KIX Nutrition Facts & More
Balanced Breakfast Option for Active Lifestyles
Kix cereal has been a breakfast staple since 1937, offering a simple yet nutritious option for families. Made by General Mills, this crispy corn puff cereal provides essential nutrients to start the day.
A single cup serving (28g) of Kix contains 105 calories, with 24.8g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 1g of fat. This low-fat, low-sugar cereal also provides important vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins.
Kix is made from wholesome grains and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Its simple ingredient list and mild sweetness make it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking for a balanced breakfast option. The cereal's light, crunchy texture appeals to both children and adults alike.
Kix Cereal Overview
Kix cereal has been a popular breakfast choice for decades. This iconic brand offers a range of crunchy corn puffs in different flavors.
Brand History
General Mills introduced Kix cereal in 1937. The original version featured crispy corn puffs with a lightly sweetened taste. Kix quickly gained popularity as a nutritious breakfast option for families.
Over the years, the brand expanded its lineup to cater to changing consumer preferences. In 1979, Honey Kix debuted, offering a sweeter flavor profile. Berry Berry Kix joined the family in 1992, adding fruity notes to the classic corn puffs.
Kix has maintained its position as a trusted cereal brand for over 80 years. Its simple ingredients and wholesome image have appealed to generations of consumers.
Product Range
The Kix product line includes several varieties to suit different tastes:
Original Kix: Crispy corn puffs with a mild, lightly sweetened flavor.
Honey Kix: A sweeter version featuring real honey.
Berry Berry Kix: Fruit-flavored corn puffs with a mix of berry tastes.
Kix cereals are made primarily from whole grain corn. They provide essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and various vitamins. The brand emphasizes its use of simple ingredients and avoidance of artificial flavors and colors.
Kix offers both regular and family-sized boxes to accommodate different household needs. The cereals can be enjoyed with milk or as a dry snack.
Nutritional Profile
Kix cereal offers a blend of essential nutrients while being relatively low in fat. Its nutritional composition includes a mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.
Macronutrients
Kix cereal provides a significant source of carbohydrates, with a 1 1/4 cup serving containing approximately 24.8 grams. This serving size contains about 107 calories, making it a moderate-calorie breakfast option.
The protein content is modest at 2.3 grams per serving. This amount contributes to daily protein intake but may need to be supplemented with other protein sources for a complete meal.
Fat content in Kix is low, with only 1 gram per serving. This includes minimal amounts of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
Vitamins and Minerals
Kix cereal is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals. It contains significant amounts of iron, providing 400% of the daily value per 100 grams.
Other notable nutrients include:
Calcium carbonate
Zinc
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate)
Vitamin A (palmitate)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
These added nutrients contribute to the overall nutritional value of the cereal, supporting various bodily functions.
Sugar Content
Sugar is a key ingredient in Kix cereal, contributing to its sweet taste. A serving contains approximately 7 grams of sugar. This includes added sugars from ingredients like sugar and brown sugar syrup.
While the sugar content is moderate compared to some other cereals, it's important to consider this amount as part of overall daily sugar intake. The cereal also contains honey, which adds to its sweetness and flavor profile.
Dietary Fiber
Kix cereal contains dietary fiber, primarily from its whole grain corn content. A serving provides about 2.9 grams of fiber.
Fiber is essential for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. The fiber content in Kix, while not exceptionally high, does add to its nutritional value.
It's worth noting that the whole grain corn used in Kix contributes to its fiber content and provides other beneficial nutrients associated with whole grains.
Health Benefits
Kix cereal offers several nutritional advantages as part of a balanced diet. It provides essential vitamins and minerals while being relatively low in sugar compared to many other breakfast cereals.
Main Benefits
Kix cereal is a good source of iron, with 32mg per 100 grams - about 400% of the daily value. This makes it beneficial for preventing iron deficiency anemia.
The cereal is also low in fat, containing only 1 gram per serving. This can help those looking to maintain a healthy weight or reduce fat intake.
Kix provides a moderate amount of fiber at 3 grams per serving. Fiber aids digestion and helps promote feelings of fullness.
Whole Grain Advantage
Kix lists whole grain corn as its first ingredient, indicating it's the primary component. Whole grains offer numerous health benefits:
They provide more nutrients than refined grains, including B vitamins, iron, and fiber.
Whole grains can help lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The fiber in whole grains supports digestive health and can assist with weight management by promoting satiety.
Fortification Significance
Kix, like many cereals, is fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. This fortification enhances its nutritional profile:
It contains added vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health, immune function, and skin maintenance.
The cereal is fortified with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
Calcium fortification in Kix contributes to bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis.
These added nutrients can help fill nutritional gaps in the diet, especially for children who may be picky eaters.
Dietary Considerations
Kix cereal offers nutritional benefits but requires attention to serving sizes, allergens, and lifestyle compatibility. Understanding these factors helps consumers make informed choices about incorporating Kix into their diets.
