Cheerios brings back limited-edition heart-shaped O’s to promote cardiac health
26 Jan 2021 --- General Mill’s cereal brand Cheerios is bringing back its limited-edition O’s in “happy-heart” shapes and new flavors to bring more awareness to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
The limited-edition boxes include blueberry, chocolate and cinnamon flavors and will roll out across major US retailers later this month.
With more than 100 million US consumers having some form of heart disease, Cheerios says it wants to remind this population that a heart-healthy lifestyle can be fun, easy and delicious.
“When we launched the happy-heart shaped O’s last year, it helped to educate millions about the importance of not only following a heart-healthy diet but also about the benefits of eating Cheerios,” says Kathy Dixon, senior brand experience manager at Cheerios.
Reducing cholesterol
Honey Nut Cheerios and other Cheerios flavors are made with whole grain oats, and may help lower cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet, addressing this widespread threat to health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly one in three US adults have high cholesterol.
Cheerios’ limited-edition flavors and heart-shaped O’s are positioned to bring heart health awareness to Americans. To help support a healthy heart, medical experts recommend practicing healthy living habits, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet.
With the launch of its happy-heart shapes O’s, Cheerios wants to encourage people to adopt simple, fun behaviors that get them active, like walking the dog, joining an online group fitness class and eating three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods.
“Cheerios is on a mission to not only put a smile on people’s faces but to inspire them to find new and fun ways to support their hearts,” affirms Dixon.
To further drive awareness of National Heart Health Month, Cheerios will also be giving away a free box of Honey Nut Cheerios via rebate during the month of February, while supplies last.
Heart health in focus
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought heart health to the fore as previous heart conditions left populations more vulnerable to the virus.
At the same time, holistic health trends are on the rise, and cereals that can advance health are popping up in NPD.
Earlier this month, Kashi unveiled its keto-friendly, high-protein breakfast cereal.
Meanwhile, Kellogg’s launched a breakfast cereal positioned for kids made from fruits and vegetables without extra added sugar, artificial colors, sweeteners or flavors.
Edited by Missy Green
