What is Fibre One made of? A Detailed Look at Ingredients

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to General Mills, a single serving of Fiber One Original Cereal provides 65% of your daily value of fiber. For many health-conscious consumers, this begs the question: What is Fibre One made of? The ingredients vary significantly depending on whether you're eating the classic bran cereal, a chewy bar, or a 90-calorie square.

Quick Summary

The composition of Fibre One products, manufactured by General Mills, relies on a mix of whole grains, bran, and concentrated fiber sources like chicory root extract. Different product lines feature unique primary ingredients, from cereals built on wheat and corn bran to bars containing chicory root and other components.

Key Points

Primary Fiber Source Varies: The Original Cereal uses corn bran and guar gum, while bars typically use chicory root extract (inulin).
Different Sweeteners are Used: The Original Cereal uses sucralose, while many bars contain a combination of sugar, fructose, and corn syrup.
Whole Grains Form the Base: Many products, including the cereals and chewy bars, feature whole grains like wheat and oats as a primary ingredient.
Bars Contain More Added Fats: Chewy bars and 90-calorie bars incorporate various vegetable oils, like palm and canola, for texture, unlike the lower-fat cereal.
Enhanced with Vitamins and Minerals: Most Fibre One products are fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
Bar Additives for Texture: Ingredients like glycerin, emulsifiers (lecithin), and thickeners (xanthan gum) are used in the bar products to create specific textures.
Ingredients Can Change: Product formulations are subject to occasional reformulation, so checking the most recent packaging is recommended.

The Fibre One Product Range: A Variety of Ingredients

Fibre One, a brand owned by General Mills, offers a diverse range of products aimed at increasing dietary fibre intake. This includes their original bran cereal, granola bars, and smaller 90-calorie snack bars. The specific ingredients, however, differ significantly depending on the product, each formulated to deliver a unique texture and flavour profile while maintaining high fibre content. By examining the ingredient lists for a few key products, we can understand the building blocks behind the brand.

Fibre One Original Bran Cereal

The classic Fibre One Original Bran Cereal is known for its high insoluble fibre content and is a staple for many. Its core ingredients are primarily grain-based, with fortifications added for nutritional value. A typical ingredients list includes:

Whole Grain Wheat
Corn Bran
Modified Wheat Starch
Guar Gum and Cellulose Gum (additional fibre sources)
Salt
Baking Soda
Sucralose (a non-caloric artificial sweetener)
Vitamins and Minerals (including calcium carbonate, iron, zinc, and various B vitamins)

This composition focuses on naturally high-fibre grains and concentrated additives to create a simple, high-fibre breakfast staple. The use of sucralose allows for a sweet taste without added sugar.

Fibre One Chewy Granola Bars

For a different texture and flavour, the Chewy Granola Bar line, such as the Oats & Chocolate flavour, relies on a combination of grains and other ingredients to bind and flavour the bar. The ingredients include:

Chicory Root Extract (Inulin, a soluble fibre source)
Whole Grain Oats
Corn Syrup and Sugar (for sweetness and binding)
Semisweet Chocolate and Cocoa Powder (for flavour)
Canola Oil and Palm Kernel Oil (fats for texture)
Soy Lecithin (emulsifier)
Natural Flavour

These bars offer a sweeter, more dessert-like experience. The fibre comes predominantly from chicory root extract and whole grain oats, providing a balance of soluble and insoluble fibre types.

Fibre One 90 Calorie Brownie and Cake Bars

The 90-calorie product range offers a guilt-free indulgence, and the Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Lemon Drizzle Squares are popular examples. These products incorporate a broader list of ingredients to achieve their unique cake-like texture and rich flavour. The ingredients typically found include:

Chicory Root Extract (inulin fibre)
Wheat Flour (often enriched)
Sugar, Fructose, and other sweeteners (including icing sugar)
Vegetable Fats and Oils (palm, shea, sunflower)
Fat-Reduced Cocoa Powder or Lemon Flavour Pieces
Humectant (Glycerin) to keep the bar moist
Raising Agents (sodium bicarbonate, sodium aluminium phosphate)
Egg White Powder
Emulsifiers (soy lecithin)
Thickeners (xanthan gum, locust bean gum)
Natural Flavours

This formulation is more complex, relying on a mix of additives and sweeteners to achieve the desired flavour and soft texture while keeping the calorie count low. The primary source of fibre is again chicory root extract.

