Waffle Crisp Nutrition Facts & More
Key Facts About This Breakfast Cereal
Waffle Crisp cereal brings back fond memories for many breakfast enthusiasts. This beloved cereal features crispy waffle-shaped pieces coated in sweet maple flavor, reminiscent of a classic morning treat.
A single cup (30g) serving of Post Waffle Crisp Cereal contains 120 calories. This portion provides a quick energy boost to start the day. The cereal's unique shape and taste make it an appealing option for those seeking a nostalgic breakfast experience.
While Waffle Crisp offers a delightful flavor, it's important to consider its nutritional profile when incorporating it into a balanced diet. The cereal's sweetness and convenience make it a popular choice, but understanding its nutritional content can help consumers make informed decisions about their breakfast options.
Waffle Crisp Compared to Other Breakfast Cereals
Waffle Crisp Cereal Overview
Waffle Crisp is a popular breakfast cereal known for its distinctive waffle flavor and shape. It has a unique history and product offerings that have made it a fan favorite over the years.
History and Brand Information
Waffle Crisp cereal was originally launched in 1996 by Post Consumer Brands. The product quickly gained popularity for its sweet waffle taste and crunchy texture. In 2018, Post discontinued Waffle Crisp, much to the disappointment of loyal fans.
However, due to high consumer demand, Post brought back Waffle Crisp in 2021. The cereal returned with its classic waffle flavor and shape, maintaining the nostalgic appeal that made it beloved in the first place.
Product Variations and Availability
Waffle Crisp is now widely available in stores across the United States. The cereal comes in family-size boxes, replacing the bags used in its earlier incarnation.
The main ingredients include corn flour, sugar, whole grain oat flour, and various oils. Waffle Crisp is fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron, niacin, zinc, and thiamin.
Post has not introduced significant variations to the original Waffle Crisp formula. The brand focuses on maintaining the classic taste and texture that consumers remember and love from their childhood or earlier experiences with the product.
Nutritional Profile
Waffle Crisp cereal provides a mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, with carbohydrates being the primary component. It contains moderate amounts of vitamins and minerals, though it's not considered a significant source of most essential nutrients.
Macronutrients
A 1-cup serving (30g) of Waffle Crisp cereal contains 120 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, with 34g per serving. This accounts for 12% of the daily value (DV) based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
The cereal is low in fat, containing only 2g per serving (3% DV). It has no saturated or trans fats.
Protein content is relatively low at 2g per serving.
Total sugars amount to 15g per serving, with most of these being added sugars.
Dietary fiber is present in small amounts, with 1g per serving (4% DV).
Vitamins and Minerals
Waffle Crisp provides small amounts of various vitamins and minerals.
Sodium content is moderate at 220mg per serving (10% DV).
The cereal contains iron, though the exact amount is not specified in the available data.
Other micronutrients present in small quantities include calcium, vitamin D, and various B vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate.
Other Nutritional Components
Waffle Crisp contains no cholesterol.
The cereal is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, which contributes to its overall nutrient profile.
It's important to note that while Waffle Crisp provides some nutrients, it's relatively high in sugar and low in fiber compared to many other breakfast cereals.
The cereal does not contain significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, or potassium based on the available nutritional information.
Serving Size and Dietary Guidelines
Waffle Crisp cereal's serving size and nutritional information provide key insights for consumers. Understanding these details helps in making informed dietary choices.
Understanding Serving Size
The serving size for Waffle Crisp cereal is typically 1 cup (30-40g). This amount contains approximately 120-160 calories, depending on the specific product formulation.
Serving sizes are standardized to allow easy comparison between different foods. For cereals, they often range from 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups.
It's important to note that many people consume more than the stated serving size. Measuring portions can help maintain accurate calorie and nutrient intake tracking.
Daily Value and RDI Interpretation
Daily Values (DV) on nutrition labels show how much a nutrient contributes to a 2,000-calorie daily diet. For Waffle Crisp, key DVs include:
Total Fat: 2-3% DV
Sodium: 10% DV
Total Carbs: 12% DV
Dietary Fiber: 4% DV
These percentages help consumers gauge the cereal's nutritional impact. Lower percentages indicate the food is not a significant source of that nutrient.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) varies based on age, gender, and activity level. Waffle Crisp's nutritional profile should be considered as part of a balanced diet, not as a primary source of essential nutrients.
Health Considerations
Waffle Crisp cereal presents several nutritional factors worth examining. Its composition affects daily dietary intake and overall health in various ways.
Sugar and Fat Content Assessment
Waffle Crisp contains 12 grams of sugar per serving, which is 24% of the daily value. This high sugar content can contribute significantly to daily sugar intake limits. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health issues, including weight gain and tooth decay.
