Raisin Bran is a popular cereal, but is it actually healthy? As a dietitian, I’ll break down the Raisin Bran nutrition, benefits, and what to watch out for.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.
What is Raisin Bran?
Raisin Bran is a classic cereal first produced by Kellogg’s in 1925. It is a combination of whole grain flakes and raisins.
The sweetened flakes and raisins provide a delicious option while still providing some great nutrition. Some will say there is too much sugar. My response to that is that nutrition isn’t worthwhile if you won’t eat it!
Raisin Bran Ingredients
You may be surprised to learn that there are only seven ingredients in Raisin Bran. In descending order based on amount used in the cereal is:
Whole grain wheat- This helps make up the flakes! Having a whole grain variety provides fiber, micronutrients, and a lower glycemic index (compared to refined grains).
Raisins- You can’t have Raisin Bran without the raisins!
Wheat bran- Although similar, this is different than the whole grain wheat. Wheat bran is just the outer layer of wheat. This portion provides an incredible source of fiber! It also is responsible for the more crunchy texture the flakes have.
Sugar- Raisin Bran is a bit sweet!
Brown sugar syrup- This is also a sweetener, but provides a more deep, robust flavor.
Malt flavor- This has a couple jobs- play a part in browning the flakes (Maillard reaction), adds a warm and toasty flavor, and aids in texture.
Salt- Not only does salt enhance the flavor, it is also included for preservation. It’s great how long I can keep a bag of cereal in the pantry without it going stale!
Raisin Bran Nutrition Facts
Cereal can sometimes get a bad rep for nut being nutritious. Sure, there is some sugar but there’s also other great additions-
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Calories: 190
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fats: 1g
Fiber: 7g
A single cup of this cereal is moderate in calories. It has a bit of protein, a good amount of carbs (as expected!), a small amount of dietary fats, and a decent amount of fiber!
Overall, this Raisin Bran nutrition isn’t too dang bad!
Benefits of Raisin Bran
Some benefits of Raisin Bran include its palatability, nostalgic flavor, shelf-stable, and inclusion of dried fruit.
In addition to it’s other great qualities, the positive nutrition of Raisin Bran include having protein and fiber!
Detriments of Raisin Bran
There are not too many detriments of Raisin Bran.
The greatest would be the sugar content that is added to make it highly palatable. This addition adds additional calories that may be unnecessary.
Taste of Raisin Bran
The whole grain bran flakes have a robust, earthy flavor while the raisins are sweet and juicy. Combined with the sugar and brown sugar syrup, you get a crunchy bite with bursts of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Have some questions that haven’t been answered yet? You may find your answer here:
Is Raisin Bran healthy?
Although whole grains and raisins are nutritious, Raisin Bran isn’t something to have everyday. Enjoy this cereal in moderation.
Where can I buy Raisin Bran?
Raisin Bran is widely available at most local grocery stores, larger chain grocers, Target, and many other stores. You can even get it from Amazon, now!
Is Raisin Bran gluten free?
No, Raisin Bran is not gluten-free. Its ingredients include whole grain wheat, bran, and malt flavor, all of which contain gluten.
How much sugar is in Raisin Bran?
Do you still have an unanswered question? Leave it in the comments down below and I will get you an answer as soon as I am able!
A Word From A Registered Dietitian
The big question parents tend to have are, ‘should I be offering this to my child for breakfast?’. Well, that is dependent on too many factors than we can dive into here!
Raisin Bran can be a part of a nutritious breakfast. Pair a serving with skim milk for additional protein. If this isn’t enough, try pairing the combination with some turkey links, eggs, fruit or yogurt!
If they only want to have Raisin Bran for breakfast but you want them to have a bit more substance (and nutrition!) try topping a bowl of Greek yogurt with the cereal! This way they get the cereal and you know they have some protein in their meal.
All About Raisin Bran Key Takeaways
Not in the mood to read the entire article? Here’s the TL;DR:
- Raisin Bran was first produced by Kellogg’s in 1925.
- It is a cereal made of seven ingredients.
- The deep, toasty flakes pair well with the juicy raisins.
- Two great nutritious aspects are the fiber and protein content.
- It is a classic cereal that can be readily found.
Recipes Using Raisin Bran
Did you realize you can turn a box of Raisin Bran into something else? The wheat transforms while the raisins continue to add juicy flavor!
Pin NOW to SAVE for later!
Craving More?
If you loved this article check out these other ones:
- Walnuts vs Pecans: What’s the Difference?
- Fairlife Milk Review
- 25+ Greek Yogurt Combinations
- Pea Protein vs Soy Protein: What’s The Nutrition Difference?
If this article made you crave a bowl of Raisin Bran or you made one of the recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram! I’d LOVE to see it!
Leave a Reply