Review: Post Honey Bunches of Oats - Morning Energy

January is always a busy month in the cereal world as companies see it as a perfect opportunity to launch new brands and varieties. This year is no exception. So, over the coming weeks I will review a few of the new cereals that have caught my attention. As always, it is impossible (and not necessary) to review every cereal on the market, but hopefully these samplings will provide a glimpse into some of the noteworthy additions to the market.

One of the most successful current cereal franchises is Post's Honey Bunches of Oats, and there are now a plethora of varieties available. The latest, however, adds a slightly new twist. New Morning Energy Chocolatey Almond Crunch is obvious targeting those who are looking for a morning boost, both in energy and nutrition. It contains a mixture of chocolatey chunks, almonds, "crispy flakes, crunchy oat clusters, and a touch of wildflower honey." If it sells well, we may likely see other flavors coming in this sub-brand. So, how does this cereal stack up?


As a medley of various components Honey Bunches of Oats cereals typically provide a tasty breakfast, and new Morning Energy is no exception. In fact, the combination of chocolate and almonds alone make this is a delightful treat. Not too sweet, and only natural flavors. You can't go wrong on taste.

Again, a big part of the success of Honey Bunches of Oats has been the creative mixtures they have put together. This results not only in good tastes, but interesting textures. The combination here of flakes, clusters, almond slices and chocolate pieces gives a good feel in the mouth. Generally it all holds up well in milk, except that at 10 minutes the many smaller pieces lose the battle.

 

Keeping these 17 or so varieties of Honey Bunches of Oats interesting is no easy feat, but Post has done it with Morning Energy, by giving the box and logo a bold, energetic look. Even if the cereal doesn't offer much more appreciable food energy than most cereals, the box jumps. The overall experience is also enhanced by the chocolatey chunks - a touch of perceived authenticity.

An important part of the selling point for Morning Energy is its nutritional qualities, especially 6 grams of protein. For a cereal promoting energy it is not overladen with sugar (around 20% of total weight), but instead claims "energy that lasts", a reference to the higher protein quantity. It also boasts 5 grams of fiber per serving. All of this in combination with the usual fortified vitamins and minerals makes for a solid, healthful cereal.

All in all this is a solid new entry for 2014, and Post keeps finding a way to make Honey Bunches of Oats a brand of preference for many people. New Morning Energy certainly won't disappoint.

 (Review Protocol HERE)