Cracklin' Oat Bran Nutrition Facts & More
Understanding the Health Benefits of This Crunchy Cereal
Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal has gained popularity as a breakfast option, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with a touch of sweetness. This Kellogg's product offers a unique blend of flavors, including coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a tasty start to the day.
A 3/4 cup (56g) serving of Cracklin' Oat Bran contains 230 calories, providing a substantial energy boost to kickstart your morning. The cereal's nutritional profile includes a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, with 65% of its calories coming from carbs, 29% from fat, and 6% from protein.
One notable aspect of Cracklin' Oat Bran is its fiber content. With 7 grams of fiber per serving, it delivers over a quarter of the recommended daily intake. This high fiber content can contribute to digestive health and may help in managing cholesterol levels. The cereal also contains 4 grams of protein per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and providing a feeling of fullness.
Nutritional Overview
Cracklin' Oat Bran cereal offers a mix of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. This popular breakfast option provides a significant amount of calories and carbohydrates per serving.
Calories and Serving Size
A typical serving of Cracklin' Oat Bran is 3/4 cup (56 grams). This portion contains 230 calories, which represents about 11.5% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet. The calorie content is moderately high compared to some other breakfast cereals.
For those monitoring their calorie intake, it's important to measure portions carefully. Consuming larger amounts can quickly increase calorie consumption.
Macronutrients Breakdown
Cracklin' Oat Bran provides a balance of macronutrients:
Total Fat: 8g (12% DV)
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Total Carbohydrate: 43g (16% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 7g (25% DV)
Total Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g
The cereal is particularly high in fiber, offering 25% of the daily value. This contributes to digestive health and may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Cracklin' Oat Bran is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin D: 2mcg (10% DV)
Iron: 8.8mg (50% DV)
Thiamin (B1): 0.5mg (40% DV)
Riboflavin (B2): 0.6mg (45% DV)
Niacin: 6.6mg (40% DV)
Vitamin B6: 0.7mg (40% DV)
Folic Acid: 166mcg DFE (40% DV)
Vitamin B12: 2mcg (80% DV)
The cereal also contains smaller amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, immune health, and bone strength.
Ingredients Analysis
Cracklin' Oat Bran contains a mix of grains, sweeteners, oils, and flavorings. The cereal's composition impacts its nutritional profile and potential allergen concerns.
Core Components
Whole grain oats form the primary ingredient in Cracklin' Oat Bran. These provide fiber and essential nutrients. Wheat bran and oat bran are also key components, contributing additional fiber content.
Palm oil serves as the main fat source. This oil adds texture and flavor to the cereal. Sugar and corn syrup act as sweeteners, enhancing taste but increasing the product's sugar content.
Wheat starch is included, likely as a binding agent. It helps maintain the cereal's structure and texture.
Added Ingredients
Coconut flakes add a distinct flavor and texture to Cracklin' Oat Bran. Molasses contributes depth to the sweetness profile and provides trace minerals.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are used as spices, giving the cereal its characteristic warm flavor. Malt extract enhances the cereal's taste and color.
Natural flavors are included to further develop the product's taste profile. Salt is added in small amounts to balance flavors.
Allergen Information
Cracklin' Oat Bran contains several common allergens. Wheat is present in multiple forms, including wheat bran and wheat starch. This makes the cereal unsuitable for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier. While the amount is small, individuals with soy allergies should be cautious.
Coconut, a tree nut allergen, is a significant ingredient. Those with tree nut allergies should avoid this cereal.
The product may also contain traces of other allergens due to shared manufacturing processes. Consumers with food allergies should always check the most current product label.
Health Implications
Cracklin' Oat Bran's nutritional profile has various effects on health. It offers benefits for digestive function and may impact cardiovascular well-being.
Cardiovascular Health
Cracklin' Oat Bran contains fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. This effect may reduce the risk of heart disease.
The cereal also has saturated fats. These fats, when consumed in excess, can raise cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake.
Omega-6 fatty acids are present in the cereal. These fats play a role in heart health, but balance with omega-3s is important.
Digestive Health
Fiber is a key component of Cracklin' Oat Bran, supporting digestive function. It helps maintain regular bowel movements and promotes gut health.
The bran content in this cereal provides insoluble fiber. This type of fiber aids in preventing constipation and supports a healthy digestive system.
Cracklin' Oat Bran offers 7 grams of fiber per serving. This amount contributes significantly to the recommended daily fiber intake.
Adequate fiber consumption from sources like bran flakes can help prevent digestive issues. It may reduce the risk of conditions such as diverticulosis.
Dietary Considerations
Cracklin' Oat Bran offers a mix of nutrients that can fit into various eating plans. Its nutritional profile includes vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a substantial breakfast option for many individuals.
Suitability for Different Diets
Cracklin' Oat Bran contains whole grains, making it suitable for those seeking to increase their fiber intake. It provides 7 grams of fiber per 3/4 cup serving, which is about 25% of the daily recommended value. This cereal can be part of a heart-healthy diet due to its oat content.
For those monitoring sugar intake, it's important to note that Cracklin' Oat Bran does contain added sugars. Individuals following gluten-free diets should avoid this cereal, as it contains wheat and oats that may not be certified gluten-free.
The cereal is not suitable for vegan diets due to the presence of honey. It does, however, fit into vegetarian meal plans.
Serving Recommendations
A standard serving size of Cracklin' Oat Bran is 3/4 cup (56g), providing 230 calories. This serving delivers a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B2 and folate.
To maximize nutritional benefits, consumers can pair Cracklin' Oat Bran with low-fat milk or a milk alternative. Adding fresh fruits can increase vitamin content and dietary fiber.
For those watching calorie intake, measuring portions is advised. The cereal can be used as a topping for yogurt or incorporated into homemade trail mix for a fiber-rich snack.
Pairing Cracklin' Oat Bran with a protein source, such as Greek yogurt or eggs, can create a more balanced breakfast that supports satiety and provides a wider range of nutrients.
Brand and Product Variations
Kellogg's Cracklin' Oat Bran offers a unique cereal option with its distinctive blend of ingredients and nutritional profile. The product comes in different packaging sizes to suit various consumer needs.
Original Kellogg's Cracklin' Oat Bran
Kellogg's Cracklin' Oat Bran features a combination of golden oats, wheat bran, and oat bran. The cereal includes sugar, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg for flavor. It provides 8g of total fat and 8 vitamins and minerals per serving.
The cereal is an excellent source of fiber, making it a nutritious breakfast choice. Kellogg's emphasizes the cereal's role in helping consumers start their day strong.
Packaging and Sizes
Kellogg's offers Cracklin' Oat Bran in different package sizes to accommodate various household needs. The standard box size is 16.5 oz, which contains approximately 8 servings.
Consumers can find nutrition information and ingredient details on the product packaging. Kellogg's also utilizes SmartLabel technology, allowing customers to access comprehensive product information digitally.
The cereal's packaging prominently displays the Kellogg's brand logo and features images of the golden oat clusters. This distinctive packaging helps consumers easily identify the product on store shelves.
Culinary Uses
Cracklin' Oat Bran offers versatility in the kitchen beyond its traditional role as a breakfast cereal. Its unique texture and flavor profile make it a valuable ingredient in various recipes and cooking applications.
Recipes Featuring Cracklin' Oat Bran
Cracklin' Oat Bran adds crunch and sweetness to many baked goods. It serves as an excellent topping for fruit crisps and cobblers. Bakers often incorporate it into cookie and muffin recipes for added texture and flavor.
The cereal can be crushed and used as a coating for oven-baked chicken or fish, creating a crispy exterior. Some cooks mix it into homemade granola or trail mix for extra crunch and nutrition.
Cracklin' Oat Bran also works well in no-bake desserts. It can form the base of cheesecake crusts or be layered in parfaits with yogurt and fresh fruit.
Alternative Uses in Cooking
Beyond traditional recipes, Cracklin' Oat Bran finds creative applications in the kitchen. It can be ground into a flour substitute for gluten-free baking. Some chefs use it as a garnish for salads or soups, adding a unique texture contrast.
The cereal makes an excellent binding agent in meatloaf or veggie burger recipes. It absorbs moisture well, helping to hold ingredients together. Cracklin' Oat Bran can also be used to create a streusel-like topping for quick breads or coffee cakes.
In breakfast dishes, it serves as a crunchy layer in overnight oats or chia puddings. Some cooks even use it as a base for homemade energy bars, combining it with nuts, dried fruits, and honey.
