Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give me some background on Post's history?

The Post Cereals tradition dates back to 1895, when C.W. Post made his first batch of "Postum," a cereal beverage. Since then, Post has followed a path of delicious innovation, creating cereals that have defined the breakfast experience for generations of families.

How do I read the code date on my Post Cereal box?

All Post Cereals have a code (or "Best When Used By") date on the top flap of the box. For example, the code date reads "MAR 03 06," the corresponding "use by" date is March 3, 2006. The product should not be used after this date. By referring to the Best When Used By date you can be assured of receiving a product at peak freshness at the time of purchase and for a reasonable period of time thereafter when stored unopened in a cool, dry place.

How should I store my Post Cereal once I've opened it?

We recommend storing your opened cereal box in a cool, dry place. Be sure to close the liner and box tops tightly after each use. You may also store your cereal in the refrigerator. The length of time Post Cereals remain fresh depends on where they are stored, as well as the level of heat and humidity the products are exposed to.

How did Grape-Nuts get its name?

Post Grape-Nuts, the cereal that is neither a grape nor a nut, is made from natural wheat and barley. This unique, naturally sweet cereal was created in 1897. C.W. Post came up with the name because the cereal contained maltose, which he thought was grape sugar and because the distinctive flavor reminded him of nuts. The cereal with the funny name is packed with carbohydrates – the body's main energy source(48g per serving). The delicious goodness of Grape-Nuts is also available in a distinctive lightly crispy flake.

Is there caffeine in Post cereals?

All Post Cereals are caffeine-free.

How can I receive Post Cereal recipes?

Visit www.postcereals.com for tasty recipes featuring the Post Cereals family of products.

Where can I find coupons for Post Cereals?

Our primary source for issuing coupons is through direct mail pieces, newspapers and magazines. Often times coupons can also be located on our product packaging. We would recommend that you look for coupons in these areas.

I cannot find the premium in your cereal box.

Have you looked between the liner and carton? (GOLDEN CRISP premiums can be found inside the liner). If you still can't find it, we're very sorry to have disappointed you. We have special equipment designed to confirm its presence in the package. Every effort is made to ensure all packaging is of our usual high quality. The item may possibly have been removed/damaged after it had left our distribution center. To get a replacement premium, please call the 800 number on your cereal box.

What is the difference between simple carbs vs. complex carbs?

Carbohydrate comes in two forms, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are the sugars in foods such as sucrose (table sugar). The simple carbohydrate content of Post® Cereals is listed as Sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel. Simple carbohydrates (or sugars) in foods can be added, naturally occurring or both. An example of a naturally occurring sugar is the lactose in dairy products or fructose in fruits. Examples of added sugars are sucrose (table sugar) or corn syrup. Complex carbohydrate includes both the starch and dietary fiber in foods. The starch content of a product may or may not appear on the label. If starch content is listed it is called other carbohydrate. Other carbohydrate is not required by government labeling regulations. Dietary fiber in Post® Cereals is listed on the Nutrition Facts panel.

Why is fiber so important for weight loss and for overall health?

Health experts agree that dietary fiber is an important part of a nutritious diet and plays a role in weight and diabetes management. It may also reduce risk for heart disease and some types of cancer as part of a low fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Public health organizations recommend a total of 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day from a variety of food sources. Whole grains, dry beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber.

How can this product be labeled 0 grams trans fat when it still contains partially hydrogenated oil?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the final authority on food labeling in the U.S. and determines how nutrition information on food labels should be communicated to consumers. The FDA has determined that amounts of less than 0.5 gram per serving for all fats, including trans fat, must be declared as "0" grams in the Nutrition Facts box on food labels. As a result, consumers may see a product that lists 0 grams trans fat on the label, but actually contains some trans fat. When a label shows 0 grams trans fat per serving and lists "partially hydrogenated" vegetable oil (such as soybean or cottonseed, among others) in the ingredients, the product contains trans fat—it may contain up to 0.49 gram of trans fat per serving. Trans fat can also occur in some non-hydrogenated oils and some meat and dairy products. For more information about trans fat labeling, read the FDA's "Questions and Answers about Trans Fat Nutrition Labeling."

Why don't all the fats listed on the label add up to the total?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines how nutrition information on food labels should be communicated to consumers. Under FDA rules, "total fat" is made up of more components than fatty acids, some of which are not listed in the Nutrition Facts box. In addition, FDA rules require that amounts of total fat and fatty acids be rounded when listed in the Nutrition Facts box. Amounts over 5 grams are rounded to the nearest whole gram, amounts between 5 grams and 0.5 gram are rounded to the half gram, and amounts below 0.5 gram are rounded to zero.