Truelabel

Cinnamon Chex Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed cereal with whole grain rice as the primary ingredient, but marred by added sugar as the third ingredient and inflammatory canola oil. The vitamin fortification is helpful, but the sugar content makes this a blood sugar spike risk for regular consumption.

  • WHOLE GRAIN RICE – beneficial · Complete rice grain with fiber, nutrients, and lower glycemic impact than refined rice. Provides sustained energy and digestive benefits.
  • RICE – safe · Refined rice adds bulk and texture but lacks the fiber and nutrients of whole grain rice.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar as third ingredient creates blood sugar spikes and contributes to metabolic dysfunction with regular consumption.
  • CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
  • SALT – safe · Basic sodium chloride for flavor enhancement at reasonable levels in cereal.
  • RICE FIBER – beneficial · Added fiber supports digestive health and helps moderate blood sugar response.
  • CINNAMON – beneficial · Natural spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help regulate blood sugar.
  • MOLASSES – safe · Less refined sweetener that retains some minerals, though still contributes to total sugar content.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined natural flavoring compounds that are generally recognized as safe but lack transparency.
  • VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that preserves freshness while providing vitamin E nutrition.
  • CALCIUM CARBONATE – beneficial · Calcium fortification supports bone health and fills nutritional gaps in processed cereal.
  • IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral fortification helps prevent iron deficiency, especially important for children.
  • ZINC – beneficial · Important mineral for immune function and wound healing, valuable fortification.
  • VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function and iron absorption.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
  • VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin critical for brain development, immune function, and protein metabolism.
  • VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · Essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function, often depleted in processed foods.
  • VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
  • VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy production and cellular function.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate crucial for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
  • VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, commonly deficient.
  • VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune function, addressing widespread deficiency.

Whole grain rice as primary ingredient

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

Contains beneficial cinnamon

No artificial preservatives or colors

Added fiber content

Sugar as third ingredient (9g per serving)

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Ultra-processed food category

Potential arsenic contamination from rice

High glycemic impact from added sugars