Blueberry Chex offers a fruity twist on the classic Chex cereal lineup. This gluten-free breakfast option combines the familiar crunch of Chex with the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries. Dusted with real blueberry powder, it aims to satisfy those seeking a fruit-infused morning meal.
A single cup serving (40 grams) of Blueberry Chex contains 170 calories, with 18% coming from fat, 77% from carbohydrates, and 5% from protein. The cereal provides 3.5 grams of total fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of polyunsaturated fat per serving. General Mills fortifies this cereal with various vitamins and minerals, contributing to its nutritional profile.
Consumers can enjoy Blueberry Chex in multiple ways. While it’s commonly eaten with milk for breakfast, it can also serve as an ingredient in snack mixes or desserts. The cereal’s versatility extends beyond the breakfast table, making it a potential pantry staple for various culinary creations.
Blueberry Chex Overview
Blueberry Chex is a flavorful breakfast cereal produced by General Mills. This gluten-free option combines the classic Chex cereal shape with a delightful blueberry taste.
The cereal is made primarily from whole grain rice, providing a nutritious base. It’s then dusted with real blueberry powder, giving it a natural fruity flavor without artificial additives.
One serving of Blueberry Chex (1 cup or 40 grams) contains 170 calories. The cereal offers a balance of macronutrients, with carbohydrates being the primary component.
Blueberry Chex is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a traditional breakfast cereal with milk
- As a dry snack
- In recipes like Blueberry-Lemon Muddy Buddies
The cereal is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B6, and C. This makes it a more nutritionally complete breakfast option.
For those with dietary restrictions, Blueberry Chex’s gluten-free status is a significant benefit. It allows individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy a flavorful breakfast cereal without worry.
Nutritional Profile
Blueberry Chex cereal provides a mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals in each serving. The cereal offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins along with fortified nutrients to support daily nutritional needs.
Macronutrients
A 1-cup (40g) serving of Blueberry Chex contains 170 calories. The cereal derives 77% of its calories from carbohydrates, 18% from fat, and 5% from protein. Each serving provides 3.5g of total fat, with 0g of saturated and trans fats. The carbohydrate content is 32g per serving, including 9g of sugar.
Dietary fiber content is relatively low at 1g per serving. Protein content is 2g per serving. When consumed with 1/2 cup of skim milk, the calorie count increases to 210.
Vitamins and Minerals
Blueberry Chex is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals. The cereal provides 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium and iron. It also contains zinc as a mineral nutrient.
Vitamin fortification includes vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate), and vitamin A (palmitate). The exact percentages of DV for these vitamins are not provided in the available information.
The cereal also contains vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) added as a preservative to maintain freshness.
Health Benefits
Blueberry Chex offers several nutritional advantages as part of a balanced diet. Its whole grain content and added vitamins contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Dietary Importance
Blueberry Chex provides essential nutrients and vitamins to support daily nutritional needs. The cereal contains whole grain rice, which offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s fortified with important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions. Calcium supports bone health, while iron aids in oxygen transport. B vitamins are vital for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
The cereal also contains a modest amount of protein, contributing to daily protein intake. While not a significant source, it helps in meeting overall nutritional goals when combined with other protein-rich foods throughout the day.
Weight Management
Blueberry Chex can be incorporated into a weight management plan when consumed in appropriate portions. Its relatively low calorie content (170 calories per 1-cup serving) makes it a suitable option for those monitoring calorie intake.
The fiber content in whole grain rice helps promote feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overall food consumption. This satiety effect can be beneficial for individuals trying to manage their weight.
It’s important to note that the sugar content should be considered. While not excessively high, mindful portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet and supporting weight management goals.
Digestive Health
The whole grain content in Blueberry Chex contributes to digestive health. Whole grains provide dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Fiber aids in regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. It also acts as a prebiotic, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber in whole grains promotes overall digestive wellness. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and aids in waste elimination.
Consuming Blueberry Chex as part of a fiber-rich diet can contribute to improved digestive function and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
Dietary Considerations
Blueberry Chex cereal offers gluten-free options and contains no artificial flavors or colors. However, it does include some additives and potential allergens that consumers should be aware of.
Allergen Information
Blueberry Chex is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The cereal does not contain wheat, barley, or rye. However, it may not be appropriate for all dietary restrictions.
Milk is not an ingredient in the cereal itself, but many people consume it with milk. Those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should choose dairy-free alternatives when serving.
The product contains canola oil, which may be a concern for individuals with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Additives
Blueberry Chex contains several additives to enhance flavor, color, and shelf life. The cereal includes natural flavors and blueberry powder for taste and appearance.
Sugar is a significant ingredient, with 8 grams of added sugars per serving. This accounts for 16% of the recommended daily value.
The cereal does not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) is added to preserve freshness.
Blueberry Chex is fortified with various vitamins and minerals, including calcium carbonate, iron, zinc, vitamin C, niacinamide, vitamin B6, thiamin mononitrate, and vitamin A palmitate.
Consumption Tips
Blueberry Chex cereal can be enjoyed in various ways. For a classic breakfast, serve 1 cup (40g) with 1/2 cup of cold milk. This provides a balanced meal with around 210 calories.
To boost nutritional value, add fresh blueberries or other berries to your bowl. This increases fiber intake and enhances the natural blueberry flavor.
For a quick snack, eat Blueberry Chex dry by the handful. A single serving contains 170 calories and offers a convenient option for on-the-go energy.
Mix Blueberry Chex with nuts and dried fruits for a homemade trail mix. This combination provides a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Use Blueberry Chex as a topping for yogurt parfaits. Layer with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a protein-rich breakfast or dessert alternative.
Incorporate the cereal into baking recipes. Crush Blueberry Chex to use as a crunchy topping for muffins or as a base for no-bake energy bars.
Remember to check the nutrition label for accurate serving sizes and % Daily Values. This helps in maintaining portion control and meeting daily nutritional needs.
Purchase and Storage
Blueberry Chex cereal is widely available at major retailers and grocery stores. It can be found alongside other Chex varieties and popular cereals like Cheerios.
Many supermarkets stock Blueberry Chex in their breakfast aisle. Online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart also offer the product for convenient home delivery.
To maintain freshness, store Blueberry Chex in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer the cereal to an airtight container to prevent staleness.
The shelf life of unopened Blueberry Chex is typically several months. Check the “best by” date printed on the box for optimal quality.
For extended storage, consider freezing the cereal in a sealed plastic bag. This can help preserve its flavor and texture for up to 6 months.
When purchasing, compare prices across different stores and look for sales or promotions to get the best value. Some retailers may offer discounts on multi-box purchases.
Comparison with Other Cereals
Blueberry Chex offers a unique flavor profile compared to other cereals. It contains 130 calories per 3/4 cup serving, which is relatively moderate.
The cereal provides 1 gram of fiber per serving, making up 4% of the daily recommended intake. This is lower than some high-fiber options on the market.
Protein content in Blueberry Chex is not particularly high compared to other breakfast cereals. Those seeking more protein may need to look elsewhere.
General Mills produces both Blueberry Chex and Cheerios. Cheerios typically offer more fiber and less sugar than Blueberry Chex.
When comparing ingredients, Blueberry Chex uses rice as its main component. This differs from wheat-based cereals like Wheat Chex, which provide more fiber and protein.
Blueberry Chex is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. This puts it in a similar category to Rice Chex and Corn Chex.
The cereal contains added sugars for flavor, which may be higher than some plain varieties. However, it likely contains less sugar than many other fruit-flavored cereals.
Nutritional content varies among Chex varieties. Wheat Chex offers more fiber and protein, while Rice and Corn Chex are lower in sugar.