Whole food · Breakfast Cereals
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic American ready-to-eat oat cereal, featuring sweetened oat pieces with a distinct maple and brown sugar flavor. It offers a satisfying, crunchy texture that softens slightly in milk, providing a quick, energy-dense breakfast. Per 100g, it delivers a substantial 373 kcal, primarily from carbohydrates (78.86g), with a notable 24.9g of added sugar.
People adore its comforting, nostalgic maple-brown sugar flavor and reliable crunch, making it a beloved staple for both children and adults. Its versatility shines as a quick bowl with milk, a topping for yogurt, or a standalone dry snack.
The high sugar content (24.9g/100g) can contribute to blood sugar spikes, making it a less ideal choice for those managing diabetes or seeking low-glycemic meals. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein and fat (like Greek yogurt or nuts) to slow glucose absorption, and practice portion control by measuring a single serving.
The LIFE cereal brand was famously marketed in the 1980s and 90s with the 'Mikey' commercials, featuring a picky younger brother who surprisingly liked the cereal.
| Water | 4.3 g |
| Energy | 373 kcal |
| Energy | 1561 kj |
| Protein | 9.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.1 g |
| Ash | 3.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 78.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 6.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 349 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 28.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 91.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 389 mg |
| Potassium, K | 262 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 477 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 13.5 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 1.3 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.5 mg |
| Niacin | 17.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 1.8 mg |
| Folate, total | 1436 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 37.0 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.56 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.77 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Is this cereal gluten-free?
No. LIFE Cereal is made from oats, which are often processed in facilities that handle wheat. It is not certified gluten-free and is generally not considered safe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
How does the sugar content compare to other breakfast cereals?
At 24.9g of sugar per 100g, it is on the higher end for a ready-to-eat cereal, containing more sugar than many plain oat-based or whole-grain options but less than some highly sweetened children's cereals.
Can I use this cereal in baking?
Yes. Its crunchy texture makes it a good substitute for rolled oats or other cereals in recipes for cookies, bars, or as a topping for fruit crumbles and crisps, adding a sweet, maple note.