Multigrain Cereal with Fruit & Almonds

by General Mills

A heavily processed cereal with some whole grains but multiple sugars that drive up the carbohydrate load. The fruit and nuts add some nutritional value, but the sugar content and processing additives make this a mediocre breakfast choice.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals in their natural form with the bran and germ intact.
• Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn that adds texture and carbohydrates, though less nutritious than whole grain corn.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and provides empty calories without nutrients.
• Raisins – beneficial · Dried grapes that provide natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants like resveratrol.
• Rice Flour – safe · Ground rice used as a binding agent and carbohydrate source, though nutritionally sparse.
• Almond Pieces – beneficial · Provide healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium for heart and brain health.
• Brown Sugar Syrup – controversial · Concentrated liquid sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and dental issues.
• Glycerin – safe · Sugar alcohol used to maintain moisture and texture, generally well-tolerated.
• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan) that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Dried Cranberries – safe · Provide antioxidants and flavor, though often contain added sugar during processing.
• Salt – safe · Enhances flavor in reasonable amounts, though contributes to daily sodium intake.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High-fructose sweetener that can contribute to metabolic dysfunction and blood sugar spikes.
• Palm Kernel Oil – controversial · Saturated fat that's more stable than seed oils but raises environmental and sustainability concerns.
• Brown Sugar – controversial · Slightly less refined than white sugar but still causes blood glucose spikes.
• Barley Malt Extract – safe · Natural sweetener from germinated barley that provides some minerals and enzymes.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple glucose that causes rapid blood sugar elevation and insulin response.
• Honey – safe · Natural sweetener with trace minerals and antioxidants, though still high in fructose.
• Caramel Color – controversial · May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing.
• Annatto Extract – safe · Natural coloring from annatto seeds, generally well-tolerated with antioxidant properties.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar stabilizing effects.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier from soybeans, generally safe though may be from GMO sources.
• Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent, safe in food amounts.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Derived from natural sources but processing methods are proprietary and undisclosed.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that preserve freshness and provide antioxidant benefits.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Mineral supplement that supports bone health and muscle function.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin C that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism, preventing anemia.
• Zinc – beneficial · Important for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 that supports energy production and antioxidant function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Supports calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function.

Contains whole grains wheat and oats

Real fruit and nuts provide nutrients

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Natural preservatives (vitamin E)

Six different sugar sources create high glycemic load

Highly processed with multiple additives

Contains potentially carcinogenic caramel color

Palm kernel oil raises sustainability concerns

Non-organic grains likely contain pesticide residues