Chocolate Strawberry Cereal

by General Mills

This heavily processed cereal contains multiple forms of sugar as primary ingredients, inflammatory seed oils, and synthetic preservatives. Despite whole grain content, the high sugar load and ultra-processing make it nutritionally poor for regular consumption.

• WHOLE GRAIN OATS – beneficial · Nutritious whole grain providing fiber, protein, and various minerals with proven heart health benefits.
• WHOLE GRAIN CORN – safe · Whole grain providing some nutrients and fiber, though less nutritionally dense than oats.
• SUGAR – controversial · Refined white sugar as the third ingredient indicates high sugar content, contributing to blood sugar spikes and metabolic stress.
• DEXTROSE – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly raises blood glucose levels, adding to the product's high glycemic load.
• RICE FLOUR – safe · Refined carbohydrate used for texture, contributes calories but minimal nutrition.
• SOYBEAN OIL – controversial · Highly processed omega-6 seed oil that promotes inflammation and is often GMO-derived.
• COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa for chocolate flavor, though alkalization reduces some antioxidants.
• CORN SYRUP – dangerous · High-fructose liquid sweetener that rapidly spikes blood sugar and contributes to metabolic dysfunction.
• CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, often GMO and chemically extracted.
• SALT – safe · Essential mineral used for flavor enhancement in appropriate amounts.
• MALTODEXTRIN – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar and may disrupt gut bacteria.
• NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though processing methods are not disclosed.
• CARAMEL COLOR – safe · Common food coloring, though some forms may contain trace amounts of potentially harmful compounds.
• CHOCOLATE LIQUOR – beneficial · Pure chocolate from cacao beans, provides some antioxidants and authentic chocolate flavor.
• BAKING SODA – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent, generally recognized as safe.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to potential hormonal disruption and banned in some countries.
• TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · Calcium supplement that fortifies the cereal with this essential mineral.
• ZINC – beneficial · Essential trace mineral important for immune function and wound healing.
• IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• VITAMIN C – beneficial · Essential antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function.
• NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
• VITAMIN B6 – beneficial · B vitamin important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• RIBOFLAVIN – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular growth.
• THIAMIN MONONITRATE – beneficial · Vitamin B1 crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• VITAMIN A – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Contains whole grain oats and corn

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Provides some fiber

Very high sugar content from multiple sources

Contains inflammatory seed oils

Ultra-processed with synthetic preservatives

BHT preservative of concern

High glycemic impact