Cheerios Apple Cinnamon Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed cereal with whole grain oats as the base but laden with multiple forms of added sugar. While fortified with vitamins, it contains concerning seed oils and synthetic additives that detract from its health value.

• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
• Oat Bran – beneficial · High-fiber outer layer of oats rich in beta-glucan and protein, supports digestive health and cholesterol management.
• Corn Starch – safe · Modified starch used as a thickener and texture enhancer, generally recognized as safe but provides no nutritional value.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High-glucose syrup that rapidly elevates blood sugar and contributes to insulin resistance with regular consumption.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that promotes inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Apple Puree Concentrate – safe · Concentrated apple puree that provides natural fruit flavor, though most fiber and nutrients are removed during processing.
• Salt – safe · Sodium chloride used for flavor enhancement, amount appears minimal and within reasonable limits.
• Refiner's Syrup – controversial · Byproduct of sugar refining that adds additional sugar content and contributes to blood glucose spikes.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulating effects.
• Trisodium Phosphate – controversial · Industrial chemical used as pH buffer that may disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to digestive issues.
• Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that prevents rancidity and provides vitamin E, a beneficial nutrient for cellular health.
• Calcium Carbonate – safe · Mineral supplement that provides calcium for bone health, though absorption may be limited compared to food sources.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral important 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 · Essential vitamin and antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Form of vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin crucial for energy production and antioxidant function.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A (Palmitate) – beneficial · Essential vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cellular growth.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin crucial for nervous system function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin important for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Whole grain oats with beta-glucan fiber

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Natural cinnamon provides antioxidants

9 grams of added sugar per serving

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Industrial additives like trisodium phosphate

Multiple refined sugar sources