Peanut Butter Cheerios offer a delightful twist on the classic breakfast cereal. These whole grain oat rings are infused with rich peanut butter flavor, creating a satisfying and nutritious morning meal option. For those curious about their nutritional profile, a standard serving provides a balanced mix of macronutrients.
A 3/4 cup serving of Peanut Butter Cheerios contains 110 calories, with 64% carbohydrates, 27% fat, and 9% protein. This composition makes it a suitable choice for those seeking a quick energy boost to start their day. The cereal also contains essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall nutritional intake.
General Mills has expanded their Cheerios line to include a Chocolate Peanut Butter variety, combining cocoa with peanut butter for an indulgent breakfast experience. This variation maintains similar nutritional values, with a slight increase to 120 calories per serving. Both options provide a tasty way to incorporate whole grains into one’s diet while satisfying peanut butter cravings.
Detailed Nutrition Overview
Peanut Butter Cheerios offer a unique blend of macronutrients and micronutrients. This cereal provides a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with various vitamins and minerals.
Macronutrient Content
A 28g serving of Peanut Butter Cheerios contains approximately 110-120 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 64-74.6%
- Fat: 13.4-27%
- Protein: 9-11.9%
The cereal is primarily carbohydrate-based, with a moderate fat content from peanut butter. It provides a small amount of protein.
Total fat content ranges from 3-4g per serving, including saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats. The exact distribution may vary slightly between different product variations.
Micronutrient Profile
Peanut Butter Cheerios are fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals:
- Iron: 56% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 17% of DV
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- B-vitamins (including B6, B12, niacin, and riboflavin)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin E
The cereal also contains trace amounts of other minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Sodium content should be noted for those monitoring their salt intake.
Understanding Daily Values
Daily Values (DV) on nutrition labels indicate how much a nutrient contributes to a 2,000-calorie daily diet. For Peanut Butter Cheerios:
- A serving provides 6% of daily calorie needs
- Iron content is significant at 56% DV
- Vitamin A at 17% DV is a notable contribution
It’s important to consider these values in the context of overall dietary needs and goals. While the cereal offers certain nutrients, it should be part of a balanced diet.
Fiber content and added sugars are also key factors to consider when evaluating the nutritional impact of this cereal. The exact amounts can vary between different Peanut Butter Cheerios products.
Health Impact
Peanut Butter Cheerios offer a mix of nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks. They provide dietary fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, but also contain added sugars and fats.
Dietary Fiber Benefits
Peanut Butter Cheerios contain whole grain oats, which provide dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
A serving of this cereal contributes to daily fiber intake, supporting digestive health. Adequate fiber consumption is linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Fiber also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and can assist with weight management by reducing appetite.
Reducing Sugar and Fat Intake
While Peanut Butter Cheerios offer some nutritional benefits, they contain added sugars and fats. A 3/4 cup serving has 110 calories, with 27% coming from fat.
To reduce sugar and fat intake, consider portion control or mixing with plain Cheerios. Comparing labels can help choose lower-sugar alternatives.
Limiting added sugars is important for overall health, as excessive consumption is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Moderating fat intake, especially saturated fats, supports heart health.
Role of Proteins and Vitamins
Peanut Butter Cheerios provide 9% of calories from protein, contributing to daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health.
The cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin A. Iron supports blood health and oxygen transport. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
B vitamins in fortified cereals aid energy metabolism. While not a complete protein source, Peanut Butter Cheerios can be part of a balanced diet when combined with other nutrient-rich foods.
Cereal Ingredients Breakdown
Peanut Butter Cheerios combine whole grain oats with peanut butter flavoring and added nutrients. The ingredients work together to create a tasty, fortified breakfast cereal.
Whole Grain Oats and Cheerios
Whole grain oats form the foundation of Peanut Butter Cheerios. These oats provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients. The iconic O-shape of Cheerios comes from extrusion of the oat flour dough through specialized equipment.
Oats contribute to the cereal’s 64% carbohydrate content. They offer a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants naturally found in whole grains.
Added Flavorings and Sweeteners
Peanut butter gives this cereal variant its signature taste. The peanut butter used contains peanuts, sugar, and additional ingredients like monoglycerides and salt to enhance flavor and texture.
Sugar and dextrose serve as sweeteners. Dextrose, a simple sugar derived from corn, adds sweetness and helps create the cereal’s crispy texture when baked.
