Cheerios Protein faces lawsuit over potentially false claims over protein content

While it is common sense that carbohydrate-packed cereal is not exactly a huge source of protein, Cheerios, which makes children's favourite finger food pushed its sales on the promise of proteins, with the release of Cheerios Protein.

''11 grams of protein with milk!'' the package claimed. ''A good source of protein!''

However, it turned out that Cheerios Protein was not a particularly rich source of protein leading to a lawsuit against its maker, General Mills.

One serving of regular "Ol' Cheerios Bland"  contained 3 grams protein and 1 gram sugar, while one serving of beefed-up Cheerios Protein contained 7 grams of protein and 17 grams sugar.

While some might exult at the grammage of protein content, the problem with the equation becomes apparent when one considers the recommended serving size for each cereal.

While, Cheerios Bland's recommended serving size is 28 grams of cereal, Cheerios Protein's serving size is 55 grams, around double that. What this means is, instead of just pouring oneself a double portion of Cheerios Bland and getting 6 grams of protein and 2 grams sugar out of it, one was getting just one extra gram of protein and fifteen extra grams of sugar with the more expensive Cheerios Protein.

Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), has brought a lawsuit against General Mills, which also makes Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Fiber One and Cheerios.

The suit alleges that the cereal maker had been selling Cheerios Protein, which was first introduced last year, under false pretenses, by the company.

"The overall impression of the box is that the cereal has a lot more protein than traditional Cheerios, but when you look at the nutrition label, it's clear that Protein Cheerios has only a little bit more protein, and a lot more sugar," said Michael Jacobson, president of CSPI. "We think that's very deceptive."