What are the ingredients in Nutrigrain?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Kellanova, the Nutri-Grain brand includes a range of products, and the specific ingredients can vary significantly between the classic breakfast cereal and the popular breakfast bars. Understanding what are the ingredients in Nutrigrain requires looking at each product individually, revealing a complex mix of whole grains, sugars, and fortified nutrients.

Quick Summary

A detailed look into the ingredients of Nutri-Grain reveals differences between cereal and bars. Common components include cereals like wheat and oats, various types of sugar, and added vitamins and minerals. The article examines both the core ingredients and the less familiar additives found in these products.

Key Points

Core Cereal Ingredients: The classic Nutri-Grain cereal is primarily made from wheat flour, oatmeal, and maize flour, with a significant amount of sugar and added wheat protein.
Breakfast Bar Complexity: Nutri-Grain breakfast bars, like the blueberry flavor, have a more complex list of ingredients, including whole grain oats, multiple sweeteners, soybean oil, fruit puree concentrate, and various stabilizers.
High Sugar Content: A key consideration for both products is their relatively high sugar content, which contributes to quick energy but can be a concern for frequent consumption.
Fortified Nutrients: Both cereals and bars are fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and calcium, to enhance their nutritional profile.
Different Formulations Exist: Ingredients can vary between different Nutri-Grain products and regions; for instance, some varieties feature higher protein or lower sugar, so checking the specific label is crucial.
Processed Additives: Both product types contain processed ingredients and additives for flavor, texture, and preservation, which are points of scrutiny for those seeking less processed food options.

Core Ingredients of Nutri-Grain Cereal

Nutri-Grain cereal, the classic breakfast option, relies on a combination of grains and other components to achieve its signature malty flavor and crunchy texture. A typical ingredient list includes:

Cereals (Multigrain): A blend of wheat flour, oatmeal (containing oats), and maize flour forms the base of the product. These grains provide carbohydrates and some fiber.
Sugar: A significant portion of the cereal is sugar, which enhances flavor and contributes to the product's overall energy content.
Wheat Protein: Added to boost the overall protein content of the cereal, which can help with feelings of fullness.
Maltodextrin and Molasses: These ingredients provide additional sweetness and the characteristic malty flavor.
Oat Fibre: Included to increase the dietary fiber content.
Fortified Vitamins and Minerals: Nutri-Grain cereal is fortified with several micronutrients, such as B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, B6, and folate) and minerals (calcium carbonate, iron, and zinc oxide).
Other Additives: Salt, vegetable gum (acacia gum), barley malt extract, natural flavors, and natural colors (paprika and turmeric) are used for taste, texture, and appearance.

List of Cereal Components

Grains: Wheat flour, oatmeal, maize flour.
Sweeteners: Sugar, maltodextrin, molasses.
Nutrient Fortification: Calcium carbonate, iron, zinc oxide, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate.
Flavor and Texture Enhancers: Oat fibre, acacia gum, salt, barley malt extract, natural flavors, paprika, turmeric.

Key Ingredients in Nutri-Grain Breakfast Bars

Nutri-Grain breakfast bars have a more complex composition than the cereal. For a Nutri-Grain Blueberry Breakfast Bar, key ingredients in the crust include whole grain oats, whole wheat flour, various sugars (fructose, sugar, dextrose), soybean oil, and binders like glycerin and cellulose. The filling contains blueberry puree concentrate, multiple sweeteners (invert sugar, corn syrup, sugar), thickeners, acidity regulators, natural color from vegetable juice, and natural flavor. The bars are also fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Comparison Table: Nutri-Grain Cereal vs. Bar


Feature	Nutri-Grain Classic Cereal	Nutri-Grain Blueberry Bar
Primary Grains	Wheat, oats, maize flour	Whole grain oats, whole wheat flour, enriched wheat flour
Added Sugars	Sugar, maltodextrin, molasses	Fructose, sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, corn syrup
Fiber Source	Oat fibre, acacia gum	Soluble corn fiber, cellulose, oat fibre
Texture	Crunchy, malty extruded shapes	Soft, baked crust with a jelly-like filling
Fat Source	Very low fat, minimal vegetable oil	Contains soybean oil in the crust
Protein Source	Wheat protein	Wheat protein, whey protein

Potential Nutritional Considerations

While marketed as healthy, both Nutri-Grain cereal and bars contain significant amounts of sugar, which is a concern for nutritionists. The sugar content can be comparable to desserts in the bars. The use of refined flours and added sweeteners provides quick energy but may not offer the sustained fullness of less processed, higher-fiber foods. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, some argue this doesn't fully compensate for the overall nutritional profile. Those avoiding gluten should note the presence of wheat gluten.

Conclusion: Decoding the Label

Understanding what are the ingredients in Nutrigrain is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Whether in cereal or bar form, the product is built on a base of multiple grains, sweetened by various sugars, and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. The ingredient list also includes a range of additives for texture, preservation, and flavor. While Nutri-Grain is convenient, its high sugar content and lower fiber and protein density compared to other options make it an item to consume in moderation or supplement with more nutrient-dense foods. Reading the label and understanding the individual components is the best way to determine how Nutri-Grain fits into a balanced and healthy diet.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Our guide to the best protein bars, granola bars, nut bars, and more

The Difference in Nutri-Grain Variants

Different versions of Nutri-Grain products exist with varied formulations. For example, some Australian varieties like Nutri-Grain High Protein Crunch add pea protein, while Nutri-Grain 25% Less Sugar uses fructooligosaccharides instead of some sugar. Always check the specific product label for accurate information on what are the ingredients in Nutrigrain for that particular item.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Nutri-Grain bars, the fruit flavor typically comes from fruit puree concentrates rather than whole, unprocessed fruit. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these concentrates and added sugars often outweigh the actual fruit content.

Yes, Nutri-Grain cereal is considered high in sugar. Nutrition experts, such as dietitian Dr. Kyla, have noted that a single serving can contain nearly 2.5 teaspoons of added sugar, making it a source of quick energy rather than sustained fuel.

The primary protein source in the classic Nutri-Grain cereal is added wheat protein, which is included to boost the product's protein content. Some varieties, like Nutri-Grain High Protein Crunch, also include pea protein.

Nutri-Grain bars are convenient, but are not considered a highly nutritious snack on their own. They provide quick carbohydrates but are low in protein and fiber, with significant added sugar. Pairing them with a protein source, like yogurt or nuts, can create a more balanced snack.

The classic Nutri-Grain breakfast cereal sold in some regions is suitable for vegans. However, other products like the breakfast bars can contain milk solids (whey), so it is essential to check the ingredients list for the specific product.

Nutri-Grain bars often contain multiple sugar sources, such as fructose, corn syrup, and invert sugar, in addition to regular sugar. This is done to achieve a specific sweetness profile, texture, and moisture level in both the crust and the filling.

Yes, the ingredients for Nutri-Grain can vary by country and product type. For example, some ingredients found in Australian versions may differ from those in products sold in the United States or other markets. Always refer to the nutritional information on the packaging of the specific product.