The total carbohydrate-to-sugar ratio in breakfast cereal should be no less than four to one.* This means if the “Total Carbohydrate” line says 24 grams, the “sugars” should have a value of 6 grams or less. That tells you that most of the carbs come from the grain and fibers, not from the added sugars. On the other hand, a cereal with 28 grams of total carbohydrate and 15 grams of sugars would fall into the “junk cereal” category.)

Also look for the “FIVE AND FIVE” RULE: LESS than 5 grams of SUGAR and AT LEAST 5 grams of FIBER. …