Vector cereal is marketed as a high-protein, nutrient-rich breakfast option. But is Vector cereal healthy? Check out our full dietitian review of ingredients and nutrition facts before adding it to your grocery cart.
About Vector Cereal
Vector cereal is a cold cereal promoted as a high-protein meal replacement.
Nutrition and Ingredient Claims
Vector Meal Replacement highlights the following nutrients on the front of the packaging: high protein (13g of protein per serving), 20g of whole grains, and 22 vitamins & minerals. I break down each claim below.
“High Protein“
To use a “high protein” nutrient claim in Canada, the product must meet the criteria for a protein rating of at least 20. A footnote is present for the high protein claim stating that Vector cereal contains 13g of protein when combined with cow’s milk. When I initially saw these protein claims, I was under the impression that vector cereal alone was high in protein, with 13g per serving without milk. However, a serving of vector cereal alone contains 6g of protein, and 1 cup of cow’s milk provides 8g of protein, totalling 13g of protein showcased on the front of the package.
“20g of Whole Grains“
Vector cereal is made with rice, whole grain wheat, and oats. This claim is likely referring to the use of whole grain flour and oats. Though there is no doubt that whole grains are a beneficial aspect of cold cereal, when we look at the overall carbohydrate content of this cereal, there is 45g of total carbs per serving. This means that less than half of the total carbs in this cereal is coming from whole grains, and over half from rice, rice flour, and sugar.
“22 Vitamins and Minerals“
Vector cereal has been fortified with many vitamins and minerals (see ingredient list).
Taste & Texture
Vector cereal has a crunchy, crispy texture. It has both large flakes and clusters which give it a good variety in textures. It also remains crispy when mixed with milk and does not get soggy. Vector cereal has an oaty flavor and is not overly sweet.
Vector Cereal Ingredients
Rice: source of carbohydrates making up the largest percentage of total carbohydrates in Vector cereal.
Whole grain wheat: flour made from whole grains. It is a source of carbohydrates that will help bind ingredients or add bulk to a food product.
Sugars (sugar, corn syrup, blackstrap molasses, honey, malted barley syrup): sources of added sugar in Vector cereal.
Roasted soybeans: source of protein and fiber.
Vegetable oil: source of unsaturated fats. The specific type of vegetable oil used is not specified on the ingredient list.
Soy protein concentrate: protein isolated from soy sources.
Whole grain oats: source of fiber and carbohydrates.
Rice flour: low-fibre flour
Natural flavor: this is a blanket term for any combination of extracts from plant or animal products. Check out our blog post, What are Natural Flavors and Should you Avoid them?, for more information on natural flavors.
Wheat flakes: source of carbohydrates and fiber.
Cinnamon: added for flavoring.
Baking soda: a buffering agent that adjusts the pH of foods.
Soy lecithin: used as an emulsifier to help fats blend with other ingredients. Read more about lecithins in our Lecithin Ingredient Review here.
Mixed tocopherols: a commonly use preservative. Read more about tocopherols here: What Are Tocopherols? Ingredient 101.
Vitamins and minerals: ascorbic acid, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, niacinamide, zinc oxide, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, potassium iodide, vitamin A palmitate, manganese sulfate monohydrate, copper oxide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, robiflavin, thiamine hydrochloride, folic acid, cholecalciferol.
Priority Allergens
Contains: wheat, barley, soy, oats. Always check the product label for up-to-date nutrition and allergen information before consuming.
Vector Cereal Nutrition Facts
Per 55g serving (1 1/4 cup)
Calories: 219 kcal
Fat: 2.7g, from vegetable oil.
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 45g, from rice, whole grain wheat, oats, and rice flour.
Fiber: 3.3g, from whole grain wheat and oats.
Sugar: 12g, from added sugar.
Protein: 5.7g, from whole grains, roasted soybeans, and soy protein concentrate.
Sodium: 212mg
Potassium: 175mg
Other micronutrients: calcium 26mg, iron 5mg
Is Vector Cereal Healthy?
We scored Vector Meal Replacement cereal at 42 out of 100 and suggest considering an alternative cereal for daily use. On the plus side, Vector provides a moderate fiber and protein content, in addition to several vitamins and minerals. However, Vector cereal is high in sugar and contains a moderate sodium content.
Furthermore, though Vector cereal claims to be high in protein, the cereal itself only contains 6g of protein, which is not much more than your average whole-grain cereal. We have compared every cold breakfast cereal on the market. Many cereal brands are high in protein, however, I would not consider this Vector product one of them. If you’re looking for a high-protein cereal, I suggest choosing a cereal with at least 8g of protein per serving, not including milk. Check out our roundup of 22 High Protein Cereal Options to Fuel Your Morning for some alternative ideas.
Many other options on the market also contain more fiber and less sugar compared to Vector cereal. For alternative cereal options, check out our roundup of the 17 Best High Fibre Low Sugar Cereal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vector cereal gluten-free?
No, Vector cereal contains wheat and is not gluten-free.
Are there nuts in Vector cereal?
Vector Meal Replacement cereal does not list nuts in the ingredient list or allergen statement. Always check the product label for up-to-date allergen and ingredient information before consuming.
Is Vector cereal high in protein?
Vector cereal itself is not high in protein. It contains 6g of protein per serving, which is considered a moderate amount. When paired with 1 cup of cow’s milk, Vector cereal provides 13g of protein per serving.
Calories in Vector cereal
A serving of Vector Meal replacement (1 1/4 cup) provides 219 calories.
Is Vector cereal enough for a meal?
Most adults will need around 20g of protein per meal and likely more than 289 calories. Therefore, Vector falls short of providing a complete meal replacement.
Is Vector cereal good for weight loss?
No single food will cause or prevent weight loss. Weight loss depends on the overall pattern of eating and calories/nutrients consumed each day. That being said, Vector only contains 6g of protein per serving (cereal alone) which may not be as satiating as other options. We suggest choosing a higher protein, lower sugar cereal option to support weight loss goals.
Vector cereal should have a warning label! I broke a top tooth the first time I tried this cereal! Meal replacement you say!? More like tooth replacement!