used to make oatmeal cookies.

We’ll look at one specific brand of oatmeal and compare its nutritional value to a cream of wheat product.

Quaker Quick 3-minute Steel Cut Oats

Quaker Steel Cut Oats is one of the most popular hot breakfast cereals around. This brand of oats is known to be extremely healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

One serving of Quaker Steel Cut Oats contains:

• Total fat: 3g or 4% of Daily Value
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total carbohydrates: 31g or 11% of Daily Value
• Dietary fiber: 4g or 15% of Daily Value
• Added sugar: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Vitamin D: 0mcg
• Calcium: 20mg or 0% of Daily Value
• Iron: 1.7mg or 8% of Daily Value
• Potassium: 170mg or 2% of Daily Value
• Thiamine: 0.2mg or 20% of Daily Value
• Phosphorus: 190mg or 15% Daily Value
• Magnesium: 40mg or 10% of Daily Value

The ingredients used to make Quaker Steel Cut Oats are:

• Whole grain steel cut oats

Is it healthy?

Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is healthy for you as it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals and does not contain any unhealthy ingredients or additives.

However, some instant oatmeals have a lot of added sugar and a higher glycemic index, which means it could spike the blood pressure of a diabetic person, so people with diabetes should be wary of instant oatmeal.

Is it gluten-free?

Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is not gluten-free, as the only ingredient it contains is wheat, which is where gluten is derived from.

Those with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance should be wary of hot cereals, as not many are gluten-free.

Is it vegan?

This oatmeal is vegan, as it does not contain any animal products whatsoever.

Is it keto?

Oatmeal is known for containing large amounts of carbohydrates, so there are very few types of oatmeal that are keto-friendly, and Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is no different.

Protein & fiber content

Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal and oatmeal, in general, are higher in fiber and protein than most other breakfast cereals, but you will need to include more fiber and protein in your other meals to ensure that you reach your recommended daily intake of both.

 

Final Thoughts

Oatmeal might be the most popular hot cereal and is often known to be very healthy; however, there are many other hot cereals out there that might taste just as good or be just as healthy, so it is definitely worth giving some a try.

Cereal does not have to be eaten with milk, some can’t consume milk, and some don’t enjoy cereal with milk. Luckily there are alternatives out there, one of them being water. Yes, you heard me right, your good old friend H2O!

It may sound like a weird combination, but there are people out there who enjoy it!

 

Can you eat cereal with water?

Yes, you can. There is no rule or law against it… as far as we are aware. But cereal can be eaten with water. It is just important to note that the texture and cereal taste will be quite different.

Certain cereals probably won’t be that great, especially oat flakes, corn flakes, and plain cereal, since they do not have much flavor, and neither does the water.

 

What does it taste like?

The taste will vary depending on the type of cereal you eat. Breakfast cereals like bran or Weetabix will probably be very dull. But cereals with more fruity flavors could be pretty nice. Eating cereal with water could be more exciting if you add some extra ingredients into the mix.

Milk gives a cereal a sweet and creamy taste, and without the milk, the flavor will change quite drastically. Your crunchy cereal will also become very mushy very quickly when mixed with water instead of milk.

 

Some other ways to eat your cereal

There are loads of reasons why someone would want to replace the milk in their cereal. It could be because they are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply don’t like any milk flavor.

You could add a milk substitute to your cereal instead. Oat milk is an excellent choice as it has a similar texture to cow’s milk. You could also opt for cashew milk, soy, academia, almond, rice, and more. The milk alternatives on the market today are endless!

 

FAQ

Does cereal dissolve in water?

Yes, it does. All of the healthy fibers in the cereal will dissolve in the water and make their way through your system – so you still benefit from the nutrients in your cereal.

Do I need to eat cereal with milk?

It all comes down to personal preference. If you do not enjoy it with milk, eat it with something else you like. Some people even prefer eating dry cereal. You can eat cereal with water or almost any other milk substitute.

What other way can I eat my cereal?

There are various ways in which you can eat cereal. You can add juices or yogurt to it, and you can make a smoothie or oatmeal. Cereal can be a sweet or savory snack. It even makes for a great topping on your favorite ice cream mix!

 

Final thoughts

There are so many ways to eat cereal, and it all comes down to what you find more delicious. If you prefer water over milk, then go for it! Get as creative as you like to make a bowl of delicious breakfast cereal.

Cereal can taste good with almost anything, so whatever makes you happy, just do it!

Fortified cereals have loads of health benefits since they are packed with tons of added vitamins and minerals to ensure the best nutritional quality from the food you eat. Cereal is a convenient breakfast food, and we have found the best-fortified options for you!

 

Fortified Cereal Explained

Fortified foods and cereals contain minerals and vitamins that aren’t naturally found in them. Fortification aims to improve the levels of particular nutrients found in foods that people commonly eat.

Micronutrients are added to cereal grains in a powdered form. Cereals are commonly fortified with certain vitamins like vitamin A, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, zinc, iron, and calcium.

 

Post Bran Flakes

Post Bran Flakes are wheat bran and whole grain wheat cereal suitable for the entire family. It is tasty and an excellent source of 13 essential Vitamins & Minerals!

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole grain wheat, wheat bran, sugar, wheat flour, malted barley flour, salt, vitamins and minerals, reduced iron, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Zinc oxide (source of zinc), Vitamin A palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3.

