Raisin Bran Crunchy Whole Grain Wheat & Bran Flakes With Plump Juicy Raisins

by General Mills

A fortified cereal with whole grains and fiber benefits, but undermined by high added sugar content and synthetic preservative BHT. Better than many cereals due to fiber content, but still contains concerning amounts of sugar for daily consumption.

• WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT – beneficial · Complete wheat grain containing fiber, protein, and B vitamins. Provides sustained energy and digestive benefits.
• RAISINS – beneficial · Dried grapes providing natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants. Nutrient-dense sweetener source.
• SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar that increases calorie content and blood sugar impact beyond natural fruit sugars.
• CORN BRAN – safe · Outer layer of corn kernel providing additional fiber and bulk to the cereal.
• CORN SYRUP – controversial · Processed liquid sweetener that adds to total sugar load and may contribute to blood sugar spikes.
• BROWN SUGAR SYRUP – controversial · Third sugar source that further increases total added sugar content beyond what raisins provide naturally.
• SALT – safe · Enhances flavor profile in moderate amounts typical for breakfast cereals.
• TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · Food-grade pH regulator and texture enhancer, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• ANNATTO EXTRACT COLOR – safe · Natural coloring agent derived from annatto seeds, provides golden color without synthetic dyes.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to potential carcinogenic effects in some animal studies, banned in several countries.
• CALCIUM CARBONATE – beneficial · Calcium fortification supporting bone health, commonly used mineral supplement.
• ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing, added for nutritional fortification.
• IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral preventing anemia, particularly important for women and growing children.
• VITAMIN E ACETATE – safe · Stable form of vitamin E providing antioxidant benefits and meeting daily nutritional needs.
• NIACINAMIDE – safe · B vitamin (B3) supporting energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE – safe · B vitamin (B5) essential for fatty acid metabolism and hormone production.
• PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE – safe · Vitamin B6 supporting protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• RIBOFLAVIN – safe · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular function.
• THIAMIN MONONITRATE – safe · Vitamin B1 crucial for nervous system function and carbohydrate metabolism.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects, especially important for women.
• VITAMIN A PALMITATE – safe · Stable form of vitamin A supporting vision health and immune function.
• VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for red blood cell formation and neurological function, particularly important for vegetarians.
• VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and calcium absorption, addressing common deficiency.

Good source of dietary fiber

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains whole grain wheat

Natural raisins provide antioxidants

High added sugar content from multiple sources

Contains BHT preservative with potential health concerns

Ultra-processed despite whole grain base

May contribute to blood sugar spikes