Reese's Puffs Cereal Bars

by General Mills

This highly processed cereal bar contains multiple forms of sugar (8+ types), seed oils, artificial colors, and partially hydrogenated oils. Despite vitamin fortification, it's essentially candy disguised as breakfast food.

• Whole Grain Corn – safe · Provides fiber and some nutrients, though processed into puffed cereal form reduces nutritional value.
• Sugar – controversial · Primary ingredