Consumers International, which publishes Consumer Reports evaluated 27 of the breakfast cereals that are popular among children for not only their sugar content, but also the amount of sodium, fiber, calories, and nutrients in a recommended serving.
The group found that two of the worst-rated cereals are Post's Golden Crisps and Kellogg's Honey Smacks that contain more than 50 percent sugar with very little fiber.
One serving of Honey Smacks contains 15 grams of sugar, which is 3 grams more than is found in a Dunkin' Donuts glazed doughnut. Golden Crisps has 14 grams of sugar in a 3/4 cup serving and less than 1 gram of fiber, the report found.
The report also found that cereals marketed in other countries apparently have less sugar. Honey Smacks sold in Germany, Slovenia and Switzerland have less sugar--40 percent compared with 55 percent in the U.S.
In all, 11 of the tested cereals had 12 or more grams of sugar per serving, or as much as the glazed doughnut. The best rated cereal was found to be Kellogg's Rice Krispies that has just 4 grams of sugar per serving. It too received a "fair" rating from Consumer Reports because the product is higher in sodium and has zero dietary fiber.
The group is now planning to urge the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop international guidelines that can restrict advertising and marketing of foods high in sugar, fat or sodium to children. An ideal cereal should be relatively low in sugar and sodium and have more fiber, iron and should be good source of calcium.
