Frosted Flakes, a beloved breakfast cereal from Kellogg’s, has been gracing breakfast tables for generations. This iconic cereal combines corn flakes with a sweet frosted coating, creating a crunchy and satisfying start to the day.
A single serving of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (1 cup or 29 grams) contains 130 calories, providing a quick energy boost to kickstart the morning. The cereal also offers essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet when consumed as part of a varied meal plan.
While Frosted Flakes can be a tasty breakfast option, it’s important to consider its nutritional profile. The cereal contains sugar, which adds to its sweet flavor but should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. For those monitoring their nutrient intake, Frosted Flakes can be enjoyed alongside other nutritious foods to create a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Overview
Frosted Flakes cereal offers a mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, with a significant carbohydrate content and added vitamins and minerals. The cereal’s nutritional profile reflects its composition of corn and sugar, along with fortification.
Macronutrients
A typical serving of Frosted Flakes (1 cup or 29 grams) contains approximately 130-150 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, which make up about 92% of the total energy content. A serving provides roughly 35 grams of total carbohydrates.
Sugar content is notable, with about 12 grams per serving. This includes added sugars, which contribute to the cereal’s sweet taste.
Protein content is relatively low at 1-2 grams per serving. Fat content is minimal, typically less than 1 gram per serving.
Micronutrients
Frosted Flakes are fortified with several vitamins and minerals. A serving provides:
- Iron: 45% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6: 25% DV
- Vitamin B12: 25% DV
- Thiamin (B1): 25% DV
- Riboflavin (B2): 25% DV
- Niacin: 25% DV
- Folic Acid: 25% DV
- Vitamin D: 10% DV
The cereal also contains small amounts of calcium and vitamin A. Sodium content is moderate, with about 150-190 mg per serving.
Dietary Considerations
Frosted Flakes are made from milled corn, making them gluten-free. However, they are not considered a whole grain product. The high sugar content may be a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake or managing diabetes.
The cereal is low in dietary fiber, providing less than 1 gram per serving. This may impact its ability to promote feelings of fullness or contribute significantly to daily fiber needs.
For individuals seeking to increase their vitamin and mineral intake, the fortification of Frosted Flakes can contribute to daily nutrient goals. However, it’s important to consider the cereal as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Serving Size and Portions
Frosted Flakes cereal has specific serving sizes and nutritional information that consumers should understand. The calorie content and nutrient distribution vary based on portion size.
Understanding Serving Information
A standard serving of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes is 1 cup (37 grams). This serving size contains 130 calories. The cereal box typically has about 2.5 servings per container.
The % Daily Value on the nutrition label shows how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. It’s based on a 2,000 calorie diet for general nutrition advice.
Consumers should note that actual intake may differ from the listed serving size. Measuring portions can help manage calorie and nutrient intake.
Caloric Distribution
In a 1-cup serving of Frosted Flakes, calories come primarily from carbohydrates. The calorie breakdown is approximately:
- 94% from carbohydrates
- 6% from protein
- 0% from fat
This distribution reflects the cereal’s main ingredients: milled corn and sugar. A serving provides 12 grams of sugar, contributing significantly to the carbohydrate content.
When consumed with 3/4 cup of skim milk, the calorie count increases. This combination alters the overall nutritional profile, adding protein and essential nutrients from the milk.
Health and Diet
Frosted Flakes can be incorporated into a balanced diet, but their nutritional profile requires careful consideration. The cereal’s sugar content and limited fiber may impact its role in various dietary plans.
Role in a Balanced Diet
Frosted Flakes provide quick energy from carbohydrates and contain added vitamins and minerals. A serving offers iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, contributing to daily nutrient needs. However, the cereal’s high sugar content may not align with all nutritional goals.
For those monitoring calorie intake, a standard serving contains about 130 calories. This can fit into a 2000-calorie diet when consumed in moderation.
The cereal lacks significant dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and satiety. To boost nutritional value, pairing Frosted Flakes with high-fiber foods like berries or nuts can be beneficial.
Dietary Restrictions
Frosted Flakes may not be suitable for all dietary needs. The cereal contains milled corn as its primary ingredient, making it gluten-free. However, those with corn allergies should avoid it.