Ingredient Comparison: Cereal vs. Chewy Bar vs. 90 Calorie Bar


Ingredient Category	Original Bran Cereal	Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bar	90 Calorie Fudge Brownie
Whole Grain Source	Whole Grain Wheat	Whole Grain Oats, Barley	Enriched Wheat Flour
Primary Fibre Source	Corn Bran, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum	Chicory Root Extract (Inulin)	Chicory Root Extract (Inulin)
Sweeteners	Sucralose	Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fructose	Sugar, Fructose, Icing Sugar
Fats/Oils	Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil	Canola Oil, Palm Kernel Oil	Palm, Shea, Sunflower Oils
Additives	Colours, Vitamins, Minerals	Emulsifiers, Thickeners, Vitamins	Emulsifiers, Thickeners, Humectants

The Role of Soluble and Insoluble Fibre in Fibre One Products

Fibre One products utilise both soluble and insoluble fibre to boost their nutritional profile. The original cereal relies heavily on insoluble fibre, primarily from corn bran and whole grain wheat. This type of fibre adds bulk and helps promote regularity. In contrast, many of the bars use chicory root extract (inulin), a source of soluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and can aid in slowing down digestion, which can help manage blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full. The combination in the product line ensures a broad approach to fibre enrichment.

Conclusion: The Evolving Formulation of Fibre One

In conclusion, what Fibre One is made of is not a single answer but a diverse portfolio of ingredients tailored to each specific product. From the whole grain and corn bran base of the original cereal to the chicory root extract and sweetener blends of the snack bars, the formulation is carefully designed to deliver high fibre content. While the brand has evolved its recipes and ingredients over time—moving from sweeteners like aspartame to sucralose or incorporating more natural flavours—the core mission remains to provide a convenient way for consumers to increase their fibre intake. By checking the ingredient list on any Fibre One product, you can identify the specific composition and ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences. For more information, visit the official Fibre One website.

It is always wise to read the most up-to-date ingredient list on the product's packaging, as formulations can change over time. Different regions may also have slight variations in ingredients, such as those found on products sold in Canada, Australia, or the UK compared to the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicory root extract, also known as inulin, is a common source of soluble dietary fibre. It is a key ingredient in most Fibre One bars and snack squares but is not the primary fibre source in the original bran cereal.

Yes, the Fibre One Original Cereal is sweetened with sucralose, a non-caloric artificial sweetener. In contrast, some Fibre One bars use sugar, fructose, and corn syrup.

No, many Fibre One products contain wheat flour and other gluten-containing ingredients. The specific products containing gluten are listed on the packaging, so it is important to check the allergen information.

The ingredients vary to achieve the desired taste, texture, and nutritional profile for each product. The cereal is grain-based and crunchy, while the bars require binders and different fat sources to be soft and chewy.

Many Fibre One products are not suitable for vegans as they often contain ingredients such as milk solids, whey protein, or egg white powder. Always check the specific product's ingredient list for allergen information.

Different ingredients are used to create specific textures. For example, humectants like glycerin keep bars moist, while thickeners like xanthan gum and locust bean gum bind ingredients together. In the cereal, modified wheat starch provides crunch.

Yes, some Fibre One bar products, such as the 90 Calorie Chocolate Fudge Brownies, list palm oil or modified palm oil among their ingredients.

Yes, formulations have changed. For instance, the Original Cereal was once sweetened with aspartame but now uses sucralose. Ingredient lists should always be checked for the most current information.