mothernature

Narrow Your Choices

Library Home > Food Guide > Hot Cereals

HOT CEREALS

Hot Cereals
Visit The Healthy Living Bookshelf:
w

Oatmeal still tops the list of hot-cereal favorites, especially on chilly winter mornings.

Top

Originating in Europe as porridge, and later a popular dish among early settlers in the United States, hot cereals have been a mainstay for thousands of years. The most popular hot cereal is oatmeal, but as other types of grains are becoming better known, a wider variety of hot cereals is becoming available.

Top

Varieties

Nearly any grain can be cooked into hot cereal. Look for grits, meal, bran, germ, groats, flakes, and other forms.

Top

Buying and storing tips

Hot cereals can be purchased in ready-to-cook form in packages, as well as in the bulk section of most health food or grocery stores. Store cereal in sealed glass or plastic containers, or in tightly sealed plastic bags, in a cool, dark cupboard.

Top

Availability

Hot cereal is available year-round.

Top

Preparation, uses, and tips

Cooking procedures and times vary slightly according to the type of grain, and whether it is a regular or instant variety. Prepare hot cereal with milk or water, and follow the directions on the package. Add dried fruit, chopped walnuts, or crushed flaxseeds to hot cereal, or top cooked cereal with fresh fruit. Combine several varieties of grain for maximum flavor and nutrition. Although best known as a breakfast food, hot cereal can be enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, too.

Top

Nutritional Highlights

Hot cereal (plain oatmeal, regular and quick), 1 cup (234g)
Calories: 145
Protein: 6.0g
Carbohydrate: 25g
Total Fat: 2.3g
Fiber: 4.0g
*Good source of: Thiamine (0.26mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.

Top

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for cereals
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other cereals. Read about health benefits and concerns for cereals for a full description.

Top