The name "Krave" can be a source of confusion for consumers, as it is used by two entirely different brands for products with vastly different ingredient lists. On one hand, you have Kellogg's Krave cereal, a popular breakfast food known for its chocolate-filled pillows. On the other, Krave Jerky is a line of gourmet meat snacks that originated in California. Understanding what your particular "Krave" is made of requires looking at the specific product you have in mind. While the breakfast cereal is primarily a grain product with a sweet filling, the jerky is based on dried meat with savory and sweet flavorings.
What are Kellogg's Krave Cereal Ingredients?
Kellogg's Krave cereal is a multi-grain product with a distinctive sweet filling. The ingredients can vary slightly by flavor and region, but the core components remain consistent. The crunchy outer shell is made from a blend of cereal flours, providing the base for the product. The indulgent center is a flavored filling that gives the cereal its signature taste. Depending on the flavor, such as Milk Chocolate or Chocolate Hazelnut, the filling will have a different composition. The ingredient list also includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, as this is a fortified breakfast cereal.
Here is a breakdown of the typical ingredients found in a box of Kellogg's Krave:
- Cereal Flours: The primary ingredients are cereal flours, often including wheat, oat, and rice.
- Filling: The flavored filling typically contains sugar, vegetable fats (such as palm and rapeseed oil), cocoa, skimmed milk powder, and milk whey powder. For the Chocolate Hazelnut flavor, hazelnuts are also included. In some markets, the filling may also contain soy lecithin as an emulsifier.
- Sweeteners and Flavors: Sugar, brown sugar syrup, and natural or artificial flavorings are used to create the sweet profile.
- Colors and Antioxidants: Ingredients like annatto norbixin, carotenes, and ascorbyl palmitate are added for color and to preserve freshness.
- Fortification: The cereal is fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, iron, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
What are Krave Jerky Ingredients?
Krave Jerky is a meat-based snack known for its tender texture and gourmet flavors. Since its founding in Sonoma, California, the brand has focused on using high-quality cuts of beef, pork, and turkey. The ingredients list is significantly different from the cereal, focusing on protein and savory marinades. The exact ingredients depend on the specific flavor, such as Chili Lime or Sea Salt Original, but they generally feature a base of meat, sugar, and soy sauce.
Key ingredients typically found in Krave Jerky include:
- Meat: The main ingredient is a high-quality cut of meat, such as 100% grass-fed beef or turkey.
- Sweeteners: Cane sugar, honey, or red wine concentrate are often used to balance the savory flavors.
- Marinade: Gluten-free soy sauce, water, and various spices form the foundation of the marinade.
- Spices and Flavorings: Spices like granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper are used for seasoning. Other natural flavorings are also added to distinguish between varieties.
- Preservatives: Some flavors may use natural alternatives like cultured celery powder and cherry powder for preservation, reflecting a move towards cleaner ingredients.
Comparison: Kellogg's Krave Cereal vs. Krave Jerky
| Feature | Kellogg's Krave Cereal | Krave Jerky (e.g., Sea Salt Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Cereal flours (wheat, oat, rice) | High-quality, lean meat (beef or turkey) |
| Main Flavor | Sweet, chocolate, hazelnut | Savory, sweet, salty |
| Texture | Crunchy outer shell, soft filling | Tender, marinated meat slices |
| Nutritional Focus | Carbohydrates, fortified vitamins | High protein, lower fat |
| Key Flavoring | Chocolatey filling with sugar | Soy sauce, cane sugar, spices |
| Allergens | Milk, wheat, soy, hazelnuts (varies) | Soy (if soy sauce is used) |
The Krave Ingredients Controversy: Factoring in Product Variations
It is important to note that the ingredients for Krave Jerky have evolved over time, especially since its acquisition by The Hershey Company in 2015. Older product versions may have contained artificial ingredients or less desirable preservatives, as noted by organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG). However, the brand has since focused on producing "all-natural" products with simple, high-quality ingredients, resulting in ingredient lists that differ significantly from those of a decade ago. Similarly, Kellogg's frequently updates and releases new flavors for its cereal line, so checking the current product packaging is always recommended for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and allergens.
Conclusion: The Different Kraves
In conclusion, when asking "What are Kraves made of?", the answer depends entirely on whether you are referring to the Kellogg's cereal or the Krave meat snacks. The cereal is a grain-based, sweetened product with a chocolatey core, packed with vitamins. The jerky, on the other hand, is a protein-rich snack made from marinated and dried meat, seasoned with spices. While both are convenient snacks, their foundational ingredients and nutritional profiles are completely distinct. Always check the packaging to know exactly what you're getting. For more information on Kellogg's product offerings, you can visit their official site.
Kellogg's Krave Product Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Krave cereal and Krave jerky made by the same company?
No, Krave cereal is a product of Kellogg's, while Krave Jerky was originally an independent brand acquired by The Hershey Company. They are completely separate companies.
What is the chocolatey filling in Krave cereal made of?
The filling consists primarily of sugar, vegetable oils, cocoa, milk products (skimmed milk powder, whey powder), and sometimes hazelnuts or other flavorings, depending on the variety.
Is Krave jerky all-natural?
Newer versions of Krave Jerky, especially those promoting grass-fed beef, are marketed as all-natural with no artificial ingredients, nitrates, or nitrites, except those naturally occurring in ingredients like sea salt.
What type of meat is used in Krave jerky?
Krave Jerky uses premium, high-quality cuts of meat, including grass-fed beef and turkey, depending on the flavor.
Is Krave cereal fortified with vitamins?
Yes, Kellogg's Krave cereal is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including various B vitamins, iron, and folic acid.
Do the ingredients in Krave jerky change by flavor?
Yes, the ingredients in Krave jerky vary significantly across different flavors. While the meat base remains constant for a specific type (e.g., beef), the marinade, spices, and seasonings are unique to each flavor, such as Chili Lime or Sea Salt Original.
Is Krave jerky gluten-free?
Some Krave jerky flavors, like Sea Salt Original, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free, using gluten-free soy sauce. However, it's always best to check the label of the specific flavor you are purchasing.
