Goodness Of Grains
With a Ph. D. in Grain Science, D’Anne uses her extensive knowledge of grains and their chemistry to help develop new foods for Kellogg. Here, she talks about how grains can play an important role at the breakfast table and help provide a good start to any day.
What makes grains a smart choice for breakfast?
D’ANNE: In general, grains are a part of a balanced diet and we’re learning more every day. One of the greatest strengths, and the reason I incorporate them in my diet, is their contribution to both my soluble and insoluble fiber intake. Plus, there’s a wide variety of grains available that appeal to varied tastes and needs – there’s no need to be bored eating the same breakfast every day.
Why add vitamins and nutrients to grains? Aren’t they nutritious on their own?
D’ANNE: Cooking and milling grains so they can be consumed can sometimes remove key nutrients. Plus, there continues to be deficiencies in key nutrients in a lot of adult and children’s diets. Cereal and milk can be a leading source of select nutrients in many children’s diets.
How have Kellogg’s cereals evolved over the years?
D’ANNE: People’s tastes have changed when it comes to what they want for breakfast and our cereals are evolving to meet them. We’ve learned to modify the textures and flavors of grains by cooking them in different ways. And we’ve added extras like fruit and nuts. It’s sort of the same approach people take at home, modifying one of their favorite recipes for a great new taste.
What is Kellogg doing to help parents make smart choices for their kids?
D’ANNE: We’ve become more vocal about explaining the benefits of cereal, on topics like the fiber and whole grain benefits of a cereal breakfast, and the great combination of cereal and milk to help deliver nutritious grains plus protein.
But what about parents who think there’s too much sugar in cereals?
D’ANNE: We understand sugar is a concern for parents. In reality, cereal provides less than 5% of the added sugar in Americans’ diets. It can add taste and texture, and makes consuming nutrients fun and delicious. And, Kellogg offers several cereals with 5 grams of sugar or less per serving, like Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, Crispix, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, and Special K Original.
Do you have a favorite cereal?
D’ANNE: I grew up eating Kellogg’s cereals since my dad also worked for the company here in Battle Creek. So, I have several favorites actually – Raisin Bran, Kashi Autumn Wheat, and Frosted Min-Wheats Chocolate, a favorite when I reach for a little snack in the evening.
Finally, what’s next for Kellogg?
D’ANNE: We’re listening to people, learning more about what they want on their breakfast tables. We’re continuing to deliver more of the nutrition consumers want in our cereals, so you’ll see us offer more fiber and protein options. It’s our mission to remind people that cereal is still a great tasting, nutrition choice for their morning meal.
