Kix cereal has been a breakfast staple for generations since its introduction by General Mills in 1937. This crispy corn puff cereal offers more than just a satisfying crunch – it provides a nutritional profile worth exploring.

A 1.5 cup serving of Kix cereal contains 160 calories, with 87% coming from carbohydrates, 8% from protein, and 6% from fat. This balance makes Kix a relatively low-fat option compared to many other breakfast cereals on the market.

Kix also contains essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to its role as part of a balanced breakfast. While not the most nutrient-dense option available, Kix remains a popular choice for those seeking a simple, lightly sweetened cereal that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Nutritional Profile

Kix cereal offers a mix of essential nutrients, with a focus on carbohydrates and select vitamins and minerals. Its nutritional composition provides energy and some key micronutrients.

Macronutrients

A 1 1/4 cup serving of Kix contains 107 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 84% carbohydrates, 8% fat, and 8% protein. This serving provides 24 grams of total carbohydrates, including dietary fiber.

The cereal is low in fat, with only 1 gram per serving. It contains minimal saturated fat (0.1g) and no trans fat. Cholesterol content is also zero.

Protein content is modest at 2 grams per serving.

Vitamins and Minerals

Kix is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of iron, providing 120% of the Daily Value (DV) per serving.

The cereal also contains significant amounts of calcium (17% DV) and vitamin A (29% DV). Other notable nutrients include:

• Vitamin C: 6.1 mg
• Vitamin D: 0.79 mcg
• Potassium: 54 mg

Additional vitamins present in Kix include B-vitamins like B1, B2, B6, B12, and folate. The cereal also contains small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.

Kix Cereal Varieties

Kix offers three distinct flavors to cater to different taste preferences. Each variety maintains the signature corn puff texture while providing unique flavor profiles.

Original Kix

Original Kix cereal features a simple, lightly sweetened corn taste. The cereal is made from whole grain corn and contains no artificial flavors or colors. It has a crispy texture that holds up well in milk.

A 1-cup (29g) serving of Original Kix contains:

• 110 calories
• 1g fat
• 25g carbohydrates
• 2g protein
• 3g sugar

Original Kix is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin D, and calcium. It provides 17 grams of whole grains per serving, contributing to the recommended daily intake of 48 grams.

Honey Kix

Honey Kix adds a touch of natural sweetness to the classic corn puff cereal. The honey flavor is subtle, enhancing the corn taste without overpowering it.

The ingredients in Honey Kix include:

• Whole grain corn
• Sugar
• Corn meal
• Honey
• Salt
• Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) for freshness

Honey Kix maintains similar nutritional values to the original variety, with a slight increase in sugar content due to the added honey.

Berry Berry Kix

Berry Berry Kix introduces a fruity twist to the cereal lineup. This variety features a mix of corn puffs in vibrant purple and pink colors, representing different berry flavors.

The berry flavoring is derived from natural sources, including:

• Elderberry juice concentrate
• Vegetable and fruit juice for color

Berry Berry Kix offers a more pronounced sweetness compared to the original and honey varieties. It appeals to those who enjoy fruit-flavored cereals while still providing whole grain nutrition.

The texture remains crispy, and the cereal retains its shape in milk, allowing for an enjoyable eating experience from the first to the last spoonful.

Health Considerations

Kix cereal offers nutritional benefits but requires careful consideration of dietary needs and potential sensitivities. Consumers should evaluate its nutritional profile in relation to their health goals and restrictions.

Dietary Considerations

Kix contains 3 grams of sugar per 1.25 cup (29g) serving, making it a lower-sugar option compared to many breakfast cereals. This can be beneficial for those monitoring sugar intake or managing blood glucose levels.

The cereal is low in fat, with only 1 gram per serving. It contains no saturated or trans fats, aligning with heart-healthy dietary recommendations.

Kix is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium for bone health. This fortification can help fill nutritional gaps, especially for children and adults with limited diets.

Whole grain corn as the primary ingredient provides fiber, which supports digestive health and may aid in weight management.

