Post Raisin Bran cereal is a popular breakfast choice that combines whole grain wheat flakes with plump raisins. This cereal offers a blend of taste and nutrition to start the day. Each serving of Post Raisin Bran provides 26 grams of whole grain and is an excellent source of fiber.
The cereal contains a mix of essential nutrients. A 1 1/4 cup (61g) serving delivers 190 calories, along with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Post Raisin Bran also includes hundreds of Sun-Maid raisins in every box, adding natural sweetness to the cereal.
For those seeking a heart-healthy breakfast option, Post Raisin Bran may be worth considering. The cereal’s whole grain content and fiber contribute to its nutritional profile. Consumers can find detailed nutrition facts on the packaging to make informed dietary choices.
Nutritional Profile
Post Raisin Bran cereal provides a mix of essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It offers a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to support overall health and wellness.
Macronutrients
A 1 1/4 cup (61g) serving of Post Raisin Bran contains 190 calories. The cereal provides 46g of total carbohydrates, which includes 8g of dietary fiber and 19g of sugars. This serving offers 5g of protein and 1g of total fat, with 0g of saturated fat.
The high fiber content contributes to digestive health and helps promote feelings of fullness. The protein content, though modest, aids in muscle maintenance and repair.
Vitamins and Minerals
Post Raisin Bran is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. A single serving provides 25% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, supporting oxygen transport in the body. It also contains 10% DV for calcium, crucial for bone health.
The cereal offers significant amounts of B-vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folic acid. These vitamins play key roles in energy metabolism and cellular function.
Vitamin D is present at 10% DV per serving, supporting calcium absorption and bone health.
Other Nutritional Information
Post Raisin Bran contains no cholesterol and is low in sodium, with 200mg per serving. The cereal provides 310mg of potassium, beneficial for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
The serving size is clearly defined as 1 1/4 cups (61g), making it easy for consumers to track their intake. The cereal contains no artificial flavors or colors.
Post Raisin Bran is made with whole grain wheat, providing 26g of whole grains per serving. This contributes to the overall fiber content and offers additional nutritional benefits associated with whole grains.
Health Benefits
Post Raisin Bran cereal offers several potential health advantages related to its fiber content, heart-healthy ingredients, and role in weight management. These benefits stem from its whole grain and dried fruit components.
Dietary Fiber’s Role
Post Raisin Bran provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, containing both soluble and insoluble types. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, helping to slow digestion and potentially lower cholesterol levels.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, promoting regular bowel movements and supporting digestive health. A single serving of Post Raisin Bran typically contains around 7 grams of fiber, contributing to the recommended daily intake of 25-30 grams for adults.
The fiber content may also help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or those aiming to improve their overall glycemic control.
Effect on Heart Health
Post Raisin Bran’s whole grain content and low saturated fat levels contribute to its potential heart health benefits. Whole grains have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, likely due to their fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
The cereal is typically low in cholesterol and contains minimal amounts of saturated and trans fats. These nutritional characteristics align with recommendations for a heart-healthy diet.
Some varieties of Post Raisin Bran are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins and iron. These nutrients play various roles in supporting cardiovascular function and overall health.
The potassium content from raisins may also contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure. Regular consumption of whole grains, as part of a balanced diet, has been linked to lower rates of hypertension and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Weight Management
Post Raisin Bran can be incorporated into a weight management plan due to its fiber content and relatively moderate calorie count. Fiber promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, which may help reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day.
A typical serving of Post Raisin Bran contains around 190 calories, making it a reasonable breakfast option for those monitoring their calorie consumption. The combination of complex carbohydrates from whole grains and fiber can provide sustained energy.
When consumed as part of a balanced breakfast, Post Raisin Bran may help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for high-calorie snacks later in the day. This can support weight loss efforts or weight maintenance goals.
It’s important to note that portion control is key, as consuming large amounts of any cereal can lead to excess calorie intake. Pairing Post Raisin Bran with low-fat milk and fresh fruit can create a more balanced and filling meal to support weight management objectives.