Serving Size Recommendation
The recommended serving size for Kix cereal is 1 1/4 cups (30g). This serving contains 110 calories, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. It's important to measure portions accurately to avoid overconsumption.
A single serving provides 10% of the Daily Value for iron, making Kix a good source of this essential mineral. The cereal is low in fat, with only 1g per serving.
To maintain a balanced diet, pair Kix with protein-rich foods like milk or yogurt. This combination helps increase satiety and provides a more complete nutritional profile.
Allergen Information
Kix cereal is made primarily from whole grain corn. It does not contain common allergens such as nuts, soy, or wheat. However, individuals with corn allergies should avoid this product.
The cereal is produced in facilities that may process other grains. Those with severe gluten sensitivities should exercise caution, as cross-contamination is possible.
Kix does not contain dairy ingredients, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals when consumed dry. Always check the label for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Lifestyle Compatibility
Kix cereal fits into various dietary patterns. It's a vegan-friendly option, containing no animal-derived ingredients. The cereal is also kosher certified.
With 3g of fiber per serving, Kix contributes to daily fiber intake. This makes it a moderate source of fiber for those focusing on digestive health.
The cereal's low sugar content (3g per serving) aligns with low-sugar diets. However, individuals following strict low-carb or ketogenic diets may find the 25g of carbohydrates per serving too high.
Athletes and active individuals can benefit from the cereal's quick-digesting carbohydrates as a pre-workout snack. Pairing Kix with protein can create a more balanced post-workout meal.
Taste and Texture
Kix cereal offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that appeal to both children and adults. Its simple yet satisfying profile makes it a popular breakfast choice.
Flavor Profiles
Kix cereal has a lightly sweet taste with subtle corn undertones. The original variety provides a mild, crisp flavor that doesn't overpower the palate. It allows the natural taste of corn to shine through without being too bland.
Honey Kix introduces a gentle honey sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This variant adds a touch of natural sweetness without being overly sugary. The honey flavor complements the corn base well, creating a harmonious taste.
Berry Berry Kix brings a fruity twist to the classic cereal. It incorporates a mix of berry flavors, adding a tangy-sweet dimension to each bite. The berry taste is noticeable but not overwhelming, maintaining a good balance with the corn base.
Texture Description
Kix cereal is known for its distinctive texture. Each piece is a small, round corn puff with a crispy exterior and a light, airy interior. When dry, the cereal offers a satisfying crunch that holds up well to milk.
The texture remains relatively consistent even after sitting in milk for a few minutes. This quality makes Kix popular among those who prefer their cereal to maintain its crispness throughout the eating experience.
The size and shape of Kix pieces contribute to their unique mouthfeel. They are small enough to eat easily but large enough to provide a satisfying bite. This texture appeals to both children and adults, making it a versatile cereal option for various age groups.
Consumer Information
Kix cereal offers nutrition and convenience for families. The brand provides product details and pricing to help consumers make informed choices.
Product Availability
Kix cereal is widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets across the United States. The original Kix flavor comes in family-sized boxes, typically containing 18 ounces of cereal. Some retailers also stock smaller sizes for individual consumption.
Online marketplaces like Amazon offer Kix cereal for purchase, often in multi-pack options. This allows consumers to buy in bulk and save money. Kix maintains a consistent presence on store shelves, ensuring customers can reliably find their preferred cereal.
Price Point
Kix cereal is positioned as an affordable breakfast option for families. A standard family-sized box typically retails between $3 and $5, depending on the store and location. Prices may vary slightly across different regions.
Bulk purchases and online deals can often provide cost savings. Some retailers offer discounts on multi-packs or during promotional periods. Kix frequently appears in store circulars and coupon offerings, allowing budget-conscious shoppers to save money on their purchases.
The cereal's competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of nutrition and affordability in their breakfast choices.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Kix cereal's production encompasses critical environmental and ethical aspects. General Mills, the manufacturer, has implemented initiatives to address sustainability and ethical sourcing in their cereal manufacturing process.
Sustainable Practices
General Mills has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact in Kix production. The company aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30% across its value chain by 2030. Water conservation efforts include improving irrigation practices and working with farmers to optimize water use in wheat cultivation.
Kix packaging now incorporates recycled materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources. General Mills has also invested in renewable energy sources to power its cereal production facilities. The company supports regenerative agriculture practices, promoting soil health and biodiversity on farms that supply ingredients for Kix.
Ethical Sourcing
General Mills has implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure ethical practices throughout its supply chain. This code covers labor standards, human rights, and environmental responsibility. The company conducts regular audits of its suppliers to verify compliance.
For Kix ingredients, General Mills prioritizes fair trade relationships with farmers. The company invests in programs to support smallholder farmers, providing training on sustainable farming techniques and improving access to markets.
General Mills has committed to sourcing 100% of its 10 priority ingredients sustainably by 2030. This includes key Kix ingredients like corn. The company also works to eliminate child labor and ensure fair wages in its agricultural supply chains.