Allergens and Sensitivities

Kix is made from corn, which is generally well-tolerated but may cause issues for individuals with corn allergies or sensitivities.

The cereal contains wheat ingredients, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Kix does not contain common allergens like nuts, soy, or dairy in its ingredients. However, those with severe allergies should check for potential cross-contamination warnings on the packaging.

Some consumers may be sensitive to specific vitamins or minerals used in fortification. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if any adverse reactions occur.

Serving Size and Consumption

Kix cereal’s serving size and recommended consumption provide important context for understanding its nutritional value. Proper portions help consumers make informed dietary choices.

Suggested Serving

The suggested serving size for Kix cereal is typically 1 to 1.5 cups. This amounts to approximately 28-40 grams of cereal. A single serving contains about 105-160 calories, depending on the exact portion.

Nutritional information is usually based on these serving sizes:

• 1 cup (28g): 105 calories
• 1.5 cups (40g): 160 calories

The serving size affects all nutritional values, including carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. For accurate tracking, consumers should measure their portions carefully.

Cereals Ready-To-Eat

Kix falls into the “Cereals Ready-To-Eat” category. This classification impacts serving size guidelines and nutritional comparisons. The FDA provides Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) for this category.

For ready-to-eat cereals:

• Denser cereals: 30g serving
• Lighter cereals: 50g serving

Kix, being a lighter cereal, may have a larger volume serving. This affects how it compares nutritionally to denser cereals when measured by weight.

Net carbs in Kix are lower than total carbs due to fiber content. A 100g portion contains about 74g of net carbs. However, typical servings are much smaller, around 28-40g.

Buying Guide

Kix cereal is widely available through various retail channels. Consumers can find this General Mills product in most grocery stores and online marketplaces.

Where to Buy

Kix cereal is stocked in major supermarket chains across the United States. Walmart, Target, and Kroger typically carry Kix in their cereal aisles. Many local grocery stores also offer Kix as part of their breakfast cereal selection.

For online shoppers, Amazon provides a convenient option. The e-commerce giant often sells Kix in single boxes or bulk packs. General Mills’ official website may also offer direct purchases or provide a store locator to find nearby retailers.

Some wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club occasionally stock larger quantities of Kix at competitive prices. Health food stores and specialty markets might carry Kix as well, particularly in areas with high demand for traditional cereal brands.

Product Availability

Kix cereal is generally available year-round. General Mills maintains consistent production to ensure steady supply to retailers. Standard Kix is the most common variant, but Berry Berry Kix may also be found in some locations.

Product availability can vary by region and store. Larger cities typically offer more consistent stock, while rural areas might have limited options. Some stores may carry family-size boxes or multi-packs.

Seasonal promotions or limited-edition flavors might appear occasionally, affecting regular Kix availability. During such times, consumers may need to check multiple stores or online sources to find their preferred Kix product.

Cereal Production

Kix cereal production involves carefully selected ingredients and manufacturing processes aimed at creating nutritious, crispy corn puffs. The environmental impact of cereal production is an important consideration for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Ingredients and Manufacturing

Kix cereal is primarily made from whole grain corn. The manufacturing process begins with corn kernels being cleaned and ground into a fine flour. This corn flour is then mixed with water and other ingredients to form a dough. The dough is extruded through specialized equipment that shapes it into small, round pieces.

These pieces are then dried and toasted to create the signature crispy texture of Kix cereal. Vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D3, are added to enhance the nutritional profile. The cereal is then packaged and distributed to stores.

General Mills, the manufacturer of Kix, employs quality control measures throughout production to ensure consistency and safety.

Environmental Impact

Cereal production, including Kix, has various environmental implications. The cultivation of corn, the primary ingredient, requires significant water and land resources. Pesticide and fertilizer use in corn farming can impact soil and water quality.

Manufacturing processes consume energy and generate emissions. However, many cereal companies, including General Mills, are implementing sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint. These efforts include:

• Improving energy efficiency in production facilities
• Reducing water usage in manufacturing
• Optimizing packaging to minimize waste
• Sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms

Some cereal producers are also exploring alternative energy sources and investing in recycling programs to further mitigate their environmental impact.