Written by Abby Gelineau, Dietetic Intern, University of Minnesota School of Public health
Updated December 3, 2024
Quaker® is a household brand that most of you have probably already heard of. They are famous for their large variety of heart healthy oatmeal products that are a delicious breakfast option. However, did you know they make several other great products as well? Another great breakfast option that is also a fantastic option for kids is Life cereal. Life cereal is a heart healthy cereal with low sodium and low added sugar. It is also high in iron, folate, and fiber. These three things all contribute to heart health by improving oxygen in the body and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, contributing to a healthier future for you and your family.(1-3)
Other great snack options made by Quaker® include Chewy granola bars and Rice Crisps. Throw a granola bar in your kids’ lunch with the knowledge that you are providing them with a snack that is 100% whole grain, low in added sugar and sodium, and has a little added calcium that helps strengthen their growing bones. If you are looking for a snack in place of your usual chips, try out the Quaker® Rice Crisps for a low sodium, low added sugar, and whole grain packed chip snack. These whole grain snacks all contribute to a healthy heart by improving blood cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk(4). They have them in all sorts of flavors such as apple cinnamon, buttermilk ranch, caramel, cheddar, sour cream and chive, and more.
Gingerbread Spice Holiday Snack
By Quaker®
What You Need:
- 3 cups Life Cereal – Original
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried banana slices (not infused or added sugar or fat)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (not infused or added sugar)
- 2 tbsp mini red and green chocolate baking candies
What You Do:
- Place cereal in medium bowl.
- Sprinkle with almonds, dried banana slices, cranberries and chocolate baking
candies. - Toss to combine and serve.
- Store in tightly closed container.
References
1. Office of Dietary Supplements – Iron. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/.
2. Office of Dietary Supplements – Folate. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/.
3. Eat more fiber-rich foods to foster heart health. Harvard Health. April 8, 2014. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/eat-more-fiber-rich-foods-to-foster-heart-health.
4. Get to Know Grains: Why You Need Them, and What to Look For. www.heart.org. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/whole-grains-refined-grains-and-
dietary-fiber.
