Chex Gluten Free Granola Mix Mixed Berry Almond

by General Mills

A moderately processed granola with decent whole grains but compromised by seed oils, added sugars, and synthetic preservatives. While gluten-free and fortified with vitamins, the canola oil and BHT preservative raise inflammatory concerns.

• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of fiber, protein, and beta-glucan which supports heart health and blood sugar stability.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that provides empty calories and can contribute to blood sugar spikes.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Heavily processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
• Whole Grain Rice – safe · Provides fiber and nutrients, though less nutritionally dense than oats.
• Rice – safe · Refined rice that adds carbohydrates but minimal nutrients compared to whole grain version.
• Almond Pieces – beneficial · Healthy nuts providing protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium.
• Dried Blueberries – safe · Real fruit providing antioxidants, though concentrated sugars from drying process.
• Honey – safe · Natural sweetener with trace minerals and antioxidants, though still contributes to sugar content.
• Dried Cranberries – safe · Real fruit with antioxidants, though typically contain added sugar during processing.
• Molasses – safe · Natural sweetener that provides some minerals like iron and potassium.
• Rice Flour – safe · Gluten-free flour used for binding and texture.
• Salt – safe · Enhances flavor in moderate amounts used here.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar benefits.
• Baking Soda – safe · Standard leavening agent used in small amounts.
• Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) – beneficial · Natural form of vitamin E used as antioxidant preservative.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic preservative that some studies suggest may have endocrine disrupting effects.
• Calcium Carbonate – safe · Added mineral for bone health fortification.
• Iron – safe · Essential mineral added for nutritional fortification.
• Zinc – safe · Essential mineral supporting immune function.
• Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) – safe · Stable form of vitamin C used for fortification.
• Niacinamide – safe · Form of vitamin B3 used for fortification.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – safe · Essential B vitamin added for nutritional completeness.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – safe · Essential B vitamin for energy metabolism.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate) – safe · Essential B vitamin for nervous system function.
• Vitamin A (Palmitate) – safe · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision and immune function.
• Folic Acid – safe · Synthetic form of folate, essential B vitamin.
• Vitamin B12 – safe · Essential vitamin particularly important for vegetarians.
• Vitamin D3 – safe · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Whole grain oats as primary ingredient

Gluten-free certified

Contains real fruit pieces

Fortified with vitamins and minerals

Natural spices like cinnamon

Contains canola oil (inflammatory seed oil)

BHT synthetic preservative

Multiple added sugar sources

Moderate processing level

Potential glyphosate residues