Bran flakes


Bran flakes are a popular breakfast cereal product similar to corn flakes. The cereal consists of small toasted flakes of wheat or oat bran together with binders and seasoning. They may be nutritionally fortified. They are usually served cold with milk.

History

Bran flakes are, or have been, produced by Kellogg's, by Post Cereals, and by various other manufacturers under many generic brands.
They have been available since 1915.

Variants

Variants of bran flakes, with added dried fruit, include raisin bran, sultana bran, and Fruit and Fibre.

Health effects

Research suggests that eating commercially produced raisin bran containing sugared raisins elevates dental acids to plaque-forming levels; whereas home-made raisin bran, created by adding un-sugared raisins to bran flakes, does not produce this effect.
Bran flakes are high in dietary fiber. The consumption of dietary fiber can reduce the rate of increase in blood sugar and insulin levels after eating, thereby reducing the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes or a heart attack. It can also promote a healthy microbiome.