Peanut Butter Sweet & Crunchy Corn Puffs

by General Mills

This cereal is a sugar-laden ultra-processed product with multiple artificial colors and sweeteners that far outweigh any nutritional benefits from fortification. The high sugar content and artificial additives make it poorly suited for regular consumption, especially for children.

• 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.
• Reese's Peanut Butter – safe · Provides protein and healthy fats, though processed with added sugars.
• Peanuts – beneficial · Good source of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
• Monoglycerides – safe · Emulsifier that helps bind ingredients together, generally recognized as safe.
• Peanut Oil – safe · Relatively stable cooking oil with neutral omega profile.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral when consumed in moderation.
• Molasses – safe · Less processed sugar source that retains some minerals, but still adds sugar content.
• Corn Starch – safe · Thickening agent that provides empty calories but no significant health concerns.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly raises blood glucose levels.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High glycemic sweetener linked to metabolic dysfunction and obesity.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that may promote inflammation due to high omega-6 content.
• Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn that provides carbohydrates and some nutrients.
• Hershey's Cocoa – beneficial · Contains antioxidants and provides chocolate flavor with minimal processing concerns.
• Red 40 – controversial · Artificial food dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects.
• Yellow 5 – controversial · Synthetic dye that may trigger allergic reactions and behavioral issues in sensitive individuals.
• Yellow 6 – controversial · Artificial colorant with potential links to hyperactivity and allergic reactions.
• Blue 1 – controversial · Synthetic dye that may cause allergic reactions and is banned in some countries.
• Trisodium Phosphate – safe · Emulsifier and pH regulator that's generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though processing methods vary.
• Artificial Flavor – safe · Synthetic flavor compounds that enhance taste but provide no nutritional value.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidants and preservatives.
• Tricalcium Phosphate – beneficial · Calcium supplement that supports bone health.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Calcium source for bone and teeth health.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C source that supports immune function and antioxidant activity.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · B vitamin important for energy production and cellular function.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Vitamin A for vision, immune function, and cellular development.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important for calcium absorption and bone health.

Contains whole grain corn

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Provides some protein from peanuts

Very high sugar content

Multiple artificial food dyes

Ultra-processed with many additives

High glycemic impact

Contains inflammatory seed oils