Oreo O's Nutrition Facts & More
A Balanced Look at This Nostalgic Cereal
Oreo O's cereal combines the beloved flavor of Oreo cookies with the convenience of breakfast cereal. This unique treat offers chocolate cookie-flavored O's with a rich creme coating, creating a bowlful of indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.
A 3/4 cup serving of Oreo O's cereal contains approximately 112 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 77% carbohydrates, 19% fat, and 5% protein. The cereal provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
While Oreo O's may not be the healthiest breakfast option, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The cereal's appealing taste and nostalgic connection to the classic Oreo cookie make it a popular choice for those seeking a sweet start to their day.
Oreo O's Compared to Other Breakfast Cereals
Nutrition Overview
Oreo O's cereal offers a mix of macronutrients and micronutrients typical of many sweetened breakfast cereals. The product contains a blend of corn, oat, and wheat flours, along with added sugars and fortificants.
Calories and Macronutrients
A 1.25 cup (41g) serving of Oreo O's provides 160 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is predominantly carbohydrates, which make up 77-86% of the total calories. Fats contribute 11-19% of calories, while protein accounts for 3-5%.
The cereal contains 2 grams of total fat per serving, with 0 grams of saturated and trans fats. Carbohydrates are the main component, though exact amounts vary slightly between sources.
Protein content is relatively low, typical for many grain-based cereals without added protein sources.
Vitamins and Minerals Content
Oreo O's is fortified with several vitamins and minerals. It provides significant amounts of certain B vitamins, including:
Vitamin B6: 38% of Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin B12: 63% of DV
Niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine (specific percentages not provided)
The cereal also contains:
Vitamin A: 25% of DV
Iron: 56% of DV (based on 1 cup serving)
Other minerals like calcium and potassium may be present, but specific amounts are not mentioned in the available data.
Sugars and Fats
Sugar is a primary ingredient in Oreo O's, contributing to its sweet taste. The exact sugar content is not provided in the search results, but it's likely substantial given the ingredient list and typical composition of similar cereals.
Fat content is relatively low at 2 grams per serving. The cereal contains no saturated or trans fats. The fats present likely come from the canola, soybean, and palm oils listed in the ingredients.
While Oreo O's provides some nutrients through fortification, it's important to note its role as a sweetened cereal rather than a nutrient-dense food.
Ingredients Analysis
Oreo O's cereal contains a mix of grains, sweeteners, oils, and additives. The ingredients list provides insight into the nutritional profile and potential health impacts of this popular breakfast food.
Grains and Flours
Whole grain oat flour forms the base of Oreo O's, providing fiber and nutrients. Wheat flour and degermed corn meal are also present, contributing to the cereal's texture and structure. These grains offer carbohydrates for energy, but the processing of wheat flour and corn meal may reduce their nutritional value compared to whole grain alternatives.
Yellow corn flour adds color and flavor to the cereal. The combination of different grains and flours impacts the overall nutritional profile, with whole grains generally offering more health benefits than refined options.
Sweeteners and Flavors
Sugar features prominently in Oreo O's, along with corn syrup and invert sugar. These sweeteners enhance taste but contribute to the cereal's high sugar content. Artificial flavors are used to replicate the classic Oreo cookie taste.
Glucose, another form of sugar, is also present. The variety of sweeteners used indicates a potentially high glycemic index, which may cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This high sugar content is a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake or managing diabetes.
Fats and Oils
Palm oil, canola oil, and soybean oil are used in Oreo O's. These oils provide texture and help preserve freshness. Palm oil is high in saturated fats, while canola and soybean oils offer more unsaturated fats.
Soy lecithin, derived from soybeans, acts as an emulsifier to blend ingredients smoothly. The combination of oils affects the cereal's fat content and nutritional value, with some oils providing essential fatty acids and others contributing to saturated fat intake.
Additives and Preservatives
Oreo O's contains several additives and fortificants. Baking soda and calcium phosphate act as leavening agents. Vitamins and minerals like folic acid, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, ferric orthophosphate, niacinamide, zinc oxide, calcium pantothenate, and pyridoxine hydrochloride are added to boost nutritional value.
These additives enhance shelf life, texture, and nutrient content. While fortification can be beneficial, it's important to note that naturally occurring nutrients in whole foods are typically better absorbed by the body. The presence of artificial flavors and multiple additives may be a concern for those seeking more natural food options.
Daily Values and Serving Size
Oreo O's cereal provides nutritional information based on a standard serving size of 30 grams or about 3/4 cup. This portion contains 120 calories.
The Daily Value (DV) percentages on the nutrition label help consumers understand how the cereal fits into their overall diet. For example, one serving of Oreo O's contains 1.5 grams of total fat, which is 2% of the DV.
Sodium content in Oreo O's is relatively low at 135 mg per serving, or 6% of the DV. The cereal contains no cholesterol.
It's important to note that Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet for adults and children over 4 years old. Younger children may have different nutritional needs.
Portion size awareness is crucial when consuming Oreo O's. Many people tend to pour more than the recommended serving, which can significantly increase calorie and nutrient intake.
The cereal provides several vitamins and minerals as a percentage of Daily Value:
Vitamin A: 15-25%
Vitamin B6: 38%
Vitamin B12: 63%
These percentages can help individuals track their nutrient intake throughout the day.
Health Considerations
Oreo O's cereal contains several vitamins and minerals that can contribute to a balanced diet. It provides vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which support various bodily functions.
The cereal is relatively low in fat, with only 2 grams per serving. It contains no saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
Oreo O's is high in carbohydrates, making up 77% of its calorie content. This can provide quick energy but may not be ideal for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
The cereal is low in fiber and protein. These nutrients are important for digestive health and satiety, so consumers may need to supplement with other foods.
Sodium content in Oreo O's is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. Those watching their sodium intake should check the nutrition label.
The sugar content is significant, with 14 grams per serving. This is higher than many other cereals and may contribute to excessive sugar consumption if eaten frequently.
Iron and calcium levels are not specified in the provided information. These minerals are crucial for various bodily functions, so consumers should consider other sources in their diet.
Dietary Recommendations
Oreo O's cereal should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The recommended serving size is 1.25 cups (41g), which provides 160 calories.
This cereal is not particularly high in protein or fiber. Those seeking to increase their protein intake may want to pair it with Greek yogurt or milk.
Oreo O's does contain some important vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin A: 25% of Daily Value
Vitamin B6: 38% of Daily Value
Vitamin B12: 63% of Daily Value
Iron: 56% of Daily Value (for 1 cup serving)
The cereal is low in vitamin C and calcium. To boost nutritional value, consider adding fresh fruit or having it with calcium-fortified milk.
While Oreo O's provides some nutrients, it is relatively high in sugar. Those watching their sugar intake may want to limit portion sizes or choose lower-sugar alternatives.
For individuals following specific diets, it's worth noting that Oreo O's is not keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content. The cereal is also not suitable for those avoiding gluten.