These added flavors and sweeteners contribute to the cereal’s 27% fat content, primarily from the peanut butter.
Additional Nutritional Additives
Peanut Butter Cheerios are fortified with various vitamins and minerals to boost their nutritional profile. Common additions include:
- Iron: Provides 68% of the daily value per serving
- Vitamin D3: Supports bone health and immune function
- B-vitamins: Aid in energy metabolism
These additives help make the cereal a more complete breakfast option. They contribute to the overall nutrient density without significantly impacting calorie content.
The combination of whole grain oats, peanut butter, and added nutrients results in a cereal with 9% protein content per serving.
Nutritional Comparison
Peanut Butter Cheerios offer a unique nutritional profile compared to other cereals and breakfast options. They provide a balance of whole grains, protein, and essential nutrients.
Peanut Butter Cheerios vs. Other Varieties
Peanut Butter Cheerios contain 110 calories per 3/4 cup serving. They have 2 grams of protein, slightly more than original Cheerios. The peanut butter variety has 2 grams of fiber per serving, similar to other Cheerios types.
Fat content is higher in Peanut Butter Cheerios at 3 grams per serving, due to the peanut butter. Sugar content is 8 grams, which is more than original Cheerios but less than some sweetened varieties.
Vitamin D3 is added to Peanut Butter Cheerios, providing 10% of the daily value per serving. This nutrient supports bone health and immune function.
Comparison with Other Breakfast Options
Peanut Butter Cheerios offer more protein than many other cereals, though less than a serving of plain peanut butter. They contain less sugar than many sweetened cereals but more than unsweetened options.
The cereal provides a good source of whole grains and fiber. It has less fat than a peanut butter sandwich but more than a plain bagel or toast.
Compared to a bowl of oatmeal, Peanut Butter Cheerios have similar calorie counts but less fiber. They offer more vitamins and minerals than plain oatmeal due to fortification.
Consumer Information
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios offer a blend of flavors in a convenient cereal format. The product provides essential nutritional information and is manufactured by a well-known brand in the breakfast cereal industry.
Serving Size and Packaging
A typical serving size of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios is 3/4 cup (28 grams). This portion contains approximately 120 calories. The cereal comes in various package sizes, including family-sized boxes for convenience.
General Mills offers clear labeling on their packages, detailing the nutritional content per serving. This includes information on protein, carbohydrates, and fat percentages. The packaging also lists important vitamins and minerals present in the cereal.
Consumers should note that a single serving provides about 10% of the daily protein requirement, 66% from carbohydrates, and 24% from fat. The cereal is a good source of iron, offering 56% of the daily value per serving.
Brand Information
General Mills produces Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios. The company is known for creating cereals with whole grain oats as a primary ingredient. This particular variant combines the classic Cheerios shape with chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
The brand emphasizes the use of real cocoa and peanut butter in their product. General Mills also fortifies the cereal with additional vitamins and minerals to enhance its nutritional profile.
Consumers should be aware that ingredient lists and nutritional information may change. It’s advisable to check the most recent packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date product details.
Allergen and Dietary Consideration
Peanut Butter Cheerios contain several potential allergens and dietary considerations. Consumers with food sensitivities or specific dietary needs should carefully review the product’s ingredients and nutritional information.
Presence of Nuts and Related Allergens
Peanut Butter Cheerios prominently feature peanuts as a main ingredient. This makes the cereal unsuitable for individuals with peanut allergies. The product likely carries a warning about peanut content on its packaging.
Cross-contamination with tree nuts may also be a concern, as many cereal manufacturing facilities process multiple types of nuts. People with severe nut allergies should exercise caution and consult the label for any statements about shared equipment or facilities.
Other common allergens like soy or eggs may be present in trace amounts or as part of the manufacturing process. Consumers with these allergies should check the detailed ingredient list provided on the package.
Gluten and Dairy Components
Peanut Butter Cheerios are made primarily from whole grain oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination during processing can introduce gluten. The cereal may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity unless specifically labeled as gluten-free.
The product does not contain dairy ingredients in its main formula. This makes it a potential option for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a dairy-free diet. However, consumers should verify that no milk-derived additives are listed in the ingredients.
Vegans and vegetarians can typically consume Peanut Butter Cheerios, as the cereal does not contain animal-derived ingredients. The vitamin fortification process used in many cereals may involve animal-sourced nutrients, so strict vegans should investigate further.