The Sweet Coating on Frosted Flakes
At its core, a Frosted Flake is a simple toasted corn flake, but what sets it apart is its distinctive sweet coating. The answer to what are Frosted Flakes covered in is a glaze made primarily of sugar and malt flavoring. During the manufacturing process, a hot, thick syrup is sprayed onto the cereal flakes. As the flakes are tumbled and dried, this syrup forms a shiny, sweet frosting that gives the cereal its name and signature taste. The sweet taste is a major part of its appeal, particularly to children, but it's also the source of its most significant nutritional drawback.
The Manufacturing Process: From Corn to Cereal
Creating a box of Frosted Flakes involves several key steps that transform milled corn into the crunchy, sugar-coated flakes we know today.
- Milling and Cooking: The process begins with milled corn, or maize, which is cooked with sweeteners like sugar and barley malt extract, along with salt and other ingredients, in large, rotating pressure cookers.
- Tempering and Flattening: The cooked mixture is cooled and tempered to stabilize its moisture content. It is then passed through heavy metal rollers that flatten the corn kernels into thin flakes.
- Toasting and Coating: The flattened flakes are toasted in large ovens until they are golden brown and crisp. After toasting, they are moved to a rotary drum where the hot sugar syrup is sprayed on. The heat from the flakes and the surrounding air helps the syrup crystalize into the hard, sweet frosting.
- Fortification: During the coating process, the cereal is often fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals, which are also added via the syrup. This process is common for many processed cereals and allows manufacturers to market them as a good source of specific nutrients, despite their high sugar content.
- Packaging: Finally, the flakes are cooled and packaged into airtight bags and boxes to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Nutritional Impact of the Sugar Coating
The most prominent nutritional difference between Frosted Flakes and plain corn flakes is the significantly higher sugar content. While fortification adds some vitamins and minerals, the overall nutritional profile is dominated by carbohydrates and sugar. A typical serving of Frosted Flakes contains a substantial amount of added sugar, which contributes to a high glycemic index. This can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, which is not ideal for sustained energy and can negatively impact dental health over time. Moreover, Frosted Flakes contain very little dietary fiber or protein, which are crucial for feeling full and for supporting digestive health. When choosing a cereal, understanding how the added sugar and processing affect the overall nutritional quality is essential for making an informed decision.
Frosted Flakes vs. Other Breakfast Options
To better understand the nutritional profile of Frosted Flakes, let's compare it to some other common breakfast cereals, using nutritional data per 100g to ensure a fair comparison.
| Nutritional Aspect | Frosted Flakes (Kellogg's) | Plain Corn Flakes (Generic) | Rolled Oats (Generic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1531kJ (365 kcal) | ~1540kJ (368 kcal) | ~1531kJ (366 kcal) |
| Sugar | ~36.6g | ~8g | ~1g |
| Fiber | ~2.4g | ~3g | ~11g |
| Protein | ~4.9g | ~8.4g | ~13.5g |
| Added Sugars | High | Low | None |
| Glycemic Index | High | Medium | Low |
| Processing Level | High | Medium | Low |
Note: Exact nutritional values can vary by brand and country. Plain corn flakes have a lower sugar content but are still a processed food, while rolled oats are a whole grain and a more fiber-rich option.
Considerations for a Balanced Diet
While a bowl of Frosted Flakes can be a satisfying treat, it shouldn't be the cornerstone of a healthy breakfast, especially for regular consumption. To incorporate such cereals into a balanced nutritional diet, moderation is key. Here are a few tips for making healthier breakfast choices that provide sustained energy and better nutrition:
- Prioritize Whole Grains: Look for cereals where the first ingredient is a whole grain, such as whole wheat, oats, or brown rice.
- Check the Sugar Content: Aim for cereals with no more than 6 grams of added sugar per serving. Reading the nutrition label is crucial, and paying close attention to the
includes added sugarsline can be very helpful. - Enhance with Fruit: If a sweeter cereal is desired, add fresh or frozen fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches to plain, whole-grain cereal. This adds natural sweetness and provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Boost with Protein and Fiber: Consider mixing a sugary cereal with a higher-fiber, higher-protein alternative like oatmeal, or adding nuts, seeds, or a scoop of yogurt to the bowl. This helps to slow the absorption of sugar and promotes a feeling of fullness for longer.
- Consider Alternatives: Other healthy breakfast options include oatmeal, eggs, plain Greek yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain toast with avocado. These alternatives offer more sustained energy and a better nutritional profile.
Conclusion
In summary, the sweet, crackling coating on Frosted Flakes is primarily a sugary syrup that is applied during manufacturing. This process elevates the sugar content significantly compared to its plain counterpart, making it a high-glycemic, low-fiber option. While fortified with some vitamins, it is a highly processed food that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By understanding what are Frosted Flakes covered in and comparing their nutritional content to other breakfast choices, consumers can make more informed decisions to support their long-term health and well-being. For truly nutritious breakfast options, prioritizing whole grains, natural fruits, and higher protein and fiber sources is the most beneficial approach.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: Healthy cereals for kids with no food dyes
