Raisin Bran Clusters

by General Mills

A heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple added sugars masquerading as a healthy choice. While it contains whole grains and fiber, the high sugar content and numerous additives undermine its nutritional value.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Primary whole grain providing fiber, B vitamins, and minerals with intact bran and germ.
• Raisins – safe · Natural dried fruit providing sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants, though concentrated in natural sugars.
• Corn Bran – beneficial · Fiber-rich outer layer of corn kernel providing digestive benefits and nutrients.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
• Whole Grain Rice – safe · Complete rice grain providing carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins.
• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Beta-glucan rich grain that supports heart health and stable blood sugar.
• Wheat Bran – beneficial · High-fiber outer layer of wheat providing digestive support and minerals.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · Processed liquid sugar that rapidly elevates blood glucose and contributes to insulin resistance.
• Glycerin – safe · Natural humectant that maintains moisture and texture in processed foods.
• Brown Sugar – controversial · Minimally less refined than white sugar but still rapidly absorbed and metabolically problematic.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral for electrolyte balance, though excessive amounts can raise blood pressure.
• Brown Sugar Syrup – controversial · Another form of concentrated sugar that contributes to the product's high sugar load.
• Honey – safe · Natural sweetener with trace nutrients and antioxidants, though still high in fructose.
• Corn Starch – safe · Refined carbohydrate used for thickening and binding, rapidly digested to glucose.
• Malt Syrup – safe · Grain-derived sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
• Tripotassium Phosphate – controversial · Chemical pH regulator that may interfere with calcium absorption in large amounts.
• Caramel Color – safe · Heat-processed sugar coloring that's generally safe in food applications.
• Natural and Artificial Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds that are generally safe but lack transparency in specific ingredients.
• Cinnamon – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar stabilizing effects.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative with potential hormonal disruption concerns in animal studies.
• Vitamin E – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that protects fats from oxidation and supports cellular health.
• Added Vitamins and Minerals – beneficial · Synthetic nutrients added to replace those lost in processing and enhance nutritional profile.

Contains multiple whole grains as primary ingredients

Good source of fiber for digestive health

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

No seed oils or trans fats

Contains beneficial cinnamon

Contains 5 different forms of added sugar

Heavily processed with multiple additives

BHT preservative with potential health concerns

High glycemic load despite whole grains

Phosphate additives may interfere with mineral absorption