WASHINGTON — At least three popular children’s cereals are packed with more sugar in a one-cup serving than a Hostess Twinkie, and an additional 44 are loaded with more sugar in a cup than three Chips Ahoy cookies, according to a study released Tuesday by the Environmental Working Group.
Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, Post Golden Crisp and General Mills Wheaties Fuel rank as the worst offenders based on the Twinkie measure, said the study, which analyzed 84 cereals. Other brands, including Honey Nut Cheerios, Apple Jacks and Cap’n Crunch, are among the 44 cereals that have more sugar in a cup than three Chips Ahoy cookies.
Many cereal makers say the study is misleading, saying that only two cereals on the group’s “10 worst” list are marketed to kids, and even the sugary cereals are of nutritional value because they contain vitamins and minerals.
