Corn Pops Nutrition Facts & More
Essential Facts About This Breakfast Cereal
Corn Pops, a popular breakfast cereal, has been a staple in many households for decades. This sweet, crunchy cereal made from puffed corn kernels offers a unique taste and texture that appeals to both children and adults alike.
A single 40-gram serving of Corn Pops contains 150 calories, with no fat or cholesterol. The cereal is primarily composed of milled corn, sugar, and corn syrup, providing a quick source of carbohydrates to start the day. While it does offer some essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins, it's important to note that Corn Pops is considered a high-sugar cereal.
Understanding the nutritional content of Corn Pops can help consumers make informed decisions about incorporating this cereal into their diet. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, Corn Pops can be an enjoyable breakfast option for those seeking a sweet morning treat.
Corn Pops Compared to Other Breakfast Cereals
Nutritional Profile
Corn Pops cereal provides a mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Its nutritional composition reflects its corn-based ingredients and added nutrients.
Macronutrients
A 40-gram serving (about 1 1/3 cups) of Corn Pops contains 150 calories. The cereal is primarily composed of carbohydrates, making up 95% of its calorie content. It contains 36 grams of total carbohydrates, including 15 grams of sugar.
Corn Pops are low in fat and protein. Each serving provides less than 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of protein. The cereal contains no cholesterol.
Vitamins and Minerals
Corn Pops are fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals. A single serving provides 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, which supports oxygen transport in the body.
The cereal also contains B-vitamins, including niacin, vitamin B6, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), and folic acid. These nutrients play crucial roles in energy metabolism and cell function.
While not a significant source, Corn Pops do contain small amounts of calcium and potassium. The cereal is low in sodium, with each serving containing about 180 mg or 8% of the DV.
Dietary Considerations
Corn Pops cereal presents some important nutritional factors to consider. The product's macronutrient composition and potential allergens are key aspects for consumers to evaluate.
Macronutrient Balance
Corn Pops is primarily a carbohydrate-based cereal. A 1 1/3 cup (40g) serving contains 150 calories, with 95% of those calories coming from carbs. The cereal provides 35g of total carbohydrates per serving.
Protein content is relatively low at 2g per serving, accounting for 5% of the calorie content. Fat content is minimal, with 0g of fat per serving.
The cereal contains 12g of sugar per serving. This sugar content contributes to the overall carbohydrate profile.
Fiber content is modest at 1g per serving. This amount may not significantly contribute to daily fiber needs for most individuals.
Allergens and Sensitivities
Corn Pops contains wheat ingredients, which is important for individuals with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities to note. The product is not gluten-free.
The cereal does not contain milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, or sesame as ingredients. This makes it suitable for individuals with these common food allergies.
Soy is not listed as an ingredient, but cross-contamination risks should be considered for those with severe soy allergies.
Individuals with corn sensitivities should be cautious, as corn is the primary ingredient.
Serving Information
Kellogg's Corn Pops cereal provides key serving details on its packaging to help consumers make informed choices. The recommended portion size and number of servings per container are essential for managing intake.
Recommended Serving Size
The standard serving size for Kellogg's Corn Pops is 1 cup (31g). This portion contains 160 calories. Kellogg recommends this amount as part of a balanced diet.
Nutritional information on the package is based on this serving size. It allows consumers to easily track their calorie and nutrient intake. The serving size is consistent across different package sizes of Corn Pops.
Packaging Information
Kellogg's Corn Pops come in various package sizes. A 14.6 oz (414g) box is common in stores. This size typically provides about 13 servings.
Smaller single-serve packages are also available. These 1.5 oz (42g) containers offer a convenient option for on-the-go snacking. They contain slightly more than one standard serving.
The product packaging clearly displays the Kellogg Company name and logo. It also includes the company's distribution information: Kellogg Company, Battle Creek, MI 49016. Consumers can find the full ingredient list and nutrition facts panel on every package.
Ingredients Breakdown
Corn Pops cereal contains a mix of core ingredients and added nutrients. The main components provide texture and flavor, while fortified vitamins and minerals enhance the nutritional profile.
Core Ingredients
Milled corn forms the base of Corn Pops, giving the cereal its signature texture and taste. Sugar and corn syrup are added for sweetness. The cereal also contains small amounts of molasses, salt, and vegetable oil.
Hydrogenated coconut, soybean, or cottonseed oils may be used. Wheat starch is included as a thickening agent. For coloring, Kellogg's uses annatto extract, a natural food dye derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
Mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) act as a preservative to maintain freshness.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
Kellogg's fortifies Corn Pops with several vitamins and minerals:
Reduced iron
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Folic acid
These added nutrients aim to boost the cereal's nutritional value. Iron supports red blood cell production, while B vitamins play crucial roles in energy metabolism and nervous system function.
The fortification process helps provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in some diets.
Health Considerations
Corn Pops cereal presents a mix of nutritional benefits and drawbacks. Its fortification with essential vitamins and minerals can contribute to daily nutrient needs, but its high sugar content raises concerns.
Diet and Wellness
Corn Pops contain added vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Iron, an important nutrient for oxygen transport in the body, is present in fortified amounts. Calcium, crucial for bone health, is also added to the cereal.
The cereal provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content. However, it contains minimal dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
A significant concern is the high sugar content in Corn Pops. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Role in a Balanced Diet
Corn Pops can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The cereal's low fat content may appeal to those watching their fat intake.
To improve its nutritional profile, consider pairing Corn Pops with protein-rich foods like milk or yogurt. This combination can help create a more satisfying and balanced meal.
For added fiber and nutrients, try topping the cereal with fresh fruits or nuts. This enhances the nutritional value and provides a more diverse range of vitamins and minerals.
It's important to be mindful of portion sizes, as overconsumption can lead to excessive calorie and sugar intake. Reading nutrition labels and understanding serving sizes is key to incorporating Corn Pops into a healthy eating plan.
