# Cream Of Wheat Instant Hot Cereal, Maple & Brown Sugar > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Cream of Wheat - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Cereal & Breakfast - **Size:** 12.30 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cream-of-wheat-instant-hot-cereal-maple-brown-sugar-1230-oz - **Slug:** `cream-of-wheat-instant-hot-cereal-maple-brown-sugar-1230-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains added sugars, industrial additives (guar gum, caramel color), a synthetic preservative (BHT), natural flavors, and is an instant fortified mix, which aligns with ultra-processed (NOVA 4) products. ## Review Cream Of Wheat Instant Hot Cereal, Maple & Brown Sugar is a sweet, quick porridge mix sold in the breakfast aisle alongside instant oatmeal, grits, and other hot-cereal packets. You'll often see it near boxes of flavored porridges, pancake mixes, and shelf-stable breakfast staples that promise a fast, warm morning meal. It fits into rushed weekday mornings, back-to-school breakfast routines, cozy weekend brunches when someone wants a simple warm bowl, and pantry lists for storm prep when nonperishable, easy-to-make foods are needed. The brand leans on long-standing American breakfast heritage, appealing to shoppers who remember a parent or grandparent stirring a pot of hot cereal, but the flavored instant varieties aim at busy families and value-conscious shoppers who want convenience and a familiar sweet taste. Packaging and labels emphasize flavor—Maple & Brown Sugar—and fortified nutrition with added iron and B vitamins, creating a mild health halo around the words fortified and vitamins; the ingredient list also shows natural flavors but there is no organic certification. The product is an industrially processed instant mix with added stabilizers and preservatives to preserve shelf life and texture. Sensory notes: when prepared with hot water or milk it becomes a smooth, spoonable porridge with a mild grainy creaminess, pronounced sweet maple and caramelized sugar notes, and a comforting warm aroma. The ritual is simple: measure, stir, wait a minute, and eat from a bowl with a spoon, often with milk, fruit, or a pat of butter added for richness. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 10 - **Calories:** 130 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 140mg (6% DV) - **Total carbs:** 29g (11% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 1g (4% DV) - **Total sugars:** 13g - **Added sugars:** 13g (26% DV) - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Wheat Farina, Sugar, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Salt, Defatted Wheat Germ, Dry Molasses, Caramel Color, Ferric Orthophosphate (Iron), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), BHT (to Preserve Freshness), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). ## Flagged ingredients - **BHT** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, weekend-brunch, storm-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient ## FAQ ### Is the Cream of Wheat Maple & Brown Sugar healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! This instant hot cereal packs some vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, which is great, but it also has added sugars and is relatively low in fiber and protein. So, if you're looking for a quick breakfast boost, it can fit into a balanced diet, but it's best enjoyed in moderation alongside plenty of whole foods. ### Is this Cream of Wheat vegan? Nope, it’s not vegan! While it doesn’t contain any obvious animal products, the ingredients list doesn’t have any certifications that would make it suitable for a strict vegan diet. If you’re looking for a plant-based breakfast, you might want to explore other options. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, this Cream of Wheat isn’t gluten-free. The primary ingredient is wheat farina, which means it’s off the menu for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you’re on a gluten-free journey, you might want to check out some oat or rice-based cereals instead. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in this instant cereal! It’s made with straightforward ingredients like wheat farina and sugar, so you can skip the worry about those oils that some folks try to avoid. It keeps things pretty simple in that department! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness comes from sugar and dry molasses, so you know what you're getting. It’s a classic approach, but keep in mind that it does have added sugars, which is something to consider if you're watching your intake. ### Is it high in sugar? Yes, it is on the higher side when it comes to sugar. With 13 grams of added sugars per serving, it’s definitely something to be aware of, especially if you’re trying to cut back. A little sweetness can be nice to kickstart your morning, but balance is key! ### What are healthier alternatives to this cereal? If you’re looking for healthier options, consider oatmeal or whole grain cereals that are higher in fiber and lower in sugar. You could also try overnight oats or chia pudding for a nutritious twist! These alternatives can offer more sustained energy and keep you fuller for longer. ### Can kids eat this Cream of Wheat? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this cereal, and they might love the maple and brown sugar flavor. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, and consider pairing it with some fruit or nuts to boost the nutrition a bit! ### Is it good for weight loss? While it can fit into a weight-loss plan, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something to keep you satisfied for longer. With its lower protein and fiber content, you might find yourself hungry again soon after eating it. Pairing it with protein or healthy fats could help you feel fuller. ### Is it ultra-processed? You could say it's on the processed side of things! With ingredients like guar gum and caramel color, it’s not exactly a whole food. But hey, sometimes a little convenience can be nice, especially in a busy morning routine! ## Related products - [Bob's Red Mill Polenta, Organic, Yellow Corn 24 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bobs-red-mill-polenta-organic-yellow-corn-24-oz-24-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bobs-red-mill-polenta-organic-yellow-corn-24-oz-24-oz - [Kind Bars Multipack, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kind-bars-multipack-peanut-butter-dark-chocolate-840-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kind-bars-multipack-peanut-butter-dark-chocolate-840-oz - [Kind Bars Multipack, Caramel Almond Sea Salt](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kind-bars-multipack-caramel-almond-sea-salt-840-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kind-bars-multipack-caramel-almond-sea-salt-840-oz - [General Mills Bluey Cereal](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bluey-general-mills-cereal-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bluey-general-mills-cereal-12-oz - [General Mills Fiber One Cereal Honey Clusters](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/fiber-one-general-mills-cereal-honey-clusters-1750-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/fiber-one-general-mills-cereal-honey-clusters-1750-oz - [Bob's Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats, Quick Cooking](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bobs-red-mill-organic-steel-cut-oats-quick-cooking-22-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bobs-red-mill-organic-steel-cut-oats-quick-cooking-22-oz - [Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Powerfuls Strawberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nutri-grain-kelloggs-powerfuls-strawberry-560-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nutri-grain-kelloggs-powerfuls-strawberry-560-oz - [Nature Valley Soft Baked Bar Banana Chocolate Chip](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nature-valley-soft-baked-bar-banana-chocolate-chip-885-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nature-valley-soft-baked-bar-banana-chocolate-chip-885-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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