Prevention Magazine Reader asks, Why Does My Cereal Have Protein?
Ashley's answer: Cereals should contain protein from whole cereal grains which naturally include amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. However, if the cereal grain is refined into a “flour” (note: this is different than a “whole-grain flour”) the processing removes amino acids (proteins) and other nutrients leaving just the white flour. Cereals may also contain protein from the addition of nuts and seeds, equally good protein sources. The cheaper and less healthy option to get “protein” in many cereals is to add some “protein” from a refined source. In the case of many cereals, the protein source added is soy protein isolate. To create it, the processor takes whole soybean (which is typically a genetically modified organism, or GMO) and removes the essential fatty acids, fiber and other nutrients from the soybean, leaving just the “isolated” soy protein.
I recommend avoiding these cereals and picking ones that use organic whole food sources, including whole grains, whole grain flours, nuts, seeds, and even legumes, such as beans.
Chewing over a food quandary? Send it to AskAshley@Prevention.com
Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian, Qualitarian, nutrition expert, and co-author of Mom Energy:  A Simple Plan to Live Fully Charged (Hay House; 2011) as well as Recipes for IBS (Fair Winds Press; 2007).
Prevention Magazine Reader asks, Why Does My Cereal Have Protein?
Ashley Koff, Prevention’s RD, answers your burning questions