Kix Cereal Is Better For You Than You Thought

If sitting down to a heaping bowl of Kix elicits a slight twinge of guilt (perhaps oatmeal is healthier?), take note. The puffy corn cereal may be marketed to kids, but it's a nutritious option for the whole family.

Founded as a flour milling company in the 1920s, General Mills once offered only "flaked" cereals like Wheaties, which was introduced in 1924 (via General Mills). In 1937, the company crafted a "puffing gun," which took grain pellets and puffed them into aerated bubbles (via Healthfully). Kix was the first cereal in the puffed-up lineup, and today, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, and Lucky Charms are a few of the other inflated offerings (via General Mills). But there's a clear distinction between wholesome Kix and its bloated brethren.

According to FitDay, the best way to gauge the healthfulness of your cereal is to read the nutrition facts label, paying particular attention to sugar, fiber, and whole grains. Search for cereals with "whole grain" as the first ingredient, fewer than 10 grams of sugar per serving, and at least three grams of fiber per serving. Pop Culture adds that protein content is also important, so seek out cereals with close to five grams of protein per serving.

First, let's address the preponderance of unrealistically small serving sizes for ready-to-eat cereals. For example, one serving of Cocoa Puffs is one cup and that delivers 140 calories, 12 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of fat (via General Mills). Kix, on the other hand, suggests a more substantial 1 1/2 cups with 160 calories, 4 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of fat per serving (via General Mills). More cereal, more protein, more fiber, less sugar, less fat. Seems like a no-brainer.

And if you think a cereal with one quarter the amount of sugar won't be sweet enough, think again. My Recipes claims that Kix is perfectly sweet, with subtle salty undertones that yield the perfect balance of flavors. Serious Eats agrees and gushes that perfectly crisp and golden Kix is "awesomely delicious."

There are three varieties of Kix: Original, Honey, and Berry Berry (per Kix Cereals), and The Cereal Guru points out that none of the three contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors or colors. In fact, Berry Berry Kix is colored with fruit and vegetable juices (via Fooducate).

In terms of nutrients, Kix is made with whole grain corn and the cereal is fortified with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent source of iron, and a good source of calcium, fiber, and vitamins C and D (via General Mills).