Should Diabetics Eat Honey Nut Cheerios? (No, And Here's Why) - Tastylicious (2023)

Sugary cereals like Honey Nut Cheerios are a convenient way to boost energy without having to do all the prep. Honey Nut Cheerios have important vitamins and minerals, but they also have a lot of added sugar and a lot of carbs.

People with diabetes should avoid foods high in carbohydrates and added sugar, like Honey Nut Cheerios, to avoid causing a sugar spike in their blood. One regular serving of Honey Nut Cheerios contains 30 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar.

Honey Nut Cheerios also have a high glycemic index and glycemic load, which is why people with diabetes should avoid eating them.

This article will explain all the reasons why you shouldn't eat Honey Nut Cheerios if you have diabetes and will provide healthier alternatives as well.

Diabetes in a Nutshell

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that happens when the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin it does make in the right way.

Insulin is a hormone that helps control the blood sugar level. When the body does not use insulin correctly or does not produce enough, glucose can build up in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes - Juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes - Diabetes Mellitus or adult-onset diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - Appears during pregnancy and often goes away after delivery.

While there is no current cure for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you can help manage them by eating healthy food and following a healthy lifestyle. Unmanaged diabetes can result in various health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and kidney disease.

What Are Honey Nut Cheerios?

Honey Nut Cheerios are among the popular breakfast cereals manufactured by General Mills. They are a combination of whole-grain oats, real honey, and a natural almond flavor. Although Honey Nut Cheerios are a grain cereal, they contain refined carbs.

Although Honey Nut Cheerios are a great source of iron, calcium, and essential vitamins and minerals, they contain high amounts of carbohydrates, at 80 grams per 100-gram serving, 33 of which are added sugars that make this cereal delicious.

Despite being a popular breakfast and snack option, Honey Nut Cheerios are not suitable for people who like to manage their sugar levels, like people with diabetes.

Can Diabetics Eat Honey Nut Cheerios?

The quick answer is no; people with diabetes should not be eating Honey Nut Cheerios. In general, people with diabetes should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods low in added sugars and high in dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Since Honey Nut Cheerios have added sugars, they are not the best choice for a diabetic's diet.

Why Are Honey Nut Cheerios Not Suitable for Diabetics?

Honey Nut Cheerios Are High in Carbohydrates

A 100-gram serving of Honey Nut Cheerios contains 80 grams of carbohydrates, which means Honey Nut Cheerios are 80% refined carbs.

People with diabetes should avoid eating too many carbohydrates because carbohydrates get broken down into glucose, the body's primary energy source.

When too much glucose is present in the bloodstream, it can be difficult for the body to process and store it properly, leading to an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Also, carbs are quickly broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream, which makes blood sugar levels rise quickly. This can be bad for people with diabetes, who need to keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels to stay healthy.

Honey Nut Cheerios Have High Added Sugar

A 100-gram serving of Honey Nut Cheerios contains 33 grams of added sugar. Although there is no direct link between sugar and diabetes, sugar does contribute to obesity, and obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes.

Added sugar immediately increases blood sugar levels in the blood, causing a blood sugar spike. Unlike carbohydrates in the form of fiber, added sugar is a simple sugar that gets easily digested and used.

According to the Diabetes Organization, people with diabetes should limit their sugar intake to 30 grams daily. Eating 100 grams of Honey Nut Cheerios would have already reached your maximum daily limit.

Honey Nut Cheerios Have A High Glycemic Index

Honey Nut Cheerios has a glycemic index of 75, which means it belongs to the list of foods with a high glycemic index.

As a summary, here's a quick glycemic index guide for different foods:

• Low Glycemic Index: 1 to 55
• Medium Glycemic Index: 56 to 69
• High Glycemic Index: 70 and higher

The glycemic index (GI) measures the relative effects of different carbohydrate-containing foods on blood glucose levels. When you eat foods with a high GI, your blood sugar rises quickly, but when you eat foods with a low GI, your blood sugar rises more slowly and steadily.

Eating foods with a low GI can help people with diabetes better manage their blood glucose levels. Eating low-GI foods can also help prevent rapid blood glucose drops, which can cause hypoglycemia.

Low-GI foods can also help people feel fuller for longer, which may help reduce snacking and overeating.

Honey Nut Cheerios Have A High Glycemic Load

A 100-gram serving of Honey Nut Cheerios has a glycemic load of 60, which is very high. Unlike the glycemic index, which is constant, a food's glycemic load varies depending on the serving size.

Glycemic load takes into account both the number of carbs in a food and its glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic load cause a slow, steady rise in blood sugar levels, whereas foods with a high glycemic load cause a rapid spike in blood sugar.

To calculate a food's glycemic load, you must multiply its carbohydrate content by its glycemic index and divide it by 100. Here's a quick guide on the glycemic load range:

• Low Glycemic Load - 0 to 10
• Medium Glycemic Load - 11 to 19
• High Glycemic Load - More than 20

According to their website, the serving size of Honey Nut Cheerios is about 37 grams, which contains 30 grams of carbohydrates. This means that the glycemic load of one serving of Honey Nut Cheerios is 22.5, which is still considered high.

Can Honey Nut Cheerios Lower Blood Sugar?

No, Honey Nut Cheerios can't lower your blood sugar. Even though it has important vitamins and minerals, it also has a lot of carbs and added sugar, which raises blood sugar instead of lowering it.

Can Honey Nut Cheerios Raise Blood Sugar?

Yes, Honey Nut Cheerios can raise your blood sugar as they are high in carbohydrates and sugar. The carbohydrates in Honey Nut Cheerios get broken down into glucose quickly, which can increase your blood sugar levels.

Since Honey Nut Cheerios have high amounts of carbs and added sugar, they also have a high glycemic index and glycemic load, which you should consider if you're trying to manage diabetes.

Top 10 Healthier Honey Nut Cheerios Alternatives

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a hearty and nutritious breakfast cereal option. It has high fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer, and is low in calories and fat. Plus, it's easy to customize with toppings like dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.

2. Chia Pudding

A great way to start your day with a healthy dose of protein and fiber is to eat chia pudding. Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

3. Granola

Granola is a great cereal alternative, full of crunchy goodness and nutrients. It usually comes with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which you can customize with dried fruit, yogurt, and other toppings.

4. Muesli

Muesli is a popular cold cereal alternative with oats, nuts, and dried fruit. It has high fiber and low sugar, and you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings.

5. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a great grain cereal alternative for those seeking a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. You can add them to cereal, smoothies, yogurt, and more.

6. Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious cereal alternative that's high in protein and fiber. You can have it as a hot cereal or add it to yogurt, smoothies, and salads.

7. Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are a healthy cereal alternative for those seeking a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. You can add them to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and more.

8. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a nutritious cereal alternative that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can eat it as a hot cereal or add it to smoothies and salads.

9. Chia & Coconut Cereal

Chia & Coconut Cereal is a great cereal alternative for those looking for a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This cereal mix contains chia seeds, coconut flakes, and nuts that are good for weight loss.

10. Oat Bran

Oat bran is a nutritious cereal alternative that's high in fiber and low in calories. It's easy to customize with your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds and add to smoothies, yogurt, and more.