Review: goh-goh granolas

Last week I reported on the innovative new goh-goh cereals that only require added water because of the powdered milk in the single-serving cups. This is intended to be the ultimate in cereal convenience. Sunny Crunch Foods sent me samples of their four current offerings, and here's a combined review of them.

While goh-goh is expected to be eventually available in other cereal types, at present the focus is on granola. The four varieties are: Blueberry Greek Yogurt, Chocolate Chip Crunch, Honey Hemp & Flax, and Raisin & Almond.


The unique selling point of goh-goh cereals is the powdered milk. So, when evaluating taste the issue extends beyond the normal profile of ingredients. The ultimate question is: Can goh-goh match the taste of real milk in cereal? In short, the answer is, mostly. I must admit to having been skeptical at first, having many bad memories of disgusting skim milk powders in the past. goh-goh is really clear that they are using dehydrated whole milk, and the difference is noticeable. While I cannot say that the taste is 100% identical to real milk, it comes pretty close according to my taste buds. My wife, however, is much more taste sensitive, and was not as forgiving. Nonetheless, I believe that most people will not be distracted by the milk taste, and if anything, will overlook any minor differences due to the convenience advantages.

As far as the cereals themselves are concerned, they are fairly typical granolas, despite the variance in ingredients. My favorite, clearly, was the Blueberry Greek Yogurt, followed by the Chocolate Chip Crunch. Most disappointing was the Raisin & Almond. There were maybe 3 or 4 raisins in the entire cup, and its incorporation of rice crisps lessened that wholesome granola impact. All said, the taste of these hardly stand out, however, any one would be satisfying for most people on the run.

As granolas, these cereals are fairly predictable as far as texture is concerned. The oats have substance and hold out well in milk. Generally, the ingredients were much finer than in typical granolas, and there were virtually no granola clusters anywhere. The only texture disappointment relates to my previous comment on the Raisin & Almond variety. The rice crisps made for a much less hearty serving.

The convenience of just adding water contributes greatly to a wow experience for those looking to eat breakfast on the run. Again, this is what makes this cereal stand out. the packaging highlights this, but I find the overall design of the single-serving cups too cluttered, thereby potentially distracting from the strong message that consumers need to see when seeing these in a store.

goh-goh also wants to position these cereals as wholesome and nutritious. As granolas they meet that standard, for the most part. Each serving is in the 220-290 calorie range and with significant fiber. Sugar content, as is typical with granolas, is slightly higher than ideal, in the 20-30% range of total weight category; but in reality it is actually higher compared to other cereals, considering that milk is also included in the calculations. Nonetheless, you could do much more worse in picking a cereal.

In the end, goh-goh granolas are a solid choice for consumers, especially when considering the convenience factor. Having these on the go would be an excellent option for most people, and may keep more people eating cereal in an age when people are turning to other foods for their morning nourishment. 

All you need is a spoon. 

Review: 2016 Pumpkin Spice Cereals

Fall is now officially here, so it is finally appropriate to review the three new pumpkin spice cereals that have hit the grocery aisle in recent weeks. Pumpkin spice has quickly become the trendy flavor for this time of year, almost to the point of overkill. Nevertheless, at least so far, this has come to be the foundation of comfort foods preparing us for the cooler, darker days ahead.

Last year I reviewed the first ever such cereal, Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Pumpkin Spice. I was thoroughly impressed, and it remains one of the highest rated cereals I have ever reviewed. Apparently Kellogg has re-released this cereal this year (although I have not seen in any stores yet), but my intent this time is only to review the newcomers to the market: General Mills Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, Kellogg's Special K Pumpkin Spice Crunch, and Quaker Life Pumpkin Spice. This will be one review, but of these three cereals.

Taste. Of course, the whole point of these cereals is the taste. People crave the pumpkin spice flavors (usually comprised of such spices as nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves), and these products had better deliver. The challenge that cereal makers have is creating a recipe that highlights the special flavors, but without being overwhelming. For the most part, these three cereals do that, finding a good balance using varieties of existing high-profile cereals on the market. If I close my eyes and taste, the pumpkin spice theme definitely is there, but to varying degrees. Probably the most disappointing is the Cheerios, as in my assessment the cloves are much too pronounced (and I'm not crazy about cloves). The Life edition provided the greatest surprise, with a strong kick of spice on first bite. The Special K seemed to have the best balance of flavors, with the leftover milk in the bowl providing a great treat in itself. One other point of interest, the Cheerios was the only one of the three listing actual pumpkin puree as an ingredient. RATINGS: Special K (5), Life (4), Cheerios (3).

