Crispy Sweetened Whole Wheat and Rice Cereal

by General Mills

A highly processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of added sugar that spikes blood sugar despite whole grain content. The artificial preservative BHT and industrial processing methods offset the nutritional benefits of fortification.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Good that it's the first ingredient, indicating it's the primary component.
• Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and empty calories.
• Rice Flour – safe · Refined grain that provides carbohydrates and texture but lacks fiber and nutrients of whole rice.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that may contribute to inflammation and is often chemically extracted.
• Rice Bran Oil – safe · Better oil choice than most seed oils, contains vitamin E and has a more favorable fatty acid profile.
• Fructose – controversial · Concentrated fruit sugar that bypasses normal glucose metabolism and may contribute to fatty liver disease.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar more than table sugar and may disrupt gut bacteria.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar identical to glucose that causes rapid blood sugar elevation.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral for flavor enhancement, appears in reasonable amounts.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Natural spice with antioxidant properties and potential blood sugar benefits.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally considered safe despite soy concerns.
• Trisodium Phosphate – safe · Food-grade phosphate used for texture and pH control, safe in food applications.
• Color Added – controversial · Unspecified artificial colors that serve no nutritional purpose and may cause behavioral issues in sensitive children.
• BHT – dangerous · Synthetic antioxidant linked to potential carcinogenic effects and hormone disruption in animal studies.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Essential mineral for bone health, commonly used for fortification.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential trace mineral important for immune function and wound healing.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
• Vitamin C – beneficial · Important antioxidant vitamin, though synthetic form used here.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 important for energy metabolism and cellular function.
• Vitamin B6 – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for protein metabolism and brain function.
• Vitamin B2 – beneficial · Riboflavin essential for energy production and cellular function.
• Vitamin B1 – beneficial · Thiamine essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A – beneficial · Essential fat-soluble vitamin 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 vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell production.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Whole grain wheat as primary ingredient

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

Contains beneficial cinnamon

Provides dietary fiber

Contains BHT preservative linked to health concerns

Four different sugar sources create high glycemic load

Highly processed with industrial additives

Canola oil adds inflammatory potential

Artificial colors serve no nutritional purpose