Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal offers a sweet and flavorful breakfast option made with whole grain oats. This popular cereal combines the classic taste of Life cereal with a cinnamon twist.
One cup (42g) of Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal contains 160 calories, with 80% coming from carbohydrates, 11% from fat, and 10% from protein. The cereal provides a mix of nutrients including calcium, iron, and various vitamins. It contains whole grain oat flour, sugar, corn flour, whole wheat flour, and rice flour among its main ingredients.
While Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal can be part of a balanced breakfast, consumers should be mindful of its sugar content. The cereal’s sweet cinnamon flavor makes it appealing to many, but moderation is key when incorporating it into a healthy diet.
Nutrition Overview
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal provides a mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. This popular breakfast option offers energy from carbohydrates while containing moderate amounts of fat and protein.
Macronutrient Breakdown
A 1-cup (42g) serving of Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal contains 160 calories. The primary macronutrient is carbohydrates, with 33 grams per serving. This accounts for about 83% of the total calories.
The cereal contains 2 grams of total fat, contributing to 11% of the calorie content. Protein makes up the remaining 6% of calories, with 4 grams per serving.
The sugar content is notable, though specific amounts are not provided in the search results. As a sweetened cereal, it likely contains added sugars in addition to natural sugars from the whole grain ingredients.
Vitamins and Minerals
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is fortified with various vitamins and minerals, enhancing its nutritional profile. While specific quantities are not listed in the search results, it likely contains iron, as many breakfast cereals are fortified with this essential mineral.
The cereal is made with whole grain oat flour, which naturally provides B vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are also a good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
Sodium content should be considered, as many processed cereals contain added salt. However, the exact amount is not specified in the available information.
Health Implications
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal’s nutritional profile has several important health considerations. Key factors include its fiber content, added sugars, and fat composition.
Role of Fiber in Diet
Whole grain oats in Quaker Life Cinnamon provide dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health.
A serving of this cereal contributes to daily fiber intake goals. The exact amount varies based on serving size.
Fiber intake is associated with lower risks of certain chronic diseases. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Effects of Added Sugars
Quaker Life Cinnamon contains added sugars. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to health concerns.
Too much added sugar may contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased triglyceride levels. It can also raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake. Women should aim for no more than 25 grams per day. Men should limit intake to 36 grams daily.
Balance of Fats
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal contains minimal fats. It has no trans fats, which is beneficial for heart health.
The cereal is low in saturated fats. Limiting saturated fat intake is recommended for cardiovascular health.
Its fat content primarily comes from whole grain oats. These contain healthier unsaturated fats.
The low-fat nature of this cereal can be part of a balanced diet. It allows for including other sources of healthy fats in daily meals.
Serving Size and Usage
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal has specific serving sizes and nutritional information to help consumers make informed choices. It can be incorporated into various meals and snacks throughout the day.
Recommended Portions
A standard serving size of Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is typically 3/4 cup or 32 grams. This portion contains approximately 120 calories. The macronutrient breakdown for a single serving includes 1.3g of total fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
For those monitoring their intake, it’s important to note that a serving provides about 6% of the daily recommended sodium intake. The cereal is low in saturated fat, with only 0.25g per serving.
Incorporating into Meals
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For breakfast, it can be served with milk or yogurt for added protein and calcium. Some people prefer it as a dry snack, eaten by the handful.
The cereal can also be used as a topping for smoothie bowls or mixed into homemade trail mix for a crunchy, cinnamon-flavored addition. For a quick dessert, it can be sprinkled over ice cream or used as a base for a simple parfait.
When using the cereal in recipes, it’s important to account for the added calories and sugar content. A single serving can provide a good source of whole grains to one’s diet.
Comparative Analysis
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal’s nutritional profile differs from other popular breakfast options. Its unique composition and flavor set it apart in the cereal market.
Quaker Life Cereal vs. Other Brands
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal contains 160 calories per cup (42g), which is comparable to many other breakfast cereals. Its macronutrient breakdown is 80% carbohydrates, 11% fat, and 10% protein.
The cereal’s sugar content is moderate compared to some competitors. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Life Cinnamon’s fiber content is lower than some whole grain cereals but higher than many sugary options.
Compared to other cinnamon-flavored cereals, Life Cinnamon often has less sugar and more protein. Its use of whole grain oats sets it apart from cereals made primarily with refined grains.
Cereal Alternatives
When considering alternatives to Quaker Life Cinnamon, several options exist. Oatmeal provides similar whole grain benefits with more control over added sugars. A serving of plain oatmeal typically has fewer calories and more fiber.
Greek yogurt with fruit offers higher protein content and probiotics, though it lacks the crunch of cereal. Whole grain toast with nut butter provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
For those seeking similar texture, granola can be a substitute. However, it’s often higher in calories and sugar. Muesli offers a less processed alternative with a mix of grains, nuts, and dried fruits.
Additional Components
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal contains several vitamins and minerals beyond its main macronutrients. These additional components contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the product.
Presence of Other Nutrients
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is fortified with various vitamins and minerals. It contains riboflavin (vitamin B2), which supports energy production and cellular function. The cereal also provides vitamin B6, important for protein metabolism and cognitive development.
Folate (vitamin B9) is present, aiding in DNA synthesis and cell division. Choline, essential for brain health and metabolism, is another component. The product contains iron, crucial for oxygen transport in the body.
Phosphorus and magnesium are included, supporting bone health and energy metabolism. Zinc, important for immune function and wound healing, is also added. The cereal contains small amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and potassium.
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Consumer Information
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is widely available through various retailers and online platforms. The product is manufactured by Quaker Oats, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, known for its range of breakfast and snack foods.
Purchasing Options
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal can be found in most major grocery stores and supermarkets across the United States. Many retailers offer both in-store and online purchasing options for customer convenience.
Online marketplaces like Amazon also stock this product, often providing bulk buying options and subscription services. Some websites may offer price comparisons to help consumers find the best deals.
Local convenience stores and smaller markets frequently carry this cereal as well. Prices may vary depending on location and retailer promotions.
Manufacturer Information
Quaker Oats Company, established in 1877, produces Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and has been a subsidiary of PepsiCo since 2001.
Quaker Oats maintains a consumer-facing website with product information, nutritional details, and recipes. They provide customer service channels for inquiries and feedback regarding their products.
The company adheres to FDA regulations for food manufacturing and labeling. Quaker Oats has implemented sustainability initiatives in their production processes and packaging.
Special Diets and Allergies
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal presents considerations for those with dietary restrictions or allergies. While it offers whole grain benefits, the product contains ingredients that may not suit all diets.
Gluten-Free and Other Dietary Restrictions
Quaker Life Cinnamon cereal is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour as a primary ingredient, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
For individuals following a vegetarian diet, Quaker Life Cinnamon is generally acceptable. However, vegans should be cautious, as some natural flavors may be derived from animal sources.
The cereal contains added sugars, which may be a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake or following low-carb diets.
People with nut allergies should note that while the cereal itself doesn’t contain nuts, it may be produced in facilities that process nut products.
Individuals with milk allergies can typically consume Quaker Life Cinnamon, as it doesn’t contain dairy ingredients in its original formulation.