Texture. In many ways texture should not be a big surprise since two of the cereals (i.e. Cheerios and Life) are almost identical to their originally flavored sibling. The woven Life squares are lightly crunchy, but soften as they bathe in milk. Cheerios the same. The Special K version emphasizes "crunch," which is largely achieved by a light sugar coating of the flakes. Overall, it is the latter that shines - the crunchy flakes hold their own even after sitting in milk for 10 minutes. RATINGS: Special K (5), Cheerios (3), Life (3)

Experience. These cereals are all about the experience, which includes the taste, but incorporates so much more. As indicated earlier, they tap into our emotional needs as we enter autumn. So, to a certain degree they all achieve this, with their fall colors and images on the boxes. But, it is Cheerios that really stands out. The predominately orange box stands out, and more importantly the cereal itself (partly due to the fact that they use real pumpkin) has an orange tinge. Life and Special K don't go these extra miles. RATINGS: Cheerios (5), Life (4), Special K (4)

Nutrition. This discussion sometimes kills the fun, but in the end food should provide nutritional value, pumpkin spice cereals included. Life Pumpkin Spice comes closest to retaining the value of original Life: slightly more protein than many cereals, and a reasonable amount of sugar. The other two definitely work on sweetness, almost hitting 30% of weight in the form of sugar. Beyond that, they all emphasize whole grains, are fortified with vitamins and minerals, and are free of artificial flavors. RATINGS: Life (4), Special K (3), Cheerios (3)

Overall. If you want the full pumpkin spice immersion this fall, then incorporating one of these breakfast foods will be worth it. In the end, they all come out pretty close, but none can beat out Mini-Wheats Pumpkin Spice. If you have to choose from these three new ones just one go with the Special K. I would encourage you, however, to try all three, because, remember, these are limited edition cereals. In a few months they will no longer be available and you might miss the opportunity. Of course, by that time you will also be so tired of pumpkin spice in your life that you'll be ready for something different! RATINGS: Special K (4), Life (4), Cheerios (4).

(Review protocol here)

Review: General Mills' Tiny Toast

As I've pointed out before, this blog is not focused on cereal reviews, but the industry and phenomenon of breakfast cereal. Nevertheless, every once in a while a particular cereal comes across my breakfast table that is of such significance that it deserves a careful look and taste test.

The new Tiny Toast cereals from General Mills provide a perfect occasion to grab a bowl (or two, in this case) to provide my impressions of what they bill as their "first new cereal brand in 15 years," an over-hyped claim in my opinion. These received much attention when released a couple of months ago, and General Mills is hoping that they will generate some of the same kind of excitement that some of their other "toast" cereals enjoy, namely Cinnamon Toast Crunch and French Toast Crunch.

Tiny Toast comes in two flavors, blueberry and strawberry, and both will be considered in this one review.


So, how do these new cereals actually taste? In short, pretty good. With the increasing commitment of General Mills (and other companies) to use only natural flavors, newer cereals are much more pleasant and muted, than the blasts of flavors that come from artificial ingredients (let alone the powerful whiff of chemical scents that erupt from the bags of newly open cereals with artificial flavors). The blueberry and strawberry flavors here are evident, although I like the strawberry better. Blueberry Tiny Toasts actually bordered on lacking in taste.

An obvious distinguishing point of this brand are the tiny little toast pieces, and they are pleasant to consume - light, and only mildly crunchy out of the box. In other words, they go down easy, but have substance. They also hold their own in milk, although after ten minutes they start to get a little gummy.

Breakfast cereal is about so much more than just the cereal itself, and with Tiny Toast General Mills has created a brand with some personality and that is tied in with their previous toast varieties. Just the idea of eating tiny toasts is fun, and the cartoonish look of the box and logo contribute to that impression. But, despite the design and "Match the Hashtag" game on the back, this cereal is not intended just for children. The pictures and statements on the front that these contain real fruit, remind everyone that these are somewhat serious eats too.

