Cranberry Almond Crunch is a popular cereal made by Post Consumer Brands. As the name suggests, it contains cranberries and almonds as the main ingredients. However, there are several other ingredients that go into making this cereal. Knowing the ingredients can help consumers make informed choices about the cereals they eat. This article will provide a comprehensive list of the ingredients in Cranberry Almond Crunch and discuss key details about each one.
Complete List of Ingredients
Here is a complete list of the ingredients in Cranberry Almond Crunch cereal as provided on the product packaging:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Whole Grain Wheat, Sugar, Almonds, Cranberries, Rice Flour, Salt, Barley Malt Extract, Molasses, Natural Flavor. |
As you can see, the main ingredients are whole grain wheat, sugar, almonds and cranberries. There are also several minor ingredients like rice flour, salt, barley malt extract, molasses and natural flavors that contribute to the cereal’s taste and texture. Let’s look at each of these key ingredients in more detail.
Whole Grain Wheat
The first major ingredient listed is whole grain wheat. Wheat is one of the most commonly used grains in cereals and provides dietary fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and selenium. The wheat used in Cranberry Almond Crunch is whole grain, meaning it contains all three nutrient-rich parts of the grain – the bran, endosperm and germ. This makes it more nutritious than refined or processed wheat where the bran and germ are removed. The whole grain wheat gives the cereal its crunchy texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
Benefits of Whole Grain Wheat
Here are some of the top benefits of whole grain wheat:
- High in fiber – Improves digestion and heart health
- Provides B vitamins – Important for metabolism and cell function
- Contains minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium
- May help reduce risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes
- More nutrient-rich than refined wheat
So the whole grain wheat makes Cranberry Almond Crunch a nutritious way to start your day.
Sugar
The second major ingredient is sugar. Sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the crunchiness of the almonds and wheat. The type of sugar used is not specified, but it is likely sucrose, the typical table sugar derived from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Some key details about the sugar in Cranberry Almond Crunch:
- Added for sweetness and palatability
- May be derived from sugar cane or sugar beets
- Provides carbohydrates and calories, but minimal nutrients
- Amount per serving is comparable to similar cereals
The amount of sugar per serving is 10g which is similar to other popular cereals like Raisin Bran or Frosted Flakes. However, consumers concerned about added sugars may want to enjoy Cranberry Almond Crunch in moderation.
Daily Value for Added Sugars
| Age Group | Daily Value for Added Sugars |
|---|---|
| Children 2-19 years | Less than 25g (6 teaspoons) |
| Adults | Less than 50g (12 teaspoons) |
As you can see from the table, the 10g of sugar per serving is a moderate amount compared to the daily recommendations.
Almonds
Almonds are the third major ingredient in Cranberry Almond Crunch. They provide the nutty flavor and crunch in each bite. Almonds are considered a healthy nut, rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium and other nutrients.
Here are some key nutritional benefits of almonds:
- High in monounsaturated fats – Help lower LDL cholesterol
- Great source of vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant
- Provide protein and fiber – Help you feel full
- Contain magnesium for bone health
- May help reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes
The almonds complement the whole grains nicely, adding plant-based protein and healthy fats.
Almond Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 1oz (28g) Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Vitamin E | 37% DV |
| Magnesium | 19% DV |
This table displays the stellar nutrient profile of almonds. Cranberry Almond Crunch provides a good amount of almonds per serving.
Cranberries
Lastly, cranberries are a signature ingredient of this cereal. Cranberries have a tart, vibrant flavor that perfectly complements the almonds and wheat. Dried cranberries are used in the cereal rather than fresh ones.
Here are some key details about the cranberry component:
- Provide a tart, fruity flavor
- Contain antioxidant polyphenols like anthocyanins
- Add natural plant sugars to the cereal
- May help reduce risk of urinary tract infections
- Dried form allows year-round availability
Cranberries are considered one of the healthiest fruits due to their impressive nutrient and polyphenol content. Their tartness wakes you up in the morning and balances the flavors nicely.
Cranberry Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 24% DV |
| Vitamin E | 5% DV |
| Vitamin K | 5% DV |
| Manganese | 25% DV |
As you can see, cranberries provide healthy levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese.
Other Minor Ingredients
In addition to the four major ingredients highlighted, Cranberry Almond Crunch includes a few other minor ingredients to enhance nutrition, texture, flavor and shelf life. Here is an overview:
- Rice Flour – Provides an alternative grain source and lightens texture
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor
- Barley Malt Extract – Adds malty, slightly sweet flavor
- Molasses – Provides rich, brown sugar-like sweetness
- Natural Flavors – Heightens cereal flavor
These supplemental ingredients allow Cranberry Almond Crunch to achieve its signature crunchy-yet-chewy texture and balance of flavors.
Absence of Artificial Ingredients
Importantly, Cranberry Almond Crunch does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners according to the ingredient list. It uses natural sources to provide color, sweetness and flavor. This makes it a good option for consumers trying to avoid artificial additives.
The cereal does contain added sugars, so it may not be suitable for low-sugar or keto diets. But overall, Cranberry Almond Crunch has an ingredient profile with many positive attributes.
Nutrition Facts Panel
Here is the nutrition facts panel for a 3/4 cup (29g) serving of Cranberry Almond Crunch cereal taken directly from the box:
| Amount Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories 120 |
| Total Fat 2g |
| Saturated Fat 0g |
| Trans Fat 0g |
| Cholesterol 0mg |
| Sodium 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrate 22g |
| Dietary Fiber 3g |
| Total Sugars 10g |
| Includes 10g Added Sugars |
| Protein 3g |
As you can see, a serving provides 120 calories, 22g of carbohydrate, 3g of fiber, 10g of sugar, and 3g of protein. It is low in saturated fat and contains no trans fat or cholesterol. The sugar content is moderate at 10g per serving.
Certifications
Cranberry Almond Crunch cereal is certified kosher pareve. This means it contains no meat or dairy ingredients, allowing it to be consumed with both meat and dairy meals according to kosher dietary laws.
The cereal packaging also indicates that Cranberry Almond Crunch is produced in a gluten-free manufacturing facility. However, it is not certified gluten-free since it contains wheat and barley ingredients that are naturally high in gluten. The gluten-free designation simply means steps are taken to avoid cross-contamination for safety reasons.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients that give Cranberry Almond Crunch cereal its signature flavor, crunch and nutrition are whole grain wheat, sugar, almonds, cranberries and a few supplemental minor ingredients. It provides a good source of fiber, protein and micronutrients like vitamin E and manganese. The sugar content is moderate and no artificial additives are used. The entire ingredient list is relatively simple and made from recognizable food sources. Knowing exactly what goes into this cereal can help consumers make mindful dietary choices.