Cream of Wheat Instant Whole Grain Hot Cereal
by B&G Foods
A nutritionally fortified whole grain cereal with good fiber content, though containing some concerning preservatives like BHT. Better than refined versions but still processed with synthetic additives.
- Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Complete wheat kernel with bran, germ, and endosperm providing fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Good source of complex carbohydrates.
- Whey Protein Isolate – safe · Highly processed milk protein that increases protein content but indicates industrial processing methods.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Common calcium supplement that helps fortify the cereal with essential mineral for bone health.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, likely in moderate amounts for a cereal product.
- Defatted Wheat Germ – safe · Wheat germ with oils removed, still provides some vitamins and minerals but less nutritious than whole wheat germ.
- Guar Gum – safe · Natural fiber from guar beans used as thickening agent, generally well-tolerated in small amounts.
- Ferric Orthophosphate – safe · Iron supplement commonly used in fortified cereals, helps prevent iron deficiency.
- Natural Vanilla Flavor – safe · Flavor derived from vanilla beans, though processing methods can vary in naturalness.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin A used for fortification, essential for vision and immune function.
- Niacin – safe · Vitamin B3 supplement essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Folic Acid – safe · Synthetic form of folate (B9) important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Cholecalciferol – beneficial · Vitamin D3 supplement crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, especially important in fortified foods.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – safe · Synthetic vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter production.
- Thiamine Mononitrate – safe · Synthetic vitamin B1 important for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
- Riboflavin – safe · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular function, commonly added to fortified cereals.
- Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally recognized as safe though may come from GMO sources.
- BHT – controversial · Butylated hydroxytoluene is a synthetic antioxidant preservative that has raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
Whole grain wheat provides fiber and B vitamins
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
Good source of plant-based protein
Contains BHT preservative with potential health concerns
Heavily processed instant format
Contains multiple synthetic additives
Potential pesticide residue from conventional wheat
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Cream of Wheat Instant Whole Grain Hot Cereal was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Cereal