Cheerios Peach Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed breakfast cereal with whole grain oats as the base but loaded with added sugars and seed oils. While fortified with vitamins, the sugar content and inflammatory oils make it a questionable daily choice for optimal health.

• Whole grain oats – beneficial · Nutrient-dense whole grain providing fiber, protein, and beta-glucan for heart health and blood sugar stability.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
• Corn starch – safe · Modified starch used as a thickener and texture enhancer, generally recognized as safe but adds empty calories.
• Oat bran – beneficial · High-fiber outer layer of oats that supports digestive health and cholesterol management.
• Canola oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
• Peach puree concentrate – safe · Concentrated fruit puree that provides natural peach flavor and some nutrients, though processing reduces fiber content.
• Salt – safe · Standard table salt used for flavor enhancement, present in moderate amounts.
• Corn syrup – controversial · High-glycemic liquid sweetener that rapidly spikes blood sugar and contributes to metabolic stress.
• Tripotassium phosphate – safe · Food additive used as pH buffer and emulsifier, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• Natural flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though specific components are proprietary and undefined.
• Annatto extract color – safe · Natural coloring agent from annatto seeds, generally well-tolerated though may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that prevents rancidity while providing vitamin E, supporting cellular health.
• Ascorbic acid – beneficial · Vitamin C used as natural preservative and antioxidant, supporting immune function and preventing oxidation.
• Calcium carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that supports bone health and helps offset nutrient losses from processing.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism, important for preventing anemia.
• Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) – beneficial · Buffered form of vitamin C that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for protein metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy production and cellular function.
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononitrate) – beneficial · B vitamin critical for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A (palmitate) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cellular development.
• Folic acid – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, especially important during pregnancy.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Whole grain oats provide heart-healthy fiber

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains real fruit concentrate

High sugar content (8g added sugar per serving)

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Potential glyphosate residue contamination

Ultra-processed with synthetic additives