Top Fiber-Rich Cereals Offer Taste, Nutrition

YONKERS, N.Y.Fiber-rich cereals are winning over consumers due to overall improved taste and nutrition, according to research from Consumer Reports.

The U.S.-based consumer advocacy group found that in its latest tests of 26 cereals, most having at least 6 grams of fiber, over two-thirds were cited as tasting "very good" or "better." The blind testing research showed consumers can buy shredded wheat and raisin bran by price. Within these categories, many cereals are equal in taste and nutrition. Four cereals, Kellogg's All-Bran Original, Post Grape-Nuts The Original, Post Shredded Wheat Original Spoon Size and Post Shredded Wheat Wheat 'n Bran Spoon Size were found to taste good and be nutrition based on calories, fat, sodium, sugar, iron calcium and fiber.

Further, frosted cereals were found to be especially tasty. Market Pantry, the best-tasting of the shredded-wheat cereals, is frosted, has larger biscuits than others and isn't as crunchy. All four raisin brans found to be "very good" featured soft, sugar-coated raisins, toasted-bran and malt flavors with flakes that did not get soggy. Results showed that Post Grape-Nuts was the top "other high-fiber" cereal. It features small wheat bits that soak up milk softening and improving overall texture. On the other hand, Bear Naked Fruit and Granola, was a taste favorite containing large and small clusters with pecans, walnuts, almonds, raisins, cranberries, sesame seeds, coconut slivers, brown sugar, honey and cinnamon. However its nutrition value was fair with only 2 grams of fiber and 140 calories per quarter-cup serving. Out of the cereals examined, 18 cereals were cited as tasting "very good" or "excellent," and 11 were found to be "very good" or "excellent" based on nutrition. Overall finding showed that high-fiber cereals have come a long way since the company's study conducted 14 years ago, when research showed most consumers dislike the taste of these high-fiber, "straw-like" cereals.