Top 10 Best Healthy Cereals in the Philippines 2021

When you're in the cereals section, you'll have a glance at all the cute packaging for kids cereal and, of course, many promised health benefits for adult cereals. But, don't let this mislead you as you can't determine a cereal according to its packaging. 

Take a better peek at the nutrition label to compare the sugar, fiber, fat, and sodium content. By doing so, leads the way closer to a heart-healthy cereal.

Cereals are undeniably addicting once you've had tasted the available flavors in the market. Some variant has that balanced combination of sweet and fruity taste which makes people come back for more. On your next grocery trip, consider which flavors match your kids' palate or your diet. 

Granola is a famed breakfast cereal consisting of oats, flax seeds, almonds, or chia seeds. This is loaded with micronutrients, but nutrition content may differ depending on the combination of the ingredients. 

Granola blended with dried fruits and other sweeteners is high in sugar. On the other hand, nuts are rich in protein, and whole grains are high in fiber.

Diet-conscious ones have loved this since it is not only convenient, but it impedes the stomach’s emptying and helps you feel fuller for a while. Additionally, granola minimizes cholesterol levels and blood sugar thanks to its high fiber ingredients.

Breakfast cereals are perhaps one of the ideal easy-to-eat option for the kids. Perhaps, you’ve reminisced of your childhood when you’re munching on a bowl of cereal while watching your favorite cartoon shows and waiting for your school bus. Commonly, children enjoy fruit-flavored cereals that come in unique flavors and colors. 

There is something about fruit cereals that wakes their taste buds— crunchy in every bite yet bursting in flavors. Some cereals come in dried strawberries or raspberries that add flavor to your milk. 

Chocolate cereals, meanwhile, are also a palatable option to satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth. When mixed with milk, it has a chocolatey taste that your kid will never forget.

These golden flakes have that crisp with a hint of the right sweetness. This is a better option for weight loss and a good source of vitamins, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Once this snack is added to milk, it becomes rich in protein, boosting your immunity and restoring body tissues. 

However, if you want to monitor your weight, ditch sugar-coated flakes and look for an alternative with no added sugar. See that your cereal is free of hidden sugars as excessive sugar intake promotes sudden weight gain and can even result in diabetes. 

Who wouldn't love a bowl of cereals? The common mistake many of us make is we inattentively pour it into our bowl, so we tend to exceed the advised serving size. This is a big no-no, especially to those who follow a low-calorie lifestyle. The serving size distinguishes the total calories you'll consume. 

In fact, there are two variants of serving size: 30 grams for light cereals and 55 grams for heavy cereals. For those who are undergoing a healthy diet, using a measuring cup is recommended. The ideal cereal has 200 calories or less per serving, according to dietitians. 

Most cereal boxes are usually labeled "whole grain" on their packaging, still do not let this delude you. To know the accurate nutrition content, take a closer look at the ingredients list if it includes whole grains such as oats, barley, and rice. Additionally, if the corn or wheat is not indicated as whole, this might be because they're refined. 

Be wary of the ingredients list that starts with flour; this can be an indicator that you have purchased a processed cereal. Unlike refined grains, whole grains are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and magnesium— a healthy option to prevent the risk of heart illness.

Fiber brings several nutrients beneficial to your health. It is proven to be helpful for digestive health and prevents a spike in your blood sugar. 

Before taking a pick of a heart-healthy cereal, ensure that it has at least 3 or 4 grams of fiber in every serving size. According to dietitians, three grams is likely 12% of the daily recommended fiber intake. Men need 38 grams of fiber each day to follow a healthy diet, while women should have 25 grams per day.

Starting your day with too much sugar intake is a bad move as this can lead to a quick increase in glucose level. When it comes to cereals, the recommended sugar content per serving is 5 grams. Take note of cereals with dried fruits, given that these are coated in sugar. 

To be certain, inspect if dried fruits should come first in the ingredients label before the added sugar. A healthier alternative is to add your preferred unsweetened fruit for a nice flavor boost.

Generally, light cereals should have at least 7 grams of sugar while 11 grams for heavy cereals as per the Center for Science in the Public Interest. One helpful tip is to check the order of ingredients. Once you've noticed that sugar or other unhealthy ingredients are included in the first three ingredients, it's time to find a better breakfast cereal. 

Another factor to consider is saturated fat. If you're someone who loves granolas, this typically has a total of 3 to 6 grams of fat. Just be sure to consider cereals with less than two and a half grams. Furthermore, steer clear of cereals with artificial preservatives.

Cereals are typically packed with cereal bags found inside cardboards. At the same time, some brands offer cereals that are packaged directly in the boxes. Whatever packaging you prefer, you must consider packaging that can retain the product's freshness and crispiness. 

If convenient packaging is what you're looking for, other brands provide cereals that come in zip lock bags. This is resealable and comes in a durable seal to ensure the quality of your food. 

Home alone for the weekend? You may go for sulit packs or single-serve cereals. It is also an excellent pick if you are lured to eat cereals at any time of the day.

With the plethora of cereals at your fingertips when you stroll around the supermarket, it can be a perplexing choice. We did the choosing more effortless for you! Read on our top picks of the best cereals to buy online that are deliciously indulgent, making it the perfect snack at any time of the day. 

Besides an ideal breakfast option or toppings to your favorite sweets, cereals can also be used as an ingredient to your favorite gastronomic dishes. Check out this video from Simpol, which shows the recipe for Singaporean specialty cereal prawns. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo prawns
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4-5 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 cup cornflakes
• 7 pieces of dried chilies
• Cilantro
• Cooking Oil

Procedure:

1. Season the prawns with a bit of salt, depending on your preferred taste. Add 2 tbsps. cornstarch and 2 tbsps. of water. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is equally distributed.
2. Put a little salt into the crushed corn flakes and 1 tsp of sugar in another bowl. Then, add the powdered milk.
3. Prepare a frying pan. In this video, the prawns are peeled so that the prawn meat will absorb the flavors. Fry until golden brown to get that desired crisp.
4. In a separate pan, add a little oil. Mince the garlic and dried chili. Wait until golden brown. Afterward, melt the butter.
5. Once the butter already melt, add the fried prawns. Finally, put the combined cereal and powdered milk. Toss it carefully until the mixture is evenly covered on the prawns.
6. For a more appetizing look, garnish cilantro and finish off with a bit of black pepper.

Due to the ongoing quarantine, many are required to work remotely to ensure the safety of everyone. Despite the hectic schedule and piling workloads, make sure to take care of yourself and fill up your tummies with delicious foods to boost your energy and be more productive. Check out these links to the best snacks available online. 

You can never go wrong with a bowl of cereals. Besides being convenient, it has a combination of sweet and fruity flavors that will entice the little one’s palate. While for those who practice a healthy lifestyle, whole grain cereals with a blend of oat and fruits are a great option to stay fit. 

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Cereals are delicious, filling breakfast ideas that you can add a flavor boost by mixing yogurt, fruits, and milk. Hence, when you’re seeking an easy-to-prepare meal without compromising the essential nutrients, cereals are always a good idea. 

Author: B. Tan 

Like and follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates!