Cinnamon toast crunch is a popular cereal made by General Mills. It features vanilla and cinnamon flavored crunchy squares layered with vanilla cream cheese flavored icing and cinnamon sugar.
It is marketed as a breakfast cereal meant to be eaten with milk. However, it is possible to eat it as a snack or dessert instead. Many people have their own favorite ways to enjoy Cinnamon Toast Crunch, from adding it to yogurt instead of plain yogurt and honey, to just eating the cereal straight out of the bag.
Like all foods, Cinnamon Toast Crunch can be consumed in moderation. Unfortunately, many people do not know what moderation means for food intake anymore, especially with the amount of marketing for food products today.
This article will discuss if Cinnamon Toast Crunch is bad for you based on its nutrition facts and what you can order at the grocery store instead if you want to cut back on it.
Carbohydrates in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body. We need carbohydrates for us to survive, but we must limit how many grams we have per day.
Carbohydrates are divided into four groups: starch, sugar, fiber, and refined. Starch is a group of foods that includes grains such as rice, quinoa, and pasta.
Sugar includes foods like cookies and granola bars, and fiber includes vegetables like broccoli. Refined carbohydrates are foods that are processed and have little to no nutritional value.
The recipe for Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains four groups of starch: whole wheat flour, corn syrup, sugar (granulated), and soy protein concentrate. Each serving contains 28 grams of carbohydrate which is 71% of the recommended daily amount (RDA) for adults.
Although this may seem high, it is just enough to give you the energy you need to get through your morning workout session.
Sugar in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
One of the biggest concerns people have about cereal is the sugar content. Most brands offer versions that are lower in sugar, or even sugar-free, but still offer that delicious, familiar taste.
As we mentioned above, even though Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a pretty high-calorie cereal, you can eat it without feeling too guilty about the added sugar. Plus, there are only 10 grams of carbs per half-cup serving, which is less than half of the daily recommended value for adults!
Unfortunately, Sugary Toast Crunch isn’t available in the U.S., but if it were, it would contain 24 grams of sugar per serving. That’s almost as much as a can of soda! Luckily, you can easily switch to lower-sugar alternatives with similar flavors.
If you’re trying to cut back on your sugar intake but want to keep your favorite cereals classic flavor, try mixing up your toppings or trying a low-sugar alternative.
Fiber in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Although fiber is not a main component of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, it is still an important part of the cereal. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, rather it absorbs water as it passes through the digestive system. This type of fiber helps move the food through your system more efficiently.
Soluble fiber actually does dissolve in water, acting as a medium for other ingredients in your GI tract. It also bulks up the stool, making it easier to pass. Both of these features help maintain healthy bowel movements.
The proportion of soluble to insoluble fiber in Cinnamon Toast Crunch varies depending on the flavor you buy. The cinnamon flavor has more insoluble than soluble fiber, promoting better bowel health. Overall, this cereal contains 2 grams of fiber per 1 cup (30 g) serving.
Protein in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Although the main ingredients in CTC are wheat, sugar, and soy, there is a bit of protein in the mix as well. A 1-cup serving contains 8 grams of protein, which is about one-third of your daily recommendation.
Some people with gluten intolerance cannot consume wheat proteins, so this can be a helpful part of the cereal for them. For people who do not have a gluten sensitivity, the protein content is not that high of a factor.
Something to keep in mind when consuming any type of cereal for breakfast is whether or not it is filling. People who eat low-calorie cereals may find that they are hungry an hour or two after breakfast. People who eat high-protein cereals may find that they stay full until lunch time.
Vitamin A in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
A serving of this cereal has approximately 10 percent of the daily value for vitamin A. This is based on six grams of the cereal being one serving.
Many people eat more than one serving per serving, however. Because this cereal contains sugar and is not a healthy choice every day, it is best to save this for a special treat.
People who are undergoing cancer treatment may require higher amounts of vitamin A due to the effects of chemotherapy. People who are eating a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits may also need higher amounts of vitamin A.
However, people should avoid too much vitamin A as it can be toxic. People who have liver problems or those who are pregnant should definitely avoid consuming too much cinnamon toast crunch.
It is best to consult with a doctor about how much you should consume per day.
Vitamin C in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Although the main ingredient in Cinnamon Toast Crunch is white flour, there is a small amount of vitamin C in this cereal.
Just one serving of this cereal has half of your daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps with immune system function and health.
Users report not noticing a distinct cinnamon flavor, but it is there. If you do not like cinnamon, you will not like this cereal, though. Some say it tastes more like vanilla than cinnamon toast.
Since it is not sugary, it is better for you than other cereals. However, if you eat too many servings, you may end up with an excess of calories and sugar because it is made out of flour and milk.
If you are looking for a healthier breakfast option, try having one bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with some Greek yogurt and berries.
Calcium in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Although the main ingredient in cinnamon toast crunch is brown sugar, the flavoring is what sets this cereal apart. The vanilla and cinnamon flavors mix together to make a delicious, aromatic cereal.
Calcium is an important nutrient for bone health. Dairy foods like Cinnamon Toast Crunch include calcium that helps you meet your daily needs. A serving of Cinnamon Toast Crunch has 30% of the DV for calcium!
You can find calcium in other foods and supplements, but none are as easily absorbed as what you get from dairy. When choosing a non-dairy source of calcium, make sure it contains enough vitamin D to help it be absorbed by your body.
If you are trying to cut back on dairy or avoid it entirely, try eating more foods with a higher concentration of protein. Calcium is important for bone health so eating sources that are rich in it is helpful.
Potassium in Cinnamon Toast Crunch
While you will find few vitamins and minerals in this cereal, there is one thing that stands out: potassium.
Because of the high content of sodium in junk food like pizza, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a good replacement for people looking to lower their sodium intake.
People with high blood pressure are often advised to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains to lower their sodium intake. Because of the abundance of sodium in processed foods, this diet can be hard to maintain.
CTC offers a good source of potassium, which helps your body regulate blood pressure. This also helps to maintain fluid and mineral balance in your body.
Once again, Larabar makes an appearance as another snack option with high potassium content.
