Does Raisin Bran contain dairy or gluten?

Raisin Bran does not contain dairy ingredients, but it contains wheat and barley, making it unsafe for those with gluten allergies or Celiac disease.

Is Raisin Bran good for weight loss?

It is high in fiber which helps with satiety, but the high sugar content (approx. 18g per cup) can hinder weight loss efforts if portion sizes aren't strictly controlled.

Where can I buy Raisin Bran?

Raisin Bran is widely available at major grocery stores (like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway) and online retailers such as Amazon.

Is Raisin Bran safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, but parents should monitor the sugar intake as it is a sugary cereal. It does not contain caffeine.

Is Raisin Bran Vegan?

No, Raisin Bran is not considered strictly vegan. While the box boasts wholesome ingredients like whole grain wheat and raisins, a closer look at the nutrition label reveals a hidden non-vegan ingredient: Vitamin D3. This fortification is the primary reason why this classic breakfast cereal falls short of strict vegan standards.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of a standard box of Raisin Bran, the first few ingredients are generally plant-based. Whole Grain Wheat, Raisins, and Wheat Bran are all derived from plants. However, the controversy begins with the fortification process and specific additives.

The main culprit is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). In the food industry, Vitamin D3 is most commonly sourced from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from the wool of sheep. While this doesn't involve killing the animal, strict vegans typically avoid lanolin-derived ingredients due to the exploitation of the animal for commercial gain. It is worth noting that Vitamin D3 can also be derived from lichen, a plant-based source, but manufacturers rarely specify the source on the box, making it impossible to verify.

Additionally, the presence of Sugar raises a secondary concern for some vegans. In the United States, white sugar is often processed using bone char, a filter medium made from the bones of cattle. While the sugar in Raisin Bran is likely standard granulated sugar, strict vegans may wish to avoid it unless it is certified organic or explicitly labeled as 'unrefined.'

Finally, the inclusion of Malted Barley Flour is worth mentioning. While barley is a plant, the 'malted' process involves soaking the grain in water to induce germination. This ingredient is strictly vegan but is often flagged in allergy discussions because it contains gluten.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

vitamin d3

Nutritional Value

Raisin Bran is often marketed as a heart-healthy option, and from a nutritional standpoint, it does offer some benefits. A standard serving provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, largely thanks to the Wheat Bran and whole grains. This fiber aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels, though the added sugar content works against this benefit.

The cereal is also heavily fortified. The inclusion of Niacinamide, Iron, and Folic Acid makes it a convenient way to hit daily micronutrient targets. However, the sugar content is the main nutritional drawback. A single cup serving typically contains around 17 to 20 grams of sugar, a significant portion of which is added sugar. For those tracking caloric intake, Raisin Bran fits within standard diet limits, but it sits on the higher end of the sugar spectrum for a 'healthy' cereal.