Truelabel

Naturally Flavored Sweetened Cereal

by General Mills

This is a heavily processed breakfast cereal with three types of added sugars and artificial processing aids. While fortified with vitamins and containing whole grain corn as the first ingredient, the high sugar content and ultra-processing significantly compromise its nutritional value.

  • WHOLE GRAIN CORN – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and complex carbohydrates, though processing reduces nutritional value.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
  • CORN MEAL – safe · Processed corn flour that adds bulk and texture but minimal nutrition.
  • CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that may promote inflammation and contains trans fats from processing.
  • YELLOW CORN FLOUR – safe · Refined corn flour used for texture and binding.
  • COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa that adds flavor but alkali treatment reduces antioxidants.
  • CORN SYRUP – controversial · High-fructose corn derivative that rapidly raises blood sugar and may contribute to fatty liver disease.
  • SALT – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, used in moderate amounts.
  • BROWN SUGAR SYRUP – controversial · Third form of added sugar that further increases the glycemic load of the product.
  • CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · Artificial colorant that may contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing.
  • BAKING SODA – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent, generally recognized as safe.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined flavoring compounds derived from natural sources but highly processed.
  • CALCIUM CARBONATE – beneficial · Calcium supplement that supports bone health.
  • TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · Calcium and phosphorus source for bone health.
  • ZINC AND IRON – beneficial · Essential minerals added for nutritional fortification.
  • VITAMIN C – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 that supports cellular energy production.
  • VITAMIN B6 – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for protein metabolism and brain function.
  • VITAMIN B2 – beneficial · Riboflavin supports energy metabolism and cellular function.
  • VITAMIN B1 – beneficial · Thiamine essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
  • VITAMIN A – beneficial · Essential vitamin for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
  • VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell production.
  • VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune function.

Whole grain corn as first ingredient

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

No artificial sweeteners

Provides quick breakfast option

Three forms of added sugar

Contains potentially carcinogenic caramel color

Ultra-processed with minimal whole food ingredients

May contribute to blood sugar spikes and metabolic dysfunction