Which Naturally Occurring Sugar Is Found In Milk?

Sugar, Fat, And Salt Spike Found In Breakfast Food

A recent study has revealed that many popular breakfast cereals in the United States have become less nutritious over the past decade, despite being marketed as healthy options. These brightly packaged cereals, a staple for both children and adults, have seen increases in sugar, fat, and sodium content, while essential nutrients like fiber and protein have declined. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open on May 21, analyzed around 1,200 newly introduced or reformulated cereals from 2010 to 2023.

Researchers found a clear disconnect between front-of-package health claims and the actual nutritional content listed on the back. For instance, the study showed a 34% increase in total fat, a 32% rise in sodium, and nearly an 11% jump in sugar per serving over the 13-year span. This shift is concerning to health experts, especially considering that breakfast cereals remain a significant part of many American children’s diets, with nearly a third consuming them daily — often without the addition of more nutritious foods like fruits or eggs.

Health professionals have expressed concern and surprise at the findings, noting that the trend contradicts broader societal movements toward health-conscious eating. Some experts, like Dr. Peter Lurie of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, questioned how cereals could become less healthy at a time when consumer awareness is increasing. Others, such as Josephine Connolly-Schoonen from Stony Brook Medicine, criticized the food industry for deliberately creating confusion in the marketplace, making it harder for consumers to make informed dietary choices.

Meanwhile, U.S. cereal companies have not commented on the study’s findings. However, they are known to sell healthier versions of some products in other regions, such as Canada and Europe. Interestingly, cereals served in American public schools have improved nutritionally due to federal regulations enacted in 2010. Additional guidelines, including stricter sugar limits, are set to roll out in schools by 2027. Advocates hope these improvements will extend to products available to families nationwide to encourage healthier eating habits at home as well.