In one cup, which is 36g:

Calories: 110

Total fat: 1g/ 1%

Saturated fat: 0g

Trans fat: 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat: og

Monounsaturated Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: omg/ 0%

Sodium: 190mg/ 8%

Total Carbohydrate: 29g/ 10%

Dietary fibre: 7g/ 24%

Total sugars: 7g

Added sugars: 6g/ 13%

Protein: 4g

Calcium: 10mg

Iron: 9mg

Potassium: 210mg

Viatmin A: 40%

Thiamin: 60%

Riboflavin: 45%

Niacin: 35%

Vitamin B6: 40%

Folate: 215mcg/ 90%

Vitamin B12: 90%

Pantothenic acid: 8%

Phosphorous: 15%

Magnesium: 20%

Zinc: 25%

Copper: 20%

Is it healthy?

Yes, it is. It is low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and each serving contains 16 grams of delicious and essential whole grains.

Is it gluten-free?

The cereal is high-fiber, wheat-based, and high-bran. So no, it is not gluten-free.

Is it vegan?

Yes, it is suitable for a vegan diet.

Is it keto?

It is not keto-friendly as it is high in carbs.

Protein & fiber content

Post Bran Flakes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, as a single serving comes with 7g of fiber.

The cereal is also high in protein, so you will be getting a good amount every morning.

 

Special K Nourish

Special K is one of the best-fortified breakfast cereals. Especially their Probiotics Berries & Peaches Cereal. It is nutritious, delicious, and packed with probiotics and real fruits.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Rice, Whole grain wheat, Sugar, Wheat Bran, Freeze-dried fruit (peaches, blueberries, raspberries), Hydrogenated palm kernel oil, Salt, Brown sugar syrup, Natural flavors, Malt flavor, Nonfat milk, Mile protein concentrate, Greek nonfat yogurt powder (cultured skim milk; heat-treated after culturing), Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactic acid, Soy lecithin, BHT for freshness, Vitamins and minerals, Reduced Iron, Niacinamide, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Hydrochloride), Folic acid, Vitamin B12.

In one cup, which is 42g:

Calories: 160

Total fat: 2g/ 3%

Saturated fat: 1.5g/ 8%

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: omg/ 0%

Sodium: 200mg/ 8%

Total Carbohydrate: 35g/ 12%

Dietary fibre: 3g/ 12%

Total sugars: 13g

Added sugars: 12g/ 24%

Protein: 3g

Vitamin D: 2mcg/ 11%

Calcium: 2omg/ 2%

Iron: 11mg/ 63%

Potassium: 148mg/ 3%

Is it healthy?

It is relatively healthy as it contains fiber, essential vitamins, whole grains, and minerals. But not so much if you are conscious about your sugar intake.

There are certainly healthier options, but this cereal is still good and packed with what you need.

Is it gluten-free?

None of the Kellogs varieties are gluten-free.

Is it vegan?

No, it is not vegan. This cereal contains a lot of milk and milk powders.

Is it keto?

It is not keto-friendly as it is high in net carbs, so avoid this on a keto diet.

Protein & fiber content

The protein content is at 3g per serving, making up for a good and balanced diet. And the fiber content is at 3g. You can find fortified foods and cereals that are higher in protein and fiber if that is what you are after.

 

Total Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal

Total Whole Grain Breakfast cereals are filled with 11 essential vitamins and minerals. The cereals are delicious and 100% wholegrain.

Ingredients & nutrition facts

Ingredients:

Whole Grain Wheat, Sugar, Honey, Salt. Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) Added To Preserve Freshness.

In one cup:

Calories: 140

Total fat: 1g/ 1%

Saturated fat: 0g

Trans fat: 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat: o.5g

Monounsaturated Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: omg/ 0%

Sodium: 190mg/ 8%

Total Carbohydrate: 33g/ 12%

Dietary fibre: 4g/ 12%

Total sugars: 6g

Added sugars: 5g

Protein: 3g

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 100%

Calcium: 18mg/ 2%

Potassium: 140mg/ 4%

Iron: 18mg/ 100%

Vitamin D: 2mcg/ 10%

Folic acid: 235mcg

Is it healthy?

Yes, it is. It is high in nutrients and low in fat – making it a fantastic breakfast choice.

Is it gluten-free?

No, it is not. The cereal contains wheat.

Is it vegan?

No, it is not. The cereal has been fortified with pyridoxine hydrochloride and Vitamin D3.

Is it keto?

It is high in carbs, so it is not suitable for a keto diet.

Protein & fiber content

Compared to other cereals, the protein and fiber content is relatively low. You can add some more protein with some delicious yogurt or milk.

 

Where to Buy Fortified Cereal

Shop in-store

Most of these fortified cereals can be found at Walmart or select Target stores.

Shop online

These fortified cereals can be found in the online stores of each brand or on Amazon. Making shopping for your delicious breakfasts super simple and fast.

 

Final Thoughts

Eating fortified foods and cereals can be very good for your health, and they make a great breakfast choice as you will start your day with a kick of all the essential nutrients and vitamins you need.

You’ll start your day happy knowing that you have had a good intake of healthy fats and specific vitamins and minerals.

Cereals are one of the best commonly fortified foods, so you will have no trouble finding one that works for you!