Berry Berry Lightly Sweetened Corn Cereal
by General Mills
Despite 'lightly sweetened' marketing, this cereal contains multiple sugar sources and inflammatory canola oil. The whole grain corn base provides some fiber, but the processed nature and added sugars make this a poor choice for regular consumption.
- Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, though still rapidly digested when processed into cereal form.
- Corn Meal – safe · Processed corn that adds texture but removes much of the fiber and nutrients from whole corn.
- Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
- Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that promotes inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Brown Sugar Syrup – controversial · Concentrated liquid sugar that provides additional sweetness and glycemic load beyond regular sugar.
- Salt – safe · Standard sodium chloride used for flavor enhancement at reasonable levels in cereal.
- Vegetable and Fruit Juice Color – safe · Natural coloring derived from plant sources, generally considered safe alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium supplement that also provides texture, generally recognized as safe by FDA.
- Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as leavening agent, completely safe in food applications.
- Citric Acid – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus fruits, widely recognized as safe.
- Natural Flavor – safe · Undefined flavoring compounds from natural sources, generally safe but lacks transparency.
- Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that prevent rancidity and provide antioxidant benefits.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Common calcium supplement that fortifies the cereal with essential mineral.
- Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral added to prevent iron deficiency, particularly important for children.
- Zinc – beneficial · Essential trace mineral important for immune function and growth.
- Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and immune support.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 in stable form, essential for protein metabolism and brain development.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin A important for vision, immune function, and growth.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular function.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nervous system function and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function, particularly important for children.
Contains whole grain corn as first ingredient
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Uses natural fruit and vegetable coloring
No artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup
Multiple added sugar sources despite 'lightly sweetened' claim
Contains inflammatory canola oil
Highly processed with industrial additives
High glycemic load causes blood sugar spikes
Potential glyphosate and pesticide residues
Misleading health marketing
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Berry Berry Lightly Sweetened Corn 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