News Release

Nutritional content of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals marketed to children

JAMA Network Open

Peer-Reviewed Publication

JAMA Network

About The Study: Analysis of newly launched children’s ready-to-eat cereals from 2010 to 2023 revealed concerning nutritional shifts: notable increases in fat, sodium, and sugar alongside decreases in protein and fiber. Children’s cereals contain high levels of added sugar, with a single serving exceeding 45% of the American Heart Association’s daily recommended limit for children. These trends suggest a potential prioritization of taste over nutritional quality in product development, contributing to childhood obesity and long-term cardiovascular health risks.

Corresponding Authors: To contact the corresponding authors, email Shuoli Zhao, PhD, (szhao@uky.edu) and Qingxiao Li, PhD, (qli@agcenter.lsu.edu).

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11699)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

Embed this link to provide your readers free access to the full-text article This link will be live at the embargo time http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.11699?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=052125


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.