Chocolate Chex Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed breakfast cereal with whole grain rice as the primary ingredient, but undermined by added sugar and canola oil. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, the sugar content and seed oil make this a mediocre choice for regular consumption.

• Whole Grain Rice – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals while maintaining the rice's natural nutritional profile.
• Rice – safe · Refined rice that provides carbohydrates but lacks the fiber and nutrients of whole grain rice.
• Sugar – controversial · Added sugar that increases caloric content and can contribute to blood sugar spikes and metabolic issues.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may contribute to inflammation.
• Cocoa Processed with Alkali – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa that provides chocolate flavor but has reduced antioxidant content compared to natural cocoa.
• Salt – safe · Used for flavor enhancement in reasonable quantities for this product type.
• Molasses – safe · Natural sweetener that provides some minerals like iron and potassium along with sweetness.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, generally considered safe though composition is proprietary.
• Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that preserves freshness while providing vitamin E benefits.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that supports bone health and helps meet daily calcium needs.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral fortification that helps prevent iron deficiency anemia.
• Zinc – beneficial · Important mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A (Palmitate) – beneficial · Essential vitamin for vision, immune function, and cellular growth.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – beneficial · B vitamin important for energy production and cellular function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and preventing birth defects.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Crucial vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune system support.

Whole grain rice as primary ingredient

Extensive vitamin and mineral fortification

No artificial colors or harsh preservatives

Contains beneficial antioxidant vitamin E

Added sugar as third ingredient

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Alkali-processed cocoa reduces antioxidants

Ultra-processed classification

Past glyphosate contamination issues