If this is somewhat serious, then what about the nutritional qualities of Tiny Toast. Despite the claims of natural flavor, natural colors, fortified vitamins and minerals, and "First ingredient: whole grain," these cereals are nutritionally meh. There is only 2g of protein, and 1g of fiber, and the percentage of sugar by weight is over 30%. Not that I was expecting more, but don't be fooled - this is not for those looking for a nutritional powerhouse.

Overall, even with the fanfare, Tiny Toasts are an interesting addition to the General Mills lineup, and in the short-term should garner consumer attention; but I really do not see anything special here. They have something to offer as an experience, but in a year or two will likely follow the fate of many new cereals that have come and gone over the years. By all means, try them for yourself, and let me know if they become a favorite of yours, or just a little occasional variety for your morning breakfast bowl.

Review: "natural" Trix

As I have previously stated this blog is not intended to review every cereal out there - that is an endeavor all its own. But, every once in a while a cereal shows up that needs to be reviewed, and the latest iteration of Trix from General Mills is one such case.

For years, Trix has definitely been on the list of iconic sugared cereals targeted to children. If you look back at the boxes and overall development of the brand over the years it easy to see that this cereal is all about fun. For many years the widely-used phrase "Trix is for kids" said it all. It was sweet, brightly colored, and featured a crazy mascot.

Of course, we all know the pressure that cereal companies have been under to get healthier and tone done the marketing to children. Last year General Mills declared their intent to start eliminating artificial colors and flavors from their cereals. They are now starting to follow through on their promises and a reformulated Trix is the result. The box clearly highlights that it contains "NO high fructose corn syrup, NO colors from artificial sources, and NO artificial flavors." Instead it is "naturally fruit flavored sweetened corn puffs with other natural flavors."

So, does it measure up to the wild and crazy Trix of the past?


Let's start with taste. Actually, let's start by opening the cereal bag. One of things that I always find fascinating (and somewhat disturbing) is how when you open up a bag of cereal with lots of artificial ingredients the initial waft of smell is almost overpowering. It's not pleasant, at least not to me. Now, with more "natural" Trix, that atomic blast of synthetic odor is missing. There's still a hint of that funky "this-isn't-a-healthy-cereal" smell, but at least it's tolerable. And that's a good thing. Back to taste. Not that I was ever a big fan of Trix, but my overall impression remains less than enthusiastic. The taste is definitely more natural, but I can't say that it leaves a heightened fruit experience in my mouth. Overall, the flavors are much more muted.

The texture of Trix is not surprising. Corn puff balls have the capacity to provide some good out-of-the-box crunch and hold together well in milk. The sugar coating adds a layer of protection, and so even after 10 minutes the cereals is far from mush and pleasant to eat. Nothing really new here.

A big part of Trix's past success has been the experience, both outside and inside the box. The cereal itself has definitely gone down a few notches on the experience scale. The muted flavor does not help. And the colors are so much more boring (and actually very similar to the original Trix decades ago). The more recent blues and greens (despite their artificial nature) definitely added color to the breakfast bowl. These yellow, pink, orange and purple balls just don't match up. With the new formula, General Mills also changed the box. Still hints at fun, but it's a much simpler design indicative of a much simpler cereal. Still some game-y stuff on the back.

What about nutrition? In the past Trix would have scored real low. While the new recipe contains whole grains, and lacks high-fructose corn syrup and those nasty artificial flavors and colors, the overall nutrition profile has hardly changed. It's still over 30% of sugar by weight, and the fiber content hasn't really changed.

In the end, new Trix has become just another boring sugared cereal. I admire General Mills living up to its convictions (albeit consumer pressure), but whatever specialness Trix has had is now diminished. Probably the only thing it has going for it is its brand recognition and equity. If this were a brand new cereal entering the marketing it would be DOA. Sad, but part of the new cereal reality.

