Cheerios and Ancient Grains Cereal

by General Mills

A processed cereal with whole grains and added sugars that's better than many mainstream cereals but still contains concerning seed oils and multiple sweeteners. The ancient grains provide some nutritional benefit, but the sugar content and canola oil lower its health value.

• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of beta-glucan fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and dental issues when consumed regularly.
• Whole Grain Quinoa – beneficial · Complete protein ancient grain with all essential amino acids and good mineral content.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High glycemic sweetener that rapidly raises blood sugar and provides empty calories.
• Rice Flour – safe · Refined grain flour used for texture in crisp rice component.
• Barley Malt Extract – safe · Natural sweetener and flavor enhancer derived from malted barley.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may contribute to inflammation.
• Molasses – safe · Less refined sweetener that retains some minerals, though still adds sugar content.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Naturally derived flavor compounds, though specific sources are proprietary.
• Salt – safe · Added for taste enhancement in moderate amounts.
• Kamut Brand Khorasan Wheat – beneficial · Ancient wheat variety with higher protein and mineral content than modern wheat.
• Spelt – beneficial · Ancient grain with good protein content and more digestible than modern wheat for some people.
• Corn Starch – safe · Refined starch used as a thickening agent and texture modifier.
• Refiner's Syrup – controversial · Concentrated sugar syrup that contributes to overall added sugar content.
• Maple Syrup – safe · Natural sweetener with trace minerals, though still contributes sugar content.
• Tripotassium Phosphate – safe · Generally recognized as safe additive used for pH regulation and texture.
• Caramel Color – safe · Common food coloring with minimal health concerns at typical consumption levels.
• Annatto Extract – safe · Natural coloring from annatto seeds, generally well-tolerated.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidant preservatives.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement for bone health and nutritional fortification.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C supplement for immune support and antioxidant protection.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 for energy production and cellular function.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Vitamin A for vision, immune function, and cell development.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Whole grain oats as primary ingredient

Contains beneficial ancient grains like quinoa, spelt, and kamut

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Good source of fiber

Uses natural flavors and colors

Multiple forms of added sugar including corn syrup

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Highly processed cluster components

May contain glyphosate residues

Misleading health marketing given sugar content