Fruit Flavored Sweetened Corn Puffs with Marshmallows

by General Mills

This ultra-processed cereal is essentially candy marketed as breakfast food, loaded with multiple sugars, artificial colors, and inflammatory seed oils. The heavy use of synthetic dyes and sugar makes this particularly harmful for children's developing systems.

• Whole grain corn – safe · The only genuinely nutritious ingredient providing fiber and some nutrients, though heavily processed into puffs.
• Corn meal – safe · Ground corn that adds structure but minimal nutrition after processing.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction.
• Corn syrup – controversial · High-glycemic liquid sugar that rapidly raises blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Modified corn starch – safe · Chemically altered starch for texture, generally considered safe but adds no nutrition.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar that causes immediate blood sugar spikes, essentially glucose.
• Canola oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation.
• Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, acceptable in moderate amounts.
• Red 3 – dangerous · Banned in cosmetics due to thyroid tumor links, yet still allowed in food.
• Red 40 – controversial · Most widely used food dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects.
• Yellow 5 – controversial · Artificial dye associated with hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and behavioral issues in children.
• Yellow 6 – controversial · Contains benzidine, a carcinogen, and linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions.
• Blue 1 – controversial · Synthetic dye that can trigger allergic reactions and may cross the blood-brain barrier.
• Turmeric extract – beneficial · Natural coloring agent with anti-inflammatory properties, the only healthy colorant used.
• Gelatin – safe · Animal protein that provides structure to marshmallow pieces, generally safe.
• Trisodium phosphate – safe · Chemical leavening agent and pH adjuster, safe in food-grade amounts.
• Natural flavor – safe · Flavoring compounds derived from natural sources, generally safe but vague labeling.
• Artificial flavor – safe · Synthetic flavoring compounds, generally safe but contribute to ultra-processing.
• Citric acid – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer that helps maintain freshness.
• Malic acid – safe · Natural fruit acid that adds tartness, generally safe in food applications.
• Calcium carbonate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that fortifies the cereal with essential mineral.
• Tricalcium phosphate – beneficial · Calcium and phosphorus source for bone health fortification.
• Sodium ascorbate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin C for immune system support.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for blood formation and oxygen transport.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential trace mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 important for protein metabolism and brain function.
• Thiamin mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• Vitamin A palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision and immune function.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular function.
• Folic acid – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Contains whole grain corn as primary ingredient

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Uses one natural colorant (turmeric)

Provides some B vitamins and minerals

Contains Red 3 - banned in cosmetics for cancer risk

Five additional artificial dyes linked to hyperactivity

Three different sugar sources creating metabolic chaos

Inflammatory canola oil

Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value

Targets children with harmful ingredients

Designed for overconsumption