Basic 4 Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed breakfast cereal with whole grains and fruit pieces, but significantly high in added sugars from multiple sources. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, the sugar content undermines metabolic health benefits.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals that supports digestive health and blood sugar stability.
• Corn Meal – safe · Provides carbohydrates and some nutrients, though less nutrient-dense than whole grain wheat.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
• Raisins – beneficial · Natural dried fruit providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, though concentrated in natural sugars.
• Rice Flour – safe · Gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides structure to the cereal.
• Almond Pieces – beneficial · Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium.
• Brown Sugar Syrup – controversial · Concentrated liquid sugar that rapidly raises blood glucose levels despite minimal molasses content.
• Glycerin – safe · Humectant that helps maintain moisture and texture in the cereal.
• Salt – safe · Enhances flavor and helps preserve the product, used in moderate amounts.
• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Dried Cranberries – safe · Provides antioxidants and vitamin C, though often contains added sugar in processing.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High glycemic sweetener that causes rapid blood sugar elevation and contributes to metabolic stress.
• Palm Kernel Oil – controversial · Saturated fat that's more stable than seed oils but raises environmental sustainability concerns.
• Brown Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar with minimal molasses that still causes blood sugar spikes despite appearing more natural.
• Barley Malt Extract – safe · Natural sweetener derived from malted barley that provides some nutrients along with sugars.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar (glucose) that rapidly enters bloodstream and can contribute to insulin resistance over time.
• Honey – safe · Natural sweetener with trace minerals and enzymes, though still contributes to overall sugar load.
• Caramel Color – controversial · May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during ammonia-sulfite processing.
• Annatto Extract – safe · Natural coloring from annatto seeds that provides yellow-orange color without safety concerns.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar stabilizing effects.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans that helps ingredients blend smoothly.
• Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent to create texture in the cereal.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though specific components are proprietary.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that prevent rancidity and provide antioxidant benefits.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Fortification mineral that supports bone health and helps meet daily calcium needs.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral that prevents anemia and supports oxygen transport in blood.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin C that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 that supports energy production and cellular antioxidant systems.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin A that supports vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, especially important for vegetarians.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Supports bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Contains whole grain wheat and oats

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Includes real fruit pieces and nuts

Contains beneficial cinnamon

Good source of fiber from whole grains

Six different added sugar sources

High glycemic impact

Contains potentially carcinogenic caramel coloring

Misleading health marketing

Palm oil sustainability concerns