Lucky Charms Treats Bars

by General Mills

An ultra-processed snack bar loaded with multiple forms of sugar, artificial colors linked to hyperactivity, and industrial emulsifiers. Despite vitamin fortification, this is candy masquerading as a breakfast-adjacent snack with minimal nutritional value.

• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Fiber-rich whole grain that provides beta-glucan for heart health and steady energy release.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined sugar appears multiple times in ingredient list, contributing to blood sugar spikes and inflammation.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High-glycemic sweetener that rapidly raises blood sugar and provides empty calories.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – dangerous · Linked to metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver disease, and increased inflammation compared to regular sugar.
• Red 40 – controversial · Artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and banned in many European countries.
• Yellow 5 – controversial · Artificial color that may trigger hyperactivity and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Yellow 6 – controversial · Artificial color with potential links to hyperactivity and contaminated with carcinogenic compounds.
• Blue 1 – controversial · Artificial color that may cause allergic reactions and has shown tumor-promoting properties in animal studies.
• Palm Kernel Oil – controversial · Highly saturated tropical oil that may increase inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
• Trisodium Phosphate – safe · Food-grade pH regulator and emulsifier, generally recognized as safe in small amounts.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidants and help preserve freshness.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier derived from soybeans, helps bind ingredients together.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar more than table sugar and may disrupt gut bacteria.
• Gelatin – safe · Protein derived from animal collagen, provides structure to marshmallows.
• Artificial Flavor – controversial · Synthetic flavoring compounds of undisclosed composition, potential for unknown health effects.

Contains whole grain oats

Fortified with vitamins and minerals

Uses natural vitamin E preservative

Extremely high sugar content

Multiple artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value

Contains high fructose corn syrup

Inflammatory seed and palm oils