Cheerios Sweetened Whole Grain Oat Cereal Peach

by General Mills

A moderately processed cereal with whole grain oats as the base but high added sugar content and unnecessary additives. The fortification provides nutritional value, but the sugar and canola oil make this a 'sometimes' food rather than daily breakfast staple.

• WHOLE GRAIN OATS – beneficial · Excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar contributes to blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories without nutrients.
• CORN STARCH – safe · Modified carbohydrate used for binding and texture, generally considered safe but adds refined carbs.
• OAT BRAN – beneficial · High-fiber outer layer of oats rich in beta-glucan, beneficial for heart health and digestion.
• CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, potentially inflammatory when consumed regularly.
• PEACH PUREE CONCENTRATE – safe · Concentrated fruit puree providing natural peach flavor, though nutrients are minimal after processing.
• SALT – safe · Small amount used for flavor enhancement, within reasonable limits for breakfast cereal.
• CORN SYRUP – controversial · Added liquid sweetener that contributes to blood sugar spikes and overall sugar content.
• TRIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · pH regulator and emulsifier, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined flavoring agents derived from natural sources, generally safe but lack transparency.
• ANNATTO EXTRACT COLOR – safe · Natural coloring from annatto seeds, considered safe alternative to synthetic dyes.
• VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant preservative that also provides nutritional value.
• ASCORBIC ACID – beneficial · Vitamin C used as natural preservative, provides antioxidant benefits.
• CALCIUM CARBONATE – beneficial · Added calcium for bone health, well-absorbed form of supplemental calcium.
• ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
• VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Buffered form of vitamin C for immune support and antioxidant protection.
• NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin important for brain development and immune function.
• VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for energy production and cellular function.
• VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for nervous system function and energy metabolism.
• VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – beneficial · Essential vitamin for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Whole grain oats as primary ingredient

Good source of fiber

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Natural fruit flavoring

Natural preservatives

9g added sugar per serving

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Potential glyphosate residues

Highly processed despite whole grain base

Multiple unnecessary additives