Dietary Considerations
Post Raisin Bran cereal presents several important nutritional factors to consider. Proper portion control, sugar and fat content, and sodium levels all play a role in determining how this cereal fits into a balanced diet.
Portion Control
A standard serving of Post Raisin Bran is 1 cup (59 grams). This portion contains approximately 191 calories. It’s crucial to measure servings accurately to avoid unintended calorie intake.
Many people consume larger portions than recommended, which can lead to excess calorie consumption. Using a measuring cup or kitchen scale can help ensure proper serving sizes.
For those managing their weight, it’s important to account for the calories from milk added to the cereal. Choosing low-fat or skim milk options can help reduce overall calorie intake.
Sugar and Fat Intake
Post Raisin Bran contains both natural and added sugars. The raisins provide natural sugars, while additional sweeteners are added during processing.
The cereal is relatively low in fat, with only 1 gram per serving. This makes it a suitable option for those monitoring their fat intake.
It’s important to consider the sugar content, especially for individuals managing diabetes or following a low-sugar diet. The cereal’s sweetness may lead to overconsumption if not monitored carefully.
Sodium Content
Post Raisin Bran contains sodium, an essential mineral that requires moderation in many diets. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
The cereal provides 310 mg of potassium per serving, which can help balance sodium levels in the body. This is particularly beneficial for heart health.
Individuals on sodium-restricted diets should carefully consider the sodium content of Post Raisin Bran in relation to their daily allowance. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if this cereal fits within specific dietary needs.
Comparison With Other Cereals
Post Raisin Bran‘s nutritional profile differs from various cereal options on the market. Its unique combination of bran flakes and raisins sets it apart in terms of fiber content and natural sweetness.
Raisin Bran Variants
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran and Post Raisin Bran share similar nutritional profiles. Both offer high fiber content and essential vitamins. Kellogg’s version contains 5 grams of fiber per serving, while Post Raisin Bran provides 6 grams.
General Mills Total Raisin Bran Cereal emphasizes vitamin fortification. It delivers 100% of the daily value for several vitamins and minerals in each serving.
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch adds a crunchy texture with clusters. This variant typically contains more sugar than the original versions.
Sultana Bran, popular in some countries, uses sultanas instead of raisins. It often has a slightly different nutritional composition compared to traditional raisin bran cereals.
Alternative Bran Cereals
Oat Bran Cereal offers a different flavor profile and texture. It typically contains more soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol levels.
Shredded Wheat and Bran Cereal provides a wheat-based alternative. It often contains less sugar than raisin bran varieties but offers similar fiber content.
Bran Flakes without raisins are available for those seeking lower sugar content. These cereals maintain high fiber levels without added fruit.
| Cereal Type | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Post Raisin Bran | 6 | 17 |
| Oat Bran | 7 | 1-2 |
| Bran Flakes | 5-6 | 5-6 |
Non-Bran Cereal Options
Puffed Rice Cereal offers a low-calorie, low-fiber alternative. It’s often fortified with vitamins but lacks the nutritional density of bran cereals.
Wheaties Protein provides a higher protein content, appealing to those focused on muscle maintenance or weight management. It contains less fiber than raisin bran.
Great Value Blueberry Pie Cereal and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Fruity Cereal offer fruity flavors without bran’s nutritional benefits. These options typically contain more added sugars and less fiber.
Lovebird Strawberry Cereal presents a newer, fruit-flavored option. It may appeal to those seeking variety but often lacks the fiber content of bran-based cereals.
Product Varieties and Forms
Post Raisin Bran cereal offers different packaging sizes and formulations to suit various consumer needs. The product combines whole grain wheat, wheat bran, and raisins to provide a nutritious breakfast option.
Packaging Sizes
Post Raisin Bran is available in multiple package sizes. The standard box typically contains 20 ounces of cereal, providing approximately 10 servings. Larger family-size boxes offer 25 ounces, while smaller single-serve cups cater to on-the-go consumers.
Some retailers may stock bulk packages or multi-packs for added convenience. The variety of sizes allows consumers to choose based on household size and consumption habits.
