Analysis of Average Daily Fiber Intake Among Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumers

Abstract

There is no minimum fiber requirement for on-pack whole-grain claims, yet consumers perceive products made with whole grains to provide at least a good source of fiber. To understand how this misperception may be fueling Americans’ fiber intake shortfall, this study investigated the impact on fiber intakes of ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal products with whole-grain claims. A 14-day eating frequency diary was collected from US free-living households over 3 years in the NPD Group’s National Eating Trends (NET) panel (n=10,708). Average daily fiber intake and sources were calculated from the types and frequency of food and beverages consumed at meals. T-tests were conducted on mean fiber intake at breakfast and daily to identify significant differences between all adults, adults consuming whole-grain RTE cereals with <3 g of fiber per serving, and adults consuming whole-grain RTE cereals with ≥3 g of fiber per serving. Adults eating whole-grain RTE cereals with ≥3 g of fiber per serving consumed 42% more fiber at breakfast and 14% more daily fiber than typical adults. Individuals choosing whole-grain RTE cereal with ≥3 g of fiber per serving consume significantly more fiber at breakfast and throughout the day relative to all adults and to adults eating whole-grain RTE cereals with <3 g of fiber per serving.