For individuals following low-sugar diets or managing diabetes, the high sugar content (about 12 grams per serving) may be problematic. The cereal’s glycemic index is relatively high, potentially causing rapid blood sugar spikes.
People with specific vitamin or mineral needs should note that while fortified, Frosted Flakes may not provide sufficient amounts of certain nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
Vegans and those with lactose intolerance can generally consume Frosted Flakes, as the cereal does not contain animal products or milk ingredients in its basic formula.
Labeling and Compliance
Frosted Flakes cereal packaging provides detailed nutritional information and manufacturer details to meet regulatory requirements and inform consumers.
Nutritional Labeling
The Nutrition Facts panel on Frosted Flakes boxes displays key nutritional information. This includes serving size, calories, and amounts of nutrients like total fat, sodium, carbohydrates, and protein. The label also shows percentages of Daily Values for nutrients based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Ingredient lists appear on packaging in descending order by weight. For Frosted Flakes, this typically includes milled corn, sugar, malt flavor, and salt. Vitamin and mineral fortifications are listed separately.
Some Frosted Flakes products use SmartLabel technology. This provides expanded nutritional details and ingredient information through a QR code on the package.
Manufacturer Information
Kellogg’s includes required manufacturer details on Frosted Flakes packaging. This identifies WK Kellogg Co as the distributor, with their headquarters location in Battle Creek, MI 49016.
The FDA regulates labeling requirements for cereal products like Frosted Flakes. Kellogg’s must comply with these rules for nutritional content claims, serving sizes, and allergen warnings.
Kellogg’s provides additional product information on their branded website. This often includes more detailed nutritional data, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing practices beyond what fits on the physical package.
Allergen Information
Frosted Flakes cereal contains wheat, one of the most common food allergens. Careful labeling and awareness of potential cross-contamination risks are crucial for individuals with food allergies.
Common Food Allergens
The eight major food allergens recognized in the United States are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Sesame has recently been added as the ninth major allergen. Wheat is the primary allergen concern in Frosted Flakes, as it is a key ingredient in the cereal.
Other common allergens are not typically present in the main ingredients of Frosted Flakes. However, manufacturing processes may introduce risks of cross-contamination. Consumers with severe allergies should always check the product packaging for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Guidance on Allergens
Food manufacturers are required to clearly label products containing any of the major food allergens. For Frosted Flakes, the packaging should indicate the presence of wheat. Consumers with wheat allergies or celiac disease should avoid this product.
It’s important to note that ingredient lists and manufacturing processes can change. Individuals with food allergies should:
- Read labels carefully before each purchase
- Contact the manufacturer directly for the most current allergen information
- Be aware of potential cross-contamination risks in shared production facilities
Kellogg’s provides allergen information on their product packaging and website. This information is regularly updated to reflect any changes in ingredients or manufacturing processes.
Comparative Analysis
Frosted Flakes’ nutritional profile can be evaluated against other popular cereals to provide context for consumers. This comparison extends to alternative breakfast options and tools for nutritional analysis.
Alternative Cereal Comparisons
Frosted Flakes contains 110 calories per serving, slightly higher than Special K at 90 calories. Protein content favors Special K with 6 grams compared to Frosted Flakes’ lower amount. Corn Flakes, the unfrosted counterpart, typically have fewer calories and less sugar.
Bran Flakes offer more fiber, while Puffed Rice Cereal tends to be lower in calories. Chocolate Flavored Rings Cereal often has similar sugar content to Frosted Flakes but may include more artificial ingredients. Shredded Wheat Cereal provides a whole grain option with minimal added sugars.
Cereal Type | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) |
---|---|---|---|
Frosted Flakes | 110 | 12 | <1 |
Corn Flakes | 100 | 2 | 1 |
Bran Flakes | 90 | 5 | 5 |
Puffed Rice | 60 | 0 | 0 |
Nutritional Tools and Resources
Food databases and calorie counters are valuable resources for comparing cereal nutrition. These tools allow users to input specific serving sizes and brands for accurate comparisons.
Many smartphone apps provide barcode scanning features for quick nutritional information access. Online calculators can help determine daily caloric needs based on age, gender, and activity level.
The USDA FoodData Central offers comprehensive nutritional data for various cereals and other foods. This resource is useful for detailed analysis of micronutrients and fortification levels in different cereal brands.