The cereal has 2 grams of fat per serving, which is relatively low at 3% of the daily value. It contains no saturated or trans fats, which are often associated with negative health impacts. The low fat content may be beneficial for those monitoring their fat intake.
Dietary Fiber and Its Benefits
Waffle Crisp provides 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving, equating to 4% of the daily value. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help maintain regular bowel movements. It also aids in feeling full, potentially assisting with weight management.
While present, the fiber content in Waffle Crisp is relatively low compared to other cereals. Increasing fiber intake through other sources may be necessary to meet daily recommendations.
Recommended Consumption
Moderation is key when consuming Waffle Crisp due to its high sugar content. It's best to limit portion sizes and frequency of consumption.
Pairing Waffle Crisp with high-fiber foods or protein sources can help balance its nutritional profile. Adding fresh fruit or nuts can increase fiber and nutrient intake.
For those watching their sugar intake, considering alternative lower-sugar cereals might be advisable. Reading nutrition labels and comparing different options can help make informed choices.
Ingredient Breakdown
Waffle Crisp cereal contains a mix of grains, sweeteners, oils, and additives. The ingredients work together to create its distinctive waffle flavor and crispy texture.
Primary Ingredients
Corn flour forms the base of Waffle Crisp, providing structure and crunch. Whole grain oat flour adds nutritional value and a hearty flavor. Sugar is a key ingredient, contributing sweetness and helping to achieve the desired texture.
Canola and/or soybean oil are used to enhance crispiness and mouthfeel. Salt is added to balance flavors. Invert sugar, a type of liquid sweetener, helps maintain moisture and prevent crystallization.
Additives and Preservatives
Calcium carbonate is included as a source of calcium. Caramel color gives Waffle Crisp its characteristic golden-brown hue. Natural and artificial flavors are used to create the waffle-like taste.
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is added as a preservative to maintain freshness. The cereal is fortified with several vitamins and minerals: ferric orthophosphate (iron), niacinamide (vitamin B3), zinc oxide, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), and calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5).
These additives enhance the cereal's nutritional profile and extend its shelf life.
Comparison With Other Cereals
Waffle Crisp stands out from many other cereals in several key nutritional aspects. Its unique flavor profile also sets it apart from more traditional breakfast options.
Nutritional Differences
Waffle Crisp contains higher levels of certain vitamins compared to other cereals. It is particularly rich in vitamin B12, B6, B2, and iron. The cereal also provides significant amounts of vitamin B1, B3, folate, zinc, and selenium.
When compared to whole grain options like bran flakes, Waffle Crisp falls short in fiber content. Bran flakes typically offer more dietary fiber per serving. Waffle Crisp tends to have a higher sugar content than many other cereals, which contributes to its sweet taste.
In terms of sodium, Waffle Crisp contains moderate amounts. Its fat content is relatively low compared to cereals that include nuts or granola clusters.
Ingredient Quality and Sources
Waffle Crisp's main ingredients include corn flour, sugar, and whole grain oat flour. These provide the cereal's base texture and flavor. The use of canola or soybean oil adds a subtle richness.
The cereal incorporates both natural and artificial flavors to achieve its distinctive waffle-like taste. Caramel color is used to give Waffle Crisp its golden hue.
Waffle Crisp is fortified with various vitamins and minerals. These include iron (ferric orthophosphate), niacinamide (vitamin B3), zinc oxide, and thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1). This fortification helps boost the cereal's nutritional profile compared to unfortified options.
Consumer Insights
Post Waffle Crisp cereal has garnered attention from consumers for its unique flavor and texture. The product's popularity stems from its nostalgic appeal and distinctive taste profile.
Reviews and Taste Feedback
Many consumers praise Waffle Crisp for its authentic waffle flavor. The cereal's crispy texture and sweet taste are frequently highlighted in positive reviews. Some users note that it maintains its crunch even when soaked in milk.
Critics occasionally mention concerns about the sugar content. A small percentage of consumers find the cereal overly sweet for their preferences.
Fans often express excitement about the cereal's return to market after its temporary discontinuation from 2018 to 2021. This gap in availability seems to have increased consumer appreciation for the product.
Consumer Preferences and Trends
Waffle Crisp appeals to both children and adults, indicating a broad market appeal. The cereal's unique waffle shape is a selling point for many consumers, differentiating it from other breakfast options.
There's a growing trend of consumers seeking nostalgic food experiences. Waffle Crisp fits this category, attracting those who remember it from their childhood.
Health-conscious consumers sometimes express interest in reduced sugar versions or whole grain alternatives. This suggests potential opportunities for product line extensions.
The shift from bag to box packaging has been well-received by many customers. Some consumers report purchasing Waffle Crisp for snacking purposes beyond breakfast, indicating versatile usage patterns.