Recently, Yale University released a shocking study that revealed the least healthy cereals are the most marketed to kids. And when they say most marketed, they drilled down to tell us that on average, this marketing reaches the average toddler 642 times per year.  That's right -- via tv, the internet and licensed characters like Dora the Explorer (and others!) our impressionable toddlers are tempted with sugary and sodium laden treats almost twice a day!    Although food manufacturers have launched various efforts to improve the nutritional content of various cereals, the report suggests that such efforts have been minimal at best. For example, reducing the quantity of sugar per serving from 3.5 teaspoons per serving to 3 teaspoons per serving.  Not very impressive. 

Looks like General Mills however, is going to start walking the walk about increasing the nutritional value of it's products by decreasing the amount of sugar by 25% in 10 of it's most popular cereals.  Popular General Mills' brands such as Trix, Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs will all be reformulated, following the lead of other manufacturers such as Post and Kellog who caved to increased scrutiny from food regulators earlier this year. 

Were you suprised to learn that these cereals were some of the worst offenders when this study first came out?

If you stopped buying those on the top 10 list, will you be likely to go back to them if the sugar content is reduced?