Maple Brown Sugar Hot Cereal
by B G
This processed wheat cereal contains added sugar as the second ingredient plus artificial preservatives like BHT. While fortified with vitamins, it's a refined grain product that will spike blood sugar and lacks fiber from whole grains.
- WHEAT FARINA – controversial · Refined wheat flour with bran and germ removed, causing rapid blood sugar spikes and lacking fiber and nutrients of whole wheat.
- SUGAR – dangerous · Added refined sugar as second ingredient creates high glycemic load, promotes inflammation, and contributes to metabolic dysfunction.
- CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Mineral supplement providing calcium for bone health, commonly used food additive with no safety concerns.
- NATURAL FLAVORS – controversial · Vague term for flavor compounds that could include hundreds of chemicals, lacks transparency in ingredients.
- GUAR GUM – safe · Natural fiber from guar beans used as thickener, generally safe and may provide some prebiotic benefits.
- SALT – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, safe in moderate amounts though this product likely has moderate sodium content.
- DEFATTED WHEAT GERM – beneficial · Nutrient-dense part of wheat grain providing B vitamins and minerals, though defatted removes beneficial oils.
- DRY MOLASSES – controversial · Concentrated sugar source from sugar processing, adds sweetness and some trace minerals but still primarily sugar.
- FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE – safe · Iron supplement for fortification, safe and necessary mineral addition to refined grain products.
- CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · Artificial coloring that may contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing process.
- VITAMIN A PALMITATE – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin A used for fortification, generally safe and helps replace nutrients lost in processing.
- NIACIN – safe · Vitamin B3 supplement, essential nutrient commonly used in grain fortification programs.
- CHOLECALCIFEROL – beneficial · Vitamin D3 supplement, beneficial addition since many people are deficient in this important vitamin.
- RIBOFLAVIN – safe · Vitamin B2 supplement, essential nutrient commonly added to refined grain products.
- PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE – safe · Vitamin B6 supplement, essential nutrient important for protein metabolism and brain function.
- THIAMINE MONONITRATE – safe · Vitamin B1 supplement, essential nutrient commonly used in grain fortification.
- FOLIC ACID – safe · Synthetic form of folate, essential B vitamin important for DNA synthesis and pregnancy health.
- BHT – dangerous · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains some defatted wheat germ for nutrients
Quick preparation breakfast option
Sugar as second ingredient
Refined wheat farina lacks fiber
BHT preservative with hormone disruption concerns
Artificial caramel coloring
High glycemic impact
Ultra-processed food product
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Maple Brown Sugar Hot Cereal was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Cereal