Ashley Iaconnetti, known for her role on “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” and her history in the Bachelor franchise, recently opened up about her family life and her new partnership with Cheerios. The reality star, who shares two young sons with husband Jared Haibon, has revealed that her children have developed a fondness for Cheerios, particularly the latest Cheerios Protein Honey Nut flavour, which she has enthusiastically endorsed.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Iaconnetti spoke about her experience introducing solid foods to her children, emphasising that Cheerios were among the first options she offered. “Jared loves it as a midnight snack, and I find it to be a great option for an afternoon pick-me-up,” she shared, noting that the popular cereal has become a staple in their household. She jokingly mentioned that Cheerios often end up scattered throughout their car, a testament to the kids’ love for this convenient food.
Iaconnetti’s older son, Dawson, age four, is identified as a picky eater compared to his younger brother, two-year-old Hayden. “Dawson’s main sources of protein are chicken nuggets and the Honey Nut Cheerios,” she said, adding that the added protein in the new cereal variant is particularly beneficial for her family. “It’s great for my picky eater,” she explained, indicating how vital it is for him to receive adequate nutrition.
In her household, food preferences vary between her sons. Dawson enjoys chicken nuggets and pasta, while Hayden appears to have a more adventurous palate, showing less hesitation when it comes to trying new foods. Iaconnetti shared a poignant moment when Hayden struggled to express his cravings, illustrating the unique challenges faced by parents of toddlers. “Sometimes he can’t quite articulate what he wants, and it becomes this little game of ‘guessing what he would prefer from the fridge,’” she reflected.
Iaconnetti also elaborated on her own comfort food choices, which she amusingly describes as reminiscent of children’s meals. “We consume a lot of pasta at home. If I were to indulge in an ultimate comfort meal, it would definitely include hot dogs and macaroni and cheese,” she revealed, further mentioning her newfound skill in preparing meatloaf, a dish she learned to perfect just this winter.
The multitasking demands of filming “Real Housewives” while managing her family have proven challenging for Iaconnetti. “Finding balance is difficult, but we somehow manage,” she remarked, acknowledging the vital role of a robust support system in their lives. “We are fortunate to have a solid village that helps with the kids,” she added, recognising the complexities of juggling a reality TV career and motherhood.
Discussing her filming experience for the show, Iaconnetti expressed confidence that both she and Haibon maintain a clear vision of their family’s life and values. “So far, nothing that has been filmed has made me uncomfortable involving my family,” she stated, highlighting the importance of staying true to themselves during the production.
Comparing her current reality TV experience to her time on “The Bachelor,” Iaconnetti noted how filming for “Real Housewives” differs significantly. “While ‘The Bachelor’ is about entrusting your life to a completely different environment, ‘Real Housewives’ is more about integrating film crews into your everyday life,” she explained. “It requires a delicate balance of showcasing your daily routines while also maintaining work and family time.”
In light of her partnership with Cheerios, Iaconnetti enjoyed a nostalgic moment reflecting on her early days in the Bachelor franchise. Cheerios recently launched an engaging campaign featuring an engagement-themed blind-box ring collection alongside the new cereal flavour. The promotion invites fans to win a surprise ring and cereal through a special offer on their website.
Excited about the campaign, Iaconnetti expressed her joy at the idea of revisiting childhood memories of discovering prizes at the bottom of cereal boxes. “The ring will come in a charming box that reminds me of real ring boxes, connecting me to the notion of choosing Cheerios as my favourite protein-packed choice,” she concluded, highlighting the significance of this partnership not just for herself, but also for her family as they navigate their shared food preferences and experiences.
As Iaconnetti continues her journey within reality television and parenthood, her shared love for Cheerios serves as both a family bond and a source of nourishment—a fitting reflection of her life both on and off the camera.