Fiber One Protein Sweetened Granola Cereal Cranberry Almond

by General Mills

This cereal delivers on protein and fiber but undermines health with multiple sugars (sugar, corn syrup, fructose), canola oil, and artificial additives. The heavy processing and sugar load outweigh the whole grain benefits.

• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · High in fiber and beta-glucan, supports heart health and blood sugar control.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation when consumed regularly.
• Crisp Rice – safe · Processed rice component that adds texture but minimal nutritional value.
• Rice Flour – safe · Refined flour used in rice crisps, low in nutrients compared to whole grains.
• Barley Malt Extract – safe · Natural sweetener with some nutrients, less processed than refined sugar.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral in moderate amounts, but processed foods often contain excess sodium.
• Caramel Color – controversial · May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing.
• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals when consumed as whole grain.
• Corn Bran – beneficial · High-fiber outer layer of corn kernel, supports digestive health.
• Soy Protein Isolate – controversial · Highly processed protein with potential estrogenic effects and digestive issues for some.
• Puffed Wheat – safe · Processed wheat that adds texture but loses some nutrients during puffing.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly refined seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, linked to inflammation.
• Corn Syrup – dangerous · High-fructose liquid sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose and promotes fat storage.
• Almond Pieces – beneficial · Nutrient-dense nuts providing healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
• Cranberries – beneficial · Antioxidant-rich dried fruit, though often sweetened in processed foods.
• Honey – safe · Natural sweetener with trace nutrients, still contributes to overall sugar content.
• Modified Wheat Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used as thickener, generally safe but highly processed.
• Rice Starch – safe · Natural thickening agent extracted from rice, minimal nutritional value.
• Fructose – controversial · Concentrated fruit sugar that bypasses glucose regulation and promotes fat storage.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally safe despite being highly processed.
• Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as leavening agent, safe in food applications.
• Xanthan Gum – safe · Fermented polysaccharide thickener, may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
• Natural and Artificial Flavor – controversial · Undisclosed flavor compounds, artificial versions may contain concerning chemicals.
• Color Added – controversial · Unspecified synthetic dyes potentially linked to hyperactivity and other health concerns.
• Cellulose Gum – safe · Plant-derived thickener, safe but indicates high processing level.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds used as antioxidant preservative.
• Calcium Carbonate – safe · Mineral supplement providing bioavailable calcium for bone health.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 crucial for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and antioxidant function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.

Contains whole grains providing fiber and B vitamins

Fortified with essential minerals like iron and zinc

Includes beneficial nuts and antioxidant-rich cranberries

Provides plant-based protein from soy isolate

Multiple sugar sources create high glycemic load

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Heavily processed with artificial additives

Potential carcinogenic caramel color

High sodium content from processing