Breakfast cereals

Cereals, whole wheat hot natural cereal, dry

FDC 171667cup (94 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 64 · +3 vs Breakfast cereals median

This whole wheat hot cereal scores 64 of 100, a Good rating, ranking 10th of 30 breakfast cereals and sitting above the category median of 61. It's built almost entirely from the whole grain, with an excellent 34% DV of fiber, 29% DV of magnesium, and 22% DV of protein per 100 g, plus a good 19% DV of iron.

It's cooked on the stovetop into a porridge, similar to farina but with the bran and germ intact, with a dry cup weighing 94 g before water is added. No limit is flagged for this entry, and at just 0.42 g of sugar per 100 g, it leaves plenty of room for fruit or a modest sweetener at the table.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cereals, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 11.2 g · 12%Carb 75.2 g · 83%Fat 2 g · 5%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories342 kcal17%
Total fat2 g3%
Saturated fat0.3 g2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Carbohydrate75 g27%
Dietary fiber9.5 g34%
Sugars0.42 g
Protein11 g22%
Potassium389 mg8%
Calcium40 mg3%
Iron3.4 mg19%
Magnesium122 mg29%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E1.3 mg9%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171667

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Dietary fiber34% DV
Magnesium29% DV
Protein22% DV
Iron19% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the breakfast cereals median

Nutrient density64 vs 61 median
Protein / 100 g11 vs 7.1 median
Fiber / 100 g9.5 vs 2.7 median
Sodium / 100 g2 vs 49 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cereals, oats, instant, fortified, maple and brown sugar, dryDensity 65 vs 64Cereals ready-to-eat, rice, puffed, fortifiedDensity 74 vs 64Cereals ready-to-eat, chocolate-flavored frosted puffed cornDensity 76 vs 64

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

This whole wheat hot cereal is cooked the same way as oatmeal or cream of wheat: simmered in water or milk on the stovetop, or microwaved, until it thickens into a smooth, warm porridge. Because it is made from whole wheat rather than refined wheat, it has a slightly coarser texture and a nuttier flavor than cream of wheat, and it is typically topped with milk, fruit, brown sugar, or a pat of butter the same way any hot cereal would be finished. It works as a plain, unsweetened base for breakfast, letting the cook control how much sugar or fruit goes on top rather than relying on a flavor packet.

Stored dry in a sealed box or container in the pantry, this cereal keeps for months before cooking. A cup (94 grams) comes to about 321 calories, and per 100 grams it delivers 34% of the Daily Value for fiber, 29% for magnesium, 22% for protein, and 19% for iron, a solid nutrient profile for a plain hot cereal. With only 2 milligrams of sodium and 0.42 grams of sugar per 100 grams, it is a low-sodium, low-sugar breakfast base, with 9.5 grams of fiber per 100 grams making it a filling way to start the day before any toppings are added.

Frequently asked questions about cereals

How many calories are in whole wheat hot cereal?

It has 342 calories per 100 grams, or about 321 calories in a 94-gram cup, dry.

Is whole wheat hot cereal a good source of fiber?

Yes, a 100-gram serving provides 34% of the Daily Value for fiber, with 9.5 grams of fiber in that amount.

How do you cook whole wheat hot cereal?

Simmer it in water or milk on the stovetop, or microwave it, the same way as oatmeal, until it thickens into a porridge.

View the USDA source record