Lightly Sweetened Multi Grain Cereal

by General Mills

A conventional multi-grain cereal that delivers some whole grain benefits but is undermined by added sugars, industrial processing, and seed oils. Better than sugar-loaded cereals but still far from optimal breakfast nutrition.

• Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants when consumed as whole grain rather than refined.
• Whole Grain Wheat – safe · Good source of fiber and nutrients, though may cause issues for those with gluten sensitivity.
• Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and provides empty calories without nutrients.
• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of beta-glucan fiber that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Whole Grain Barley – beneficial · High in fiber and beta-glucan, supporting digestive health and blood sugar control.
• Whole Grain Rice – safe · Provides carbohydrates and some B vitamins, generally well-tolerated grain.
• Corn Starch – controversial · Refined starch that adds empty carbohydrates and may spike blood sugar.
• Brown Sugar Syrup – controversial · Concentrated liquid sugar that rapidly elevates blood glucose despite 'brown' marketing.
• Corn Bran – beneficial · Fiber-rich outer layer of corn that supports digestive health.
• Salt – safe · Enhances flavor in moderate amounts, generally safe for most people.
• Tripotassium Phosphate – safe · Common food additive used as pH buffer and texture modifier, generally recognized as safe.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that's inflammatory and may contribute to oxidative stress.
• Rice Bran Oil – safe · Less processed than canola oil and contains some beneficial compounds like gamma oryzanol.
• Color Added – controversial · Artificial coloring serves no nutritional purpose and may cause behavioral issues in sensitive children.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidant preservatives.
• Calcium Carbonate – safe · Common calcium supplement, though not as bioavailable as calcium from whole foods.
• Iron – safe · Essential mineral fortification to prevent deficiency.
• Zinc – safe · Important mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Sodium Ascorbate – safe · Vitamin C fortification in sodium salt form.
• Niacinamide – safe · B3 vitamin fortification essential for energy metabolism.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – safe · Vitamin B6 fortification important for protein metabolism.
• Riboflavin – safe · Vitamin B2 fortification essential for energy production.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – safe · Vitamin B1 fortification crucial for nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Fat-soluble vitamin A fortification for vision and immune health.
• Folic Acid – safe · B vitamin fortification important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – safe · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function, especially valuable in processed foods.

Contains multiple whole grains

Good source of fiber

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

No high fructose corn syrup

Added sugars including brown sugar syrup

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Artificial colors serve no nutritional purpose

Highly processed despite whole grain content