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What Are the Different Types of Cereal Ingredients?

Eugene P.
Eugene P.

Most commercially produced cereals have a long list of ingredients, partially because of the tastes of consumers, but also partially to compensate for the manufacturing process and the demands of being shelf-stable. The two main types of cereal ingredients most commonly found are grains and sweeteners. Grains are usually what make up the bulk of the cereal, although most varieties use a combination of different grains to form the final product. Food additives are another common cereal ingredient, often comprising most of the list of ingredients in a product. Flavorings, including items such as freeze-dried fruits, dried nuts and other non-grain nuggets, are also are common cereal ingredients.

The largest proportion of most cereal ingredients consists of grains. This includes wheat, barley, oats and rice. The grains usually are ground down into flour and then mixed together to achieve a specific texture or taste. The flour can be formed into a variety of shapes, from brittle flakes to letter shapes.

Dried dates, which are often included in cereal.
Dried dates, which are often included in cereal.

Cereal can be made from whole grains or refined grains. Refined grains have the bran and germ removed from the berry before it is ground. It is not uncommon for the germ and bran to be reintroduced back into the flour mixture at a later point to restore some of the nutritive value of the grains. Whole grains are generally healthier and have a higher amount of minerals and vitamins included, but they also are more perishable than refined grains.

Barley, which is often used to make cereal.
Barley, which is often used to make cereal.

Sweeteners can sometimes make up the largest percentage of cereal ingredients in certain brands. Some cereals actually have more sweeteners than grains. A sweetener can be pure refined sugar, brown or cane sugar, or even syrups derived from foods such as high fructose corn syrup, which can deliver a much sweeter taste by volume than white sugar. In a cereal that has marshmallows or other small, colorful shapes, the amount of sugar will be very high, because the marshmallows are made mostly of sweeteners.

Oats are a type of cereal grass.
Oats are a type of cereal grass.

Flavorings are added to cereals to enhance or complement the flavor of the grains. These can be sweetened, freeze-dried fruits such as strawberries or dried fruits such as raisins. Roasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts also can be used as cereal ingredients, potentially raising the nutritional value of the product.

Food additives are another type of cereal ingredients. This is a broad category includes items intended to enhance or modify some aspect of the main cereal ingredients, particularly the grains. A large percentage of additives are used to ensure that the cereal does not absorb too much moisture and become stale, and to make sure that the shapes are maintained even when doused with milk. Other additives can boost flavor in the cereal or make the texture crunchier. Some additives also are used to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals in the cereal so it can provide some additional health benefits.

Discussion Comments

Chmander
Generally speaking, I don't enjoy "junk food" cereal that much. I always prefer to eat healthier brands. And when I do eat "unhealthy" cereal, I always top it off with bananas and strawberries. In fact, have you guys noticed that in the (old) cereal commercials, the announcer would always say that the cereal was part of a nutritious breakfast? In other words, as much as you enjoy your cereal, it's always good to have something along with it. Besides, I'm sure that those teeth rotting Cocoa Puffs and that artificially flavored Peanut Butter Crunch won't give you many nutrients, if any.
RoyalSpyder

@Viranty - Generally, they're called Apple Jacks because one of the ingredients is "apple bits". However, I think the main reason for the name is that it's supposed to be a running gag. Back in the 90's, do you remember those Apple Jacks commercials where people would always complain about them not tasting like apples? The normal response of others would be - They just do.

I've always loved watching those cereal commercials when I was a kid. Sure they were wacky and nonsensical, but they were a perfect embodiment of the 1990's.

Viranty

I don't know about anyone else, but whenever I think of cereal, I always associate it with the "junk food" kind, which includes Frosted Flakes, Cocoa Puffs, and even Honey Nut Cheerios. My favorite definitely has to be Apple Jacks. Although I've always wondered, why is it called that if it doesn't even taste like apples? That makes no sense.

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    • Dried dates, which are often included in cereal.
      Dried dates, which are often included in cereal.
    • Barley, which is often used to make cereal.
      By: schankz
      Barley, which is often used to make cereal.
    • Oats are a type of cereal grass.
      By: Liaurinko
      Oats are a type of cereal grass.
    • Most brands of cereal are made up of grains and sweeteners.
      By: Okea
      Most brands of cereal are made up of grains and sweeteners.
    • Some cereals contain freeze-dried fruits.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Some cereals contain freeze-dried fruits.
    • Many cereals contain extra flavorings and food additives to help keep them fresh and make them taste better.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      Many cereals contain extra flavorings and food additives to help keep them fresh and make them taste better.