Fortifying Breakfast: Unveiling the Iron in Your Cereal

In this video, we explore the iron content in popular fortified cereals and in particular Tesco’s Cornflakes and Tesco’s Rice Snaps, however, any brand of fortified cereal can be used.

The cereals chosen from Tesco (Cornflakes, Rice Snaps) had the highest iron content (14.2mg per 100g) the same amount as Kellogg’s Special K.

Through a simple and engaging experiment, Paul Cook showcases the presence of iron in these cereals using a neodymium magnet and some basic household items.

Follow along as we guide you step by step through the experiment, providing a clear understanding of the scientific principles at play.

Witness the mesmerising interaction between the iron-rich cereals and the powerful magnetic force, revealing the hidden presence of this essential nutrient.

This experiment is an intriguing demonstration that combines education and fun in the realm of food science.

You will need:

• Fortified cereals, specifically Tesco’s Cornflakes and Tesco’s Rice Snaps
• Pestle and Mortar
• Large Neodymium magnet mounted in a sealed tub or Petri dish
• Bowl
• Spoon
• A4 Black card or white paper

Method:

1. Pour an appropriate amount of the fortified cereal into a bowl.
2. Using a spoon, transfer a portion of the cereal to a Pestle and Mortar and proceed to crush it until it forms a fine crumb.
3. Utilising the spoon, sprinkle a small amount of the finely crushed cereal onto the A4 Black card or white paper.
4. Hold the sealed neodymium magnet directly underneath the card/paper and carefully move the magnet around.
5. Observe the movement of cereal particles as they align and follow the path of the magnet.

Safety Precautions:

• Be cautious while using the pestle and mortar to avoid any injuries. Ensure that the mortar is stable on the table or another appropriate surface to prevent it from tipping over.
• Neodymium magnets are very strong, so handle them with care to prevent pinching or trapping fingers between the magnets or other metal objects.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety goggles.
• Handle the chemicals and apparatus with care to prevent any spills or accidents.

All health and safety measures are the responsibility of the teacher doing the demonstration. A thorough risk assessment should be carried out and guidance procedures followed. It is suggested that you practice before demonstration in front of a class.

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