Truelabel

Crispy Corn Puffs

by General Mills

A heavily processed corn cereal with moderate sugar content and synthetic fortification. While corn-based and free of seed oils, the processing level and added sugars make this an occasional breakfast option at best.

  • WHOLE GRAIN CORN – safe · Provides fiber and some nutrients, though heavily processed into puffs removes much nutritional value.
  • CORN MEAL – safe · Ground corn used for texture and bulk, though refined and processed.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar contributes to blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories.
  • CORN BRAN – safe · Outer layer of corn kernel providing some fiber, though minimal amounts in final product.
  • SALT – safe · Standard sodium addition for flavor enhancement, within reasonable limits for cereal.
  • BROWN SUGAR SYRUP – controversial · Concentrated liquid sugar that adds to total sugar content and glycemic impact.
  • BAKING SODA – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used for leavening and texture in the puffing process.
  • VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural vitamin E antioxidants that preserve freshness while providing nutritional benefit.
  • CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Synthetic calcium fortification to boost mineral content of processed cereal.
  • IRON – safe · Essential mineral added to fortify the cereal and prevent deficiency.
  • ZINC – safe · Essential trace mineral added for immune function and metabolic support.
  • VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin C used for fortification rather than preservation.
  • NIACINAMIDE – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin B3 added to replace nutrients lost in processing.
  • VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – safe · Synthetic B vitamin added to fortify the processed cereal.
  • VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – safe · B vitamin added to replace nutrients destroyed during high-heat processing.
  • VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – safe · Synthetic thiamin added to compensate for processing losses.
  • VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – safe · Synthetic vitamin A ester added for fortification purposes.
  • FOLIC ACID – safe · Synthetic form of folate required by FDA for grain fortification.
  • VITAMIN B12 – safe · Essential vitamin added to fortify the cereal, particularly important for vegetarians.
  • VITAMIN D3 – safe · Added vitamin D for bone health and immune function support.

No seed oils

Fortified with essential vitamins

Corn-based rather than wheat

Natural vitamin E preservation

Ultra-processed

Added sugars

Synthetic fortification

Potential pesticide residues

High glycemic impact