As a vegetarian, vegan, or person avoiding pork for religious reasons, checking food labels is key But some ingredients can fly under the radar. You may be surprised to learn that several popular cereals contain pork derivatives like gelatin This guide will uncover what cereals have hidden pork and offer better breakfast options.
Why Pork Gelatin is Added to Cereals
While it may seem odd, gelatin from pork bones, skin and connective tissue can be added to cereals especially kinds with marshmallows. Gelatin provides
- Chewy texture
- Helps bind ingredients
- Controls moisture
- Improves shelf life
Pork gelatin has no taste, so manufacturers can sneak it in without affecting flavor. Unlike vegetable starches, it melts at body temperature, giving marshmallows and rice cereals their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
While convenient for processing, pork gelatin prevents certain consumers from enjoying these cereals. Let’s uncover the main culprits.
Common Cereals Containing Pork Gelatin
Here are some of the top cereals found to contain traces of pork gelatin:
- Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Ecto Cooler – Marshmallow ghosts
- Kellogg’s Froot Loops Marshmallow – Marshmallow versions
- Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Cereal – Marshmallow squares
- Kellogg’s Smorz – Marshmallow topping
- Kellogg’s Limited Edition Unicorn Cereal – Marshmallow stars
- General Mills Lucky Charms – Marshmallows
- Malt-O-Meal Marshmallow Mateys – Marshmallow puffs
- Ralston Foods Frosted Shredded Wheat – Possibly marshmallow topping
- Millville Marshmallow Stars – Marshmallow stars
- Post Waffle Crisp Cereal – May contain pork casing in waffles pieces
As you’ll notice, cereals with marshmallows tend to be the main culprits. But a few frosted cereals may also contain traces of bone char sugar or other hidden pork-derived ingredients.
Identifying Pork Gelatin on Labels
To avoid pork gelatin when selecting cereal, be diligent in checking packaging. Look for these telltale ingredients:
- Gelatin – Obviously derived from pork sources
- Natural Flavors – Can contain pork-derived glycerin
- Sugar – May come from bone char filtration
Call the 800 number listed on packaging if you have any concerns about certain ingredients. Many brands are transparent if asked directly about pork content. When in doubt, opt for another cereal variety.
Better Breakfast Cereal Options
While it takes a bit more label-reading, countless better breakfast options exist without sneaky pork additives:
Hot Cereals
- Cream of Wheat – Original, 1-minute, and instant packets
- Malt-O-Meal – Original and maple brown sugar
- Quaker Oats – Original, 1-minute, and instant packets
- Store Brand Oatmeal – Great Value, Essential Everyday, etc.
Cold Cereals
- Cheerios – All flavors
- Corn Flakes – Kellogg’s or Malt-O-Meal brands
- Rice Krispies – Original
- Frosted Mini Wheats – Original and bite size
- Grape Nuts – Original or Flakes
- Special K – Original
- Kashi – Heart to Heart, Go Lean, Good Friends
- Barbara’s – Puffins, Shredded Wheat
- Nature’s Path – Optimum, Flax Plus, Mesa Sunrise
Granola Cereals
- Bear Naked – Triple Berry Fit, Dark Chocolate & Nut, Vanilla Almond
- Kind – Maple Pumpkin, Cherry Cashew, Vanilla Blueberry
- Kashi – Berry Fruitful, Cinnamon Harvest, Salted Caramel
- Nature Valley – Baked Oat Crunchy Granola, Peanut Butter
- Quaker – Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds
Kids’ Cereals
- Kix
- Corn Pops
- Puffed Rice or Corn
- Rice Chex
- Kashi Mighty Bites
- EnviroKidz Organic Peanut Butter Puffs
With a bit of vigilance when shopping, you can easily find breakfast cereals to enjoy without the secrecy of pork additives. Companies like Barbara’s, EnviroKidz, and Nature’s Path specialize in vegan and allergy-friendly options.
Choose Your Morning Bowl Wisely
While you may not expect pork derivatives like gelatin to be lurking in classic cereals, being an informed shopper allows you to avoid them. Watch out for marshmallows, which can impart an invisible meaty texture. Opt for trustworthy hot oatmeals or cold crunchy cereals verified to be pork-free.
Read labels carefully and contact brands directly if unsure about certain suspicious ingredients. With an abundance of nutritious and delicious alternatives, you don’t have to miss out on the convenience of cereal for breakfast. Just become a more mindful cereal selector and you can fill your bowl without filling it with hidden pork.
Do marshmallows have pork?
FAQ
What cereals contain gelatin?
Does Lucky Charms cereal have pork in it?
Do rice krispies have beef gelatin?
What snacks have pork gelatin in them?
Do cereals contain pork?
Although it might seem surprising, some cereals contain traces of pork in the form of gelatin made from bones, cartilage, tendons and skin, as explained by CyberParent.com. Marshmallows are usually the culprit, and rarely, frosted cereals are a problem as well. A few cereals from Kellogg’s contain marshmallows made from pork gelatin.
What is an example of whole grain cereal?
A whole grain is the edible part of the grain, encompassing the bran, germ, and endosperm (the entire grain should be used intact). Grains are the seeds of plants called cereals. Examples of whole grain cereals are barley, bulgur, farro, millet, quinoa, black rice, brown rice, red rice.
Does breakfast cereal have pork gelatin?
Some breakfast cereals, especially those with marshmallow pieces or a frosted coating, may contain pork gelatin. Always check the ingredients list on the cereal box to ensure it’s free from gelatin if you’re trying to avoid it.
Which Lucky Charms cereals contain pork?
They include all Lucky Charms cereals (General Mills): the original version of Chocolate Lucky Charms and any special holiday versions of the cereal. The Malt-O-Meal cereals Marshmallow Mateys, and Frosted Mini Spooners also contain pork.