Formulations
The classic Post Raisin Bran formulation features bran flakes made from whole grain wheat and wheat bran, combined with Sun-Maid raisins. Each serving contains 26 grams of whole grains.
Post also offers variations on the original recipe. These may include options with added nuts, different types of dried fruit, or honey-coated flakes. Some formulations focus on reducing added sugars or increasing fiber content.
Nutritional values vary slightly between formulations. The standard version provides about 190 calories per serving, with varying amounts of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Legality and Compliance
Post Raisin Bran cereal faces legal and regulatory considerations related to its branding and nutritional information. These issues impact how the product is marketed and labeled.
Copyright and Trademark
Post Foods LLC owns the copyright and trademarks for Post Raisin Bran cereal. The company vigorously protects its intellectual property rights for the brand name, logo, and packaging designs.
Unauthorized use of Post Raisin Bran trademarks or copyrighted material is prohibited. This includes using the brand name or logo without permission in advertising, on products, or online.
Post Foods has registered trademarks for variations of the Raisin Bran name to prevent consumer confusion with similar products. The company takes legal action against infringement when necessary to defend its brand identity.
Nutritional Database Alignment
Post Foods must ensure the nutritional information for Raisin Bran aligns with food databases used by calorie counting apps and websites. Accurate data is crucial for consumers tracking their diets.
The company provides detailed nutrition facts to databases like FatSecret and USDA FoodData Central. This information includes calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals per serving.
Post Foods updates these databases promptly when product formulations change. Maintaining current nutritional data helps avoid potential legal issues related to mislabeling or false advertising claims.
Regular audits are conducted to verify nutritional information accuracy across different platforms. This ensures consumers have reliable data for making informed dietary choices.
Ingredients and Allergens
Post Raisin Bran cereal contains a mix of whole grains, dried fruit, and added nutrients. The ingredient list includes potential allergens that consumers should be aware of before consuming.
Main Ingredients
Whole grain wheat forms the base of Post Raisin Bran, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Wheat bran adds additional fiber content. Raisins contribute natural sweetness and chewy texture to the cereal.
Sugar is added to enhance flavor. Salt is included to balance the taste profile. Malted barley flour may be used to improve texture and provide subtle flavoring.
Additives
Post Raisin Bran is fortified with several vitamins and minerals. Reduced iron boosts the cereal’s iron content. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, supports energy metabolism.
Zinc oxide provides zinc, an essential mineral. Other potential additives may include various B vitamins and vitamin D to enhance the cereal’s nutritional profile.
Potential Allergens
Wheat is the primary allergen in Post Raisin Bran. The cereal contains whole grain wheat and wheat bran, making it unsuitable for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
While not common allergens, raisins and barley (from malted barley flour) may cause reactions in some individuals. The cereal is produced in facilities that process other grains, nuts, and soy, so cross-contamination is possible.
Consumers with severe allergies should carefully review the product label for the most up-to-date allergen information and manufacturing practices.
Preparation and Usage Tips
Post Raisin Bran cereal offers versatile options for consumption and incorporation into various recipes. Proper serving methods and creative uses can enhance its nutritional benefits and taste appeal.
Optimal Serving Suggestions
Pour 1 1/4 cups (61g) of Post Raisin Bran into a bowl for a standard serving size. Add cold milk to desired consistency. For a heart-healthy breakfast, use low-fat or skim milk to keep saturated fat content minimal.
Allow the cereal to sit for 1-2 minutes before eating to soften the bran flakes slightly. This can improve texture and make the cereal easier to digest.
For added nutrition, top with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. This increases vitamin content and dietary fiber. Alternatively, sprinkle chopped nuts for healthy fats and extra protein.
Recipe Incorporation
Post Raisin Bran can be a versatile ingredient in many recipes. Use crushed cereal as a coating for baked chicken or fish to add fiber and crunch.
Incorporate it into homemade trail mix with additional nuts and dried fruits for a heart-healthy snack. Add crushed Post Raisin Bran to muffin or quick bread batters for extra texture and nutrition.
Use as a topping for yogurt parfaits or mix into overnight oats for added fiber and flavor. Blend into smoothies for a boost of whole grains and natural sweetness from the raisins.