Cheerios Blueberry Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed breakfast cereal with some nutritional benefits from whole grain oats but significant concerns from added sugars and seed oils. While fortified with vitamins and minerals, the sugar content and canola oil detract from its health profile.

• whole grain oats – beneficial · Excellent source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that helps lower cholesterol and provides sustained energy with minimal blood sugar spike.
• sugar – controversial · Refined sugar as second ingredient contributes to blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories, concerning for daily consumption.
• oat bran – beneficial · High-fiber component that adds extra soluble fiber and nutrients, supporting digestive health and cholesterol management.
• blueberry puree concentrate – safe · Concentrated fruit puree provides some antioxidants but is processed and concentrated, reducing fresh fruit benefits.
• corn starch – safe · Common thickening agent that is generally safe but adds refined carbohydrates with minimal nutritional value.
• canola oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may contribute to inflammation and is often extracted using chemical solvents.
• salt – safe · Sodium chloride used for flavor enhancement; amount appears reasonable for cereal product.
• corn syrup – controversial · Additional refined sugar that compounds the blood sugar impact and adds more empty calories to the product.
• vegetable and fruit juice color – safe · Natural coloring agent derived from plants, generally safe alternative to artificial colors.
• trisodium phosphate – safe · pH regulator and emulsifier that is generally recognized as safe in food applications at typical usage levels.
• natural flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though specific components are proprietary and not disclosed.
• mixed tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds used as antioxidant preservatives, providing some nutritional benefit while preventing rancidity.
• calcium carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that helps meet daily calcium needs for bone health.
• sodium ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C supplement that supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.
• niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 supplement essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
• iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia.
• pyridoxine hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 supplement important for brain function and protein metabolism.
• thiamin mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 supplement essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• vitamin A palmitate – beneficial · Vitamin A supplement important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 supplement essential for energy production and cellular function.
• folic acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, especially important for pregnant women.
• vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, particularly important for vegetarians.
• vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function, addressing common dietary deficiency.

Whole grain oats as primary ingredient

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

Contains cholesterol-lowering oat beta-glucan

Natural fruit coloring instead of artificial dyes

9 grams added sugar per serving

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Multiple forms of added sugar (sugar + corn syrup)

Potential glyphosate residue contamination