A Closer Look at Post Great Grain's Nutritional Profile
Post Great Grain cereal is marketed as a wholesome, heart-healthy option, often featuring real fruit, nuts, and whole grains. To determine its true healthfulness, it's essential to look beyond the marketing and examine the specific nutritional details, which can vary by flavor. Common flavors like Crunchy Pecan and Raisins, Dates & Pecans offer high whole grain counts, often between 32g and 38g per serving, helping consumers meet the daily recommendation of 48g. Whole grains are a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are stripped away during the refining process. For instance, whole grain wheat and rolled oats are primary ingredients in many Great Grains varieties.
Whole Grains: A High-Fiber Foundation
One of the most significant selling points of Post Great Grain is its whole grain content. Whole grains consist of the bran, endosperm, and germ, offering a complete package of nutrients. The inclusion of ingredients like whole wheat and whole grain rolled oats provides a good source of dietary fiber, with varieties like Crunchy Pecan offering 5g per serving. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management. The Whole Grains Council highlights that a higher intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, a key benefit found in Post Great Grain cereals.
The Sugar and Sodium Considerations
While high in whole grains, Post Great Grain cereals are not without their downsides, primarily the sugar content. Flavors like Raisins, Dates & Pecans can contain 13g of sugar per serving. For comparison, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) noted that some Great Grains varieties contained 37% more sugar per serving than the average cold cereal. While a portion of this sugar comes from natural sources like dried fruit, some added sugars, such as cane sugar and molasses, are also present. The sodium content is also a factor to consider, with some varieties containing 140mg per serving. This is not excessively high, but it's another data point for those managing their sodium intake.
Examining Additives and Processing
For a cereal positioned as a natural and healthy choice, some consumers might be surprised by the presence of certain additives and processing aspects. The EWG has raised concerns about the inclusion of BHT, a preservative, in some Great Grains products. While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, BHT is a controversial food additive. Additionally, the cereal's ingredients list includes multiple forms of sugar and some versions use canola oil, which is a processed ingredient. The level of processing is considered moderate by some food rating systems, which detracts slightly from its 'wholesome' image.
What's in your bowl? A breakdown of key ingredients:
- Whole Grains: High content of whole grain wheat and rolled oats form the base of the cereal, providing fiber and essential nutrients.
- Nuts and Dried Fruit: Real nuts like pecans and dried fruits such as raisins and dates add flavor, texture, and micronutrients.
- Sweeteners: Added sugars in the form of cane sugar and molasses contribute to the overall sugar count, which can be high depending on the flavor.
- Fortified Vitamins and Minerals: To boost nutritional value, the cereal is often fortified with a range of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin D3, and minerals like iron.
- Additives: In some cases, preservatives like BHT and expeller-pressed canola oil are used, which may be a concern for some consumers.
Comparison Table: Great Grains vs. Other Cereals
| Feature | Post Great Grains (e.g., Crunchy Pecan) | Standard Frosted Flakes | Plain Rolled Oats (cooked) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Grains | High (38g/serving) | None | Very High (100%) |
| Sugar Content | Moderate-High (8-13g/serving) | High (approx. 11g/serving) | Very Low (approx. 1g/serving) |
| Dietary Fiber | Good Source (4-5g/serving) | Very Low | High (approx. 4g/serving) |
| Protein | Good Source (4-5g/serving) | Very Low | Good Source (approx. 5g/serving) |
| Additives | Contains BHT and processed oil | Contains additives | Typically none |
| Fortification | Highly fortified | Highly fortified | Not fortified |
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, whether Post Great Grain is a healthy choice depends on how it fits into your overall diet and what your personal health goals are. It offers a significant amount of whole grains and fiber compared to many other ready-to-eat cereals, making it a step up from highly refined and sugary alternatives. However, its notable sugar content, moderate processing, and use of certain additives prevent it from being a truly unprocessed, top-tier health food like plain oatmeal. For those looking to maximize whole grain intake with minimal additives and sugar, alternatives like plain oats or muesli would be superior. For someone transitioning from less healthy cereals, Great Grains is a reasonable and heart-healthy stepping stone. You can learn more about the benefits of whole grains by visiting the Whole Grains Council at https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/health-studies-health-benefits/what-are-health-benefits.
Conclusion
Post Great Grain cereal occupies a middle ground in the health-food landscape. Its robust whole grain and fiber content provide undeniable health benefits, including support for heart health and digestion. Conversely, its sugar levels, reliance on added sweeteners, and inclusion of controversial additives like BHT mean it isn't as pure or unprocessed as some consumers might assume. When deciding if Post Great Grain is right for you, read the nutrition label for your preferred flavor, weigh the whole grain benefits against the sugar content, and consider your dietary preferences for additives and processing.
