How Much Sodium Is in Cereal?

Good news — Cereal is low in sodium at 4 mg per 100g. That's well below the 460 mg threshold where sodium becomes a concern for kidney stone patients. Keep it low-sodium by avoiding added salt in preparation.

✓ Medically Reviewed Based on Harvard T.H. Chan SPH oxalate data (2024) and NKF/AUA dietary guidelines.

51
mg oxalate
per serving

Food: Cereal, Bran Flakes
Serving: 1 serving (100 g)
Verdict: 🟡 Caution
Per 100g: 141 mg
Data: Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024)

💡 What This Means for Your Diet

What this means: Cereal is rated Caution (🟡). At 51 mg oxalate per serving, Cereal is in the moderate zone (25-99 mg). It's manageable with portion awareness — try smaller servings, less frequent consumption, and pairing with calcium-rich foods. Track total daily oxalate to stay under ~100 mg.

📊 How Cereal Compares

Among grains & pasta, Cereal sits well above the category average of 14 mg. For context, 170 out of 201 grains & pasta (84%) are rated 🟢 Safe (under 25 mg oxalate/serving). The average grains & pasta in our database has 14 mg oxalate per serving — which means Cereal is 267% above the category norm. Within its specific category, Cereal ranks on the higher end for oxalate. This context matters because two 'Safe' foods can have very different oxalate levels — one might have 5 mg while another has 24 mg. Both are Safe, but the first gives you more dietary flexibility. Browse all grains & pasta rated Caution to compare within the same verdict level.

❓ Related Questions

How does sodium affect kidney stones?

High sodium intake increases calcium in urine (hypercalciuria), which raises the risk of calcium-based kidney stones. The general recommendation is under 2,300 mg/day — lower if you're actively preventing stones.

What's a safe daily sodium target?

Aim for under 2,000-2,300 mg per day. Check labels on packaged foods — sodium adds up quickly. Cooking at home with fresh ingredients gives you the most control over sodium intake.

How do I reduce sodium when eating out?

Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Choose grilled/steamed over fried. Skip the soup (often very high sodium). Request no added salt. These small changes make a measurable difference.

This is dietary reference information, NOT medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Oxalate tolerance varies by person, stone type, and medication.