Review: Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Pumpkin Spice

Thanks to Starbucks Pumpkin Spice has been a popular fad the last several years, but this fall it seems as if everyone has jumped on the bandwagon to take advantage of the annual rite of heading toward winter. Kellogg is one example of a me-too company that hopes to capitalize on this taste frenzy, and has released a Limited Edition of Frosted Mini-Wheats Pumpkin Spice. Is this just another copycat effort, or is it a legitimate cereal? Let's find out.


The whole point behind pumpkin spice is the flavor, and this cereal had better live up to its expectations. Well it does. My biggest fear is that would be laden with artificial flavors or over-dosed with the spices. It does neither. Kellogg uses only natural flavors and their is only a hint of the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice. Just enough to ensure that this is what the box says it is, but allows the mild, lightly sweetened pumpkin taste to come through. Pretty impressive.

Texture for this product is no surprise, as Mini-Wheats are Mini-Wheats. But, the combination with the pumpkin spice flavor is a great combination. Even right out of the box, the grainy nature goes well with it, but after soaking in milk for 5-10 minutes its even better as the smooth texture is a great fit for what we want from pumpkin.

Pumpkin spice has become a hot item because it is a comfort food, and therefore the experience it delivers is critical. Kellogg has made sure to conform this cereal to the larger cultural demands. There's orange frosting, and the box speaks autumn and wholeness. It works.

Cereals that are designed for experience are typically not paragons of healthfulness. But, this one comes pretty close. As they highlight on the box with milk it delivers up to 9g of protein, and like all Mini-Wheats the whole grains provide an excellent source of fiber. With the one exception of the sugar content a little higher than the 20% of weight threshold, this cereal has a well-rounded nutritional profile. Even the sugar content can be forgiven considering the enjoyable, seasonal nature of this product.

What more can I say? If you crave pumpkin spice, this is one cereal you will want to eat. And, because it is a limited edition you may want to stock up. Otherwise it will be an entire year until you can have your fix again!

(Review protocol HERE)

Review: Kellogg's Origins

Earlier this year Kellogg announced Origins, a new line intended to tap into the growing market for more natural and healthy cereals, and as attempt to turn around the sales struggles that the company has had. While the six varieties making up the brand have been showing up in stores for several months already, more recently their presence has been noticeable with significant shelf space and deliberate marketing.

It's time to give these cereals a spin in the bowl and see what they're really like. With six different products to choose from, this will not be a detailed and rated review on each product like I've done with other cereals, but a more general overview of how Kellogg is doing with this new venture.

With Origins Kellogg, not quite sure of what will really work, does not want to miss any opportunities. There are actually three categories: cereal, granola and muesli; and two of each of those:

• Fruit & Nut Blend Cereal
• Ancient Grains Blend Cereal
• Raisin Apple Granola
• Cranberry Almond with Pumpkin Seeds Granola
• Apricot Cashew Coconut with Raisins & Almonds Muesli
• Raisin Apricot Cranberry with Pumpkin Seeds Muesli

On first glance Origins products definitely stand out. The Kellogg's name is boldly emblazoned on the front and the red theme gives these products a distinct look apart from what the other big companies are offering at this time. The one puzzling aspect of the packaging is that the Origins story is not as pronounced as it could be. Sure, on the back they talk about "Real food, prepared simply" but more could be done in the overall design to convey the natural, wholesome nature of the cereals. I'm not convinced that the average consumer will pick up on this.

The emphasis with Origins is on wholesome and nutritious. They are clear to point out features like the lack of artificial flavors and hydrogenated oils, and the quantities of fiber and whole grains. While there is a certain simplicity to the ingredient list, the nutritious virtue is not perfect. For example, sugar content is still higher than ideal (> 20% of weight).

From the taste samples that I have had, I can say that these are certainly pleasant eating. Being naturally focused, they don't want overpowering flavors, but the blends they have come up with are tasty. The sweetness level helps as well. But, these are far from knock-out recipes, although the mueslis may be the most interesting.

In the end, Kellogg's Origins are a solid new offering that you should at least try. Whether they turn around Big K's fortunes is yet to be seen, but they may have found a way to attract consumers looking for healthier cereals who might not be ready to jump to their nerdy Kashi line.

Review: General Mills' French Toast Crunch

The big cereal story a couple of months ago was General Mills' reintroduction of a previously discontinued cereal, French Toast Crunch. After vigorous campaigning from passionate fans the company decided that was a good PR move, and hopefully a revenue generator as well.

With all the hype surrounding the return of this cereal I figured this would be a great opportunity to discover what I missed over eight years ago when the cereal disappeared from the store shelves. For some reason I do have not any fond memories of French Toast Crunch, so it was not particularly exciting for me to hear of its return. So, this could be my second chance to find out whether this is the best thing since Corn Flakes. Or not.


So, what's the draw? For most people the allure of French Toast Crunch is the taste. The cereal claims to be "bursting with cinnamon and syrup taste," and while it is not first one to imitate other breakfast foods (e.g. waffles) the flavor sensation is unique while tapping into familiar tastes. The recipe works, and is enjoyable to eat.

 

So how do the little french toast slices hold up in milk? Straight out of the bag, this is all about crunch. Hardly authentic french toast, unless you like it dehydrated. But, like most cereals it comes alive in milk, and this is one case where the longer it soaks the better. French toast sopping in syrup is supposed to be soggy, and after 5 to 10 minutes the cereal's association with the real thing is surprisingly strong.

Taste and texture are big aspects of French Toast Crunch, but they're all part of something greater, the overall experience. Again, I believe what has made this such a popular cereal for many people is the fact that this cereal is not only a great imitation of a traditional breakfast favorite, but just plain fun.

So far this cereal is a winner, but now we have to deal with the reality of nutrition. You don't buy this cereal because you're looking for organic, high-fiber grains, naturally packed with antioxidants. Certainly it's not the worst cereal on the market, but it is sugared (30% of weight), low in protein (1g per serving), and comprised mainly of enriched vitamins. But, who really cares. Remember, it's about the experience.

I must admit this was a fun journey back to the past. It is an enjoyable cereal to eat, and I understand the appeal. Having said that it's still not one of my favorite cereals, but if you were a French Toast Crunch lover in the past you won't be disappointed. And, even if this was not on your radar, it's still worth giving it a try. Maybe you'll discover why so many people wanted it back.

Review: Kellogg's Jif

Summer is keeping me extremely busy, and I will be getting to a backlog of stories on some recent developments, but it is time for another review!

One new cereal that has caught people's attention is Jif Peanut Butter cereal from Kellogg. When a cereal takes on a popular co-branding arrangement it quickly cuts through the clutter in the grocery story and stands out. This has been done many times before, and with peanut butter General Mills' Reese's Puffs provides a good example. Jif is a popular brand of peanut butter, and for Kellogg to work this into a cereal is a brilliant marketing move. Peanut butter is a great breakfast and comfort food, so featuring it in cereal not  just as an ingredient (as has been done before) but linked to a strong brand is powerful.

Beyond the obvious marketing, the real question is how does it stack up as an actual breakfast cereal? Let's get our bowls out and find out!

With the cereal built around peanut butter taste is going to be a critical element for its success. And, it doesn't disappoint. Claiming to be "made with Jif Peanut Butter" (although artificial flavors are in the mix too) the flavor is obvious and pleasant. Not over-bearing, but as with Jif Peanut Butter itself enhanced with sugar. This is a joy to eat.

Texture was the biggest surprise. Jif cereal is not the hardened balls found in Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch or Reese's Puffs. The little donut pillows are delightfully light and silky. They are smooth, as close as possible to eating peanut butter out of the jar. And, that's even without milk. Of course, add milk to these light pieces and as would be expected they soften even that much more, especially after 5 and 10 minutes. Normally that would be a mark against a cereal, but in this case it actually reinforces the smooth nature of what one would expect with peanut butter.

Although there are other cereals with peanut butter, this is still a novelty that in itself makes for a desirable experience. But, what really makes this fun to eat and connects the eater with all that is wonderful at breakfast is the brand linkage with Jif. The fact that the taste and texture mimic peanut butter is an additional bonus. Kellogg has executed it well.

With this much fun in your breakfast bowl it is understandable that nutrition might not be the cereal's strong point. Despite the claim of "made with whole grain" there is nothing that really stands out here health-wise. While peanut butter is eaten by many because of the belief that it is nutritious, do not be fooled. Peanut butter is only a flavoring here, not the main ingredient by far. Also, the sugar content is quite high (almost 40% of weight), so while this is fun and could be a great snack food, it's not the power breakfast you will want your kids consuming on a regular basis.

In the end this is a great new cereal from Kellogg that should help their struggling sales. Innovative it is!

(Review protocol HERE)

Review: Love Grown Power O's

It's been awhile since I've last done a cereal review. I like doing them and would love to do more, but I'm not into reviewing every new variety of Special K, Cheerios, etc. that hits the grocers' shelves. Instead, for my readers' sakes I want to try new cereals that are truly interesting or innovative.

Love Grown Power O's are a great way to get back into review mode. I wrote about them a few weeks ago, intrigued by the fact that they are made with some unusual ingredients, namely beans (navy beans, garbanzo beans, plus lentils and brown rice). Curiosity alone prompted me to want to try them. Unfortunately, I couldn't find them in any stores near me, so the good people at Love Grown sent me a box of each of the four flavors so that I could discover whether this is all hype or truly the next great thing in cereal history.

I do occasionally receive cereal samples from companies, but do not feel compelled to review them. In fact, this is the first time I have actually done so - normally I buy my own cereals. This is definitely an exception. I think we all want to know whether breakfast cereals made from beans are worth buying, and for your benefit I will be the guinea pig.

I am also going outside of my normal protocol by reviewing four different varieties at once. This is such a unique, niche product that I felt it would be best to lump them all together in one review. The four flavors are: Original, Chocolate, Honey and Strawberry.

So, let's pour four bowls and see what the fuss is all about.


The most obvious question I had, and I'm sure most of you have, is: How do Power O's taste? This could be the healthiest cereal on the planet, but if tastes disgusting or like cardboard no one will really care. In the end breakfast cereal is an experience that is part of our culture and, for many, an important way for to start their day. Taste matters. So, what's the verdict? Three of the four are not bad - actually taste reasonably well, especially considering their position as health food. Perhaps the biggest barrier for most people to try Power O's is psychological. If they don't know the cereals are made from beans they probably wouldn't notice anything unusual. There is one exception, however. The Original flavor is awful. On the front end it's just plain bland, and on the back end it leaves a taste of burnt milk. So, unless you want nothing but the benefits of beans in your diet avoid the base flavor. Chocolate, Honey and Strawberry, on the other hand, taste fine. Of course, there is nothing that sugar and flavorings cannot fix! The flavors and sweetness are not overpowering, but just enough to keep them pleasant. Overall these cereals are not going to win any food taste awards, but if you are intrigued by what these cereals have to offer you can be assured that three of them will work on your palate. My advice is stay away from the Original, unless you want to use it just for complementing other cereals.

Another question in my mind before trying Power O's was: What is the texture of cereals made from beans, and how will they stand up in milk? The fat little O's are fairly light, and lacking density they are easy chews, and in milk they quickly get soggy within just a few minutes. The Honey ones have the best texture out of the box, and the Chocolate and Strawberry formulas seem to hold out best in milk.

Let's get to the emotional side of eating Power O's. This is serious stuff, definitely not "kid's cereal", but there is a strong experiential aspect to them. Just the fact that you are eating cereal made from unusual ingredients is an adventure in itself. It says you are bold and willing to go outside the box (no pun intended!). Aside from that, the packaging is contemporary and contributes to a positive breakfast.

The whole reason for the "bean" thing is health. At the core of Love Grown Foods is a commitment to nutritious foods, and it extends to their oat-based cereals as well. Power O's, of course, with their beans are novel and speak nutrition loud and clear. The claims include high protein and fiber, low-fat, non-GMO and only natural flavors. The Original flavor offers the best nutrition profile. Unfortunately, however, the sugar content of the three better tasting varieties is higher than the optimal maximum 20% of weight.

If I could rate these cereals on innovation alone this would be a "five bowl" winner. In the real world, however, Power O's are unlikely to become mainstream champions anytime soon. Nevertheless, give Love Grown credit for trying to make something highly nutritious that meets the expectations of today's consumers. They haven't yet fully succeeded, but they are on the way. This could be the future of cereal. At minimum I'd encourage you to give them a try (but stay away form the Original)!

(Review protocol HERE)