Let's Talk about Cereal...

Most of us love cereal, right? Eat cereal, they said... Remember that a few years ago? "We have lowered our prices, eat cereal it's a better, healthier option." Oh, the trickery. No. Please, no—do not eat the common cereals that line our grocery store shelves.

They are filled with high fructose corn syrup, BHA, BHT, Artificial Dyes, and so many more unhealthy ingredients. Basically, they are just poison. There is a full list of toxic ingredients at the bottom of this post for you to review if you wish.

After much trial and error, I found one amazing cereal. It's even been approved by my husband, my two grandsons, and a few others. Here's what I discovered:

Cereal #1: Vitabella Chocolate Hazelnut & Strawberry Cereal

• Flavors: Chocolate Hazelnut, Strawberry, Chocolate Rice Cereal (think Coco Puffs), and Cornflakes

• What We Love: Lower in sugar than most cereals (just 8 grams per serving), no refined grains, artificial colors, or flavors. Plus, it’s non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free.

• Taste Test: It's delicious, and even my toughest critics—my family—approve!

• Where to Buy: Available at Giant in VA and possibly Whole Foods, but you can also grab it online through Amazon.

Coming in at $6.29 on Amazon. Is usually cheaper when bought in a store - Click the link here to check it out.  #commissionearned   https://amzn.to/4f7KwoF

When you're looking for a healthier cereal choice, it's easy to get lost. But this one is a win-win in our house!

Other Healthy Cereal Options to Consider:

1. Nature's Path Organic Cereal-"Envirokidz"

   

   Coming in usually under $5 a box. Click here to check out Panda Puffs and other flavors on Amazon #commissionearned https://amzn.to/4kVegGA

   • Known for its commitment to organic ingredients, Nature's Path offers cereals like Crispy Rice and Flax Plus that are non-GMO, free from synthetic additives, and packed with fiber. Their Whole O's even make a great healthy version of your classic cheerios. We love Panda Puff the most, but we have tried Gorilla Munch and Cheeta Comps too. If you Love cereal switch to these healthier options, you won't miss the dyes, harmful chemicals and all the other yucky stuff.

2. Barbara’s Organic Cereals

   

   Coming in at $4.50 a box. -Click here to check it out on Amazon. #commissionearned https://amzn.to/3IMWGau

   • Barbara’s has an excellent lineup of organic cereals, including Organic Corn Flakes and Organic Multigrain Shredded Spoonfuls. These are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, while still being deliciously crunchy. We are a fan of the Puffin's. Barbara's has many different options. We like the more kid oriented ones. 😁

3. Purely Elizabeth Granola

   

   Coming in at $22.50 for the trio. - Click here to check it out on Amazon. #commissionearned https://amzn.to/40yJ3SC

   • For something a little different, try Purely Elizabeth’s grain-free granola, packed with nutrients from quinoa, chia, and coconut. It’s a great option for those who want to avoid grains altogether but still want something crunchy and satisfying. For those adults who like to eat like adults.

   
   

Stay smart, be safe, and keep learning.

Let me know if you try any of these healthier cereal options and whether your family loves them as much as mine does!

Please like and share

If you want to dive a little deeper, there is more for you to read below.

Cereal can contain a variety of toxic ingredients and additives that may be harmful over time, especially when consumed regularly. Here’s a breakdown of some common toxins and harmful ingredients found in many cereals:

1. Artificial Colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)

• Why It’s Harmful: Many brightly colored cereals, especially those marketed to children, contain artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These dyes have been linked to behavioral issues in children (e.g., hyperactivity) and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some studies suggest they could also be carcinogenic.

• Health Concerns: Hyperactivity, potential carcinogenic effects, allergic reactions.

2. BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

• Why It’s Harmful: BHA and BHT are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of cereals. These chemicals have been linked to cancer in animal studies and are suspected endocrine disruptors. They can also cause skin and eye irritation.

• Health Concerns: Hormonal disruption, cancer risk, allergic reactions.

3. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)

• Why It’s Harmful: HFCS is a sweetener made from corn and is commonly found in sugary cereals. It contributes to obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and can increase the risk of heart disease.

• Health Concerns: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver damage.

4. Glyphosate (Roundup Herbicide)

• Why It’s Harmful: Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in conventional farming, and traces of it can be found in grains used in many cereals. It is classified by the World Health Organization as a probable carcinogen and is linked to several health issues.

• Health Concerns: Cancer, liver damage, kidney damage, endocrine disruption.

5. Propylene Glycol

• Why It’s Harmful: Propylene glycol is a synthetic compound used to retain moisture and improve texture in processed foods, including cereals. While it’s generally recognized as safe by the FDA, high consumption has been linked to allergic reactions and toxicity in large doses.

• Health Concerns: Allergic reactions, toxicity in large amounts.

6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

• Why It’s Harmful: Some cereals, especially those with savory flavors, can contain MSG, a flavor enhancer that can cause headaches, sweating, and other symptoms in sensitive individuals. It's also linked to weight gain and metabolic disturbances.

• Health Concerns: Headaches, weight gain, metabolic issues.

7. Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Acesulfame K)

• Why It’s Harmful: Some cereals, especially low-sugar options, contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame K. These have been linked to various health issues, including headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, and potential long-term effects on metabolism.

• Health Concerns: Cancer (controversial), headaches, gastrointestinal issues.

8. Refined Grains

• Why It’s Harmful: Many mainstream cereals are made with refined grains, which lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. These refined grains are digested quickly, leading to blood sugar spikes and contributing to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease over time.

• Health Concerns: Blood sugar spikes, weight gain, heart disease.

9. Soy Lecithin

• Why It’s Harmful: While soy lecithin is a common ingredient in many processed foods, including cereals, it may be derived from genetically modified (GMO) soy. GMOs are controversial, with some research suggesting they could have unintended effects on human health.

• Health Concerns: Potential GMO-related risks, hormonal disruption, allergies.

10. TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)

• Why It’s Harmful: TBHQ is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the shelf life of cereals. In large amounts, it has been linked to potential liver damage, and animal studies suggest it could increase the risk of tumors.

• Health Concerns: Liver damage, carcinogenic potential.