Chex Sweetened Rice Cereal Apple Cinnamon

by General Mills

A moderately processed rice cereal with added sugar as the third ingredient and concerning preservatives like BHT. While fortified with vitamins and starting with whole grain rice, the sugar content and industrial additives drag down its health profile.

• WHOLE GRAIN RICE – beneficial · Nutritious whole grain providing fiber, B vitamins, and minerals with intact bran and germ.
• RICE – safe · Refined white rice that adds bulk and carbohydrates but lacks the nutrients of whole grain.
• SUGAR – controversial · Added sugar as third ingredient significantly increases caloric density and blood sugar impact.
• CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
• APPLE POWDER – safe · Concentrated apple providing natural flavor and trace nutrients.
• SALT – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, used in moderate amounts.
• CINNAMON – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar stabilizing effects.
• ALLSPICE – beneficial · Natural spice with antioxidant properties and digestive benefits.
• GINGER – beneficial · Anti-inflammatory spice with digestive and metabolic benefits.
• MOLASSES – safe · Natural sweetener that retains some minerals, though still adds sugar content.
• NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined natural flavoring compound that could contain multiple undisclosed ingredients.
• VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant preservative that also provides vitamin E benefits.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to potential hormone disruption and cancer concerns.
• SODIUM SULFITE – safe · Preservative that can cause reactions in sulfite-sensitive individuals but generally safe.
• CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Calcium supplement to fortify the cereal with essential mineral.
• IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral added to prevent iron deficiency and support oxygen transport.
• ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral supporting immune function and wound healing.
• VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin supporting immune function and collagen synthesis.
• NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 supporting energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin supporting energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – beneficial · Essential vitamin supporting vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · B vitamin supporting energy production and antioxidant function.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin supporting nervous system function and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin supporting bone health and immune function.

Starts with whole grain rice

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains beneficial spices like cinnamon and ginger

No artificial colors or flavors

Sugar is third ingredient

Contains controversial BHT preservative

Includes inflammatory canola oil

Highly processed with multiple synthetic additives

High glycemic impact from sugar and refined rice