Iron is a vital mineral and it is crucial to ensure that you’re getting enough of it through your diet. Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, while also playing an important role in normal energy metabolism, oxygen transport, cognitive function, immune function and the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
If we don’t have good iron intake, our bodies won’t function as well as they should. However, you’ll be glad to know that some cereals can be a great way to introduce iron into your diet!
Iron fortified cereals are a great way to add iron to your diet. If you are unable to meet your body’s iron needs through food alone, Active Iron is a safe and easily absorbed iron supplement. Click here to visit our store!
Fortified Breakfast Cereals High in Iron
Some breakfast cereals contain a healthy amount of iron, since they have been fortified with the mineral. Very few breakfast cereals naturally contain high levels of iron, so it is often added by manufacturers to make them a better source of the nutrient.
Some breakfast cereals provide a great source of iron due to effective fortification. However, it’s important to read the nutrition label to check the iron content and be mindful of other ingredients. Choosing a cereal that is rich in iron but low in sugar can be a smart option. As you may already be aware, many ready-to-eat cereals contain high levels of added sugars, which are not healthy for our bodies!
Iron Rich Cereals: What Cereals Are High in Iron?
It can be difficult to find the best iron rich cereals when there is so much to choose from. Considering the wide variety of breakfast cereals currently on the market, it can be daunting selecting one that is beneficial for you. That’s why we’ve put this list together – so you can choose a breakfast cereal that has sufficient iron content but is also tasty!
Getting all the iron you need can prove to be a challenge. 14mg is the recommended daily allowance, so we’ve included the iron content of these cereals for you to help you achieve your iron intake goals.
Iron Rich Cereals
Grape Nuts Flakes 28mg/100g
Made from whole grains, this flakey cereal is packed full of nutrients that our bodies love. Grape Nuts Flakes is high in fibre and low in fat. As well as that, this breakfast cereal is high in iron & folic acid – it’s a win-win!
Special K 14mg/100g
If donning your best red dress is not enough of an incentive, then it may surprise you that Special K, and its many varieties, are fortified with iron and make this a great breakfast cereal choice.
Multigrain Cheerios 12mg/100g
A classic! Multigrain Cheerios are made with whole grains as the first ingredient. This cult favorite is a great source of fibre & calcium, is high in iron and gluten free – so, suitable for coeliacs.
Weetabix 12mg/100g
Whether you like them with warm milk or cold and crunchy, Weetabix are a breakfast classic loved by many. Packed with goodness, Weetabix are a tasty source of fibre and iron. As an added bonus, Weetabix have less sugar than a lot of other cereals. Just two biscuits give you around 4.5mg of iron to power you through your morning!
Rice Krispies 8mg/100g
These tiny rice puffs snapped, crackled and popped onto breakfast tables back in the 1920s and they’ve been fueling us with iron-packed goodness ever since! Light, crispy, and full of history, they’re a breakfast classic that never goes out of style.
Cornflakes 8mg/100g
Cornflakes might be simple, but they pack a punch. Thanks to clever fortification techniques, these golden flakes are enhanced with iron and other essential vitamins and minerals – making them a crunchy, iron-rich start to your day.
Bran Flakes 8mg/100g
Bran Flakes were practically a symbol of healthy breakfasts in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s – synonymous with fibre and wholesome choices. But they’re not just about fibre! These crunchy flakes can also be a sneaky source of iron to help power your day.
Disclaimer: All values correct on date of publishing, check with your local health authority for more details. Values may vary depending on manufacturer.
Cereals High in Iron Available in UK & Ireland
• Healthwise Bran Flakes
• Kellogg’s Multigrain Cheerios
• Kellogg’s Special K, Original
• Weetabix
Iron Supplementation even if you Eat an Iron Rich Breakfast Cereal
Eating a breakfast cereal that is high iron alone may not be sufficient to provide your body with the iron it needs for essential functions like blood cell production and oxygen transport.
Following a varied diet and healthy lifestyle should allow you to meet your iron needs. However, it’s important to be aware of other foods that temporarily stop your body from absorbing iron, like tea and coffee. If you are unable to meet your iron needs through your diet and you choose to supplement, consider an iron supplement that is suitable for Vegetarians and kind on your system.