Crunchy Whole Grain Wheat Flakes

by General Mills

A conventional whole grain cereal that's heavily fortified with synthetic vitamins but contains added sugars and processed sweeteners. While the whole grain wheat provides fiber and nutrients, the sugar content and industrial processing limit its health benefits.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Good source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals that supports digestive health and provides sustained energy.
• Sugar – controversial · Added sugar that increases caloric content and can contribute to blood sugar spikes and dental issues.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · Processed sweetener that provides empty calories and can contribute to insulin resistance over time.
• Salt – safe · Small amount used for flavor enhancement, within reasonable limits for breakfast cereal.
• Monoglycerides – safe · Emulsifier derived from fats that helps maintain cereal texture, generally recognized as safe.
• Annatto Extract Color – safe · Natural coloring agent from annatto seeds, considered safe with no known health concerns.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that preserve freshness while providing antioxidant benefits.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that supports bone health, though synthetic form has lower bioavailability.
• Sodium Ascorbate – safe · Synthetic vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits but less bioavailable than natural sources.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing, beneficial fortification.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism, important for preventing anemia.
• Vitamin E Acetate – safe · Synthetic form of vitamin E with antioxidant properties, though less bioactive than natural forms.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Calcium Pantothenate – beneficial · Vitamin B5 that supports energy metabolism and hormone production.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 that supports energy production and cellular function.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Synthetic vitamin A for vision and immune function, though less bioavailable than natural sources.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, important for vegetarians.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune function, beneficial fortification especially in northern climates.

Whole grain wheat provides fiber and nutrients

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

No artificial preservatives

Uses natural coloring agent

Added sugar and corn syrup increase caloric density

Synthetic vitamin fortification with lower bioavailability

Industrial processing reduces nutritional integrity

Potential pesticide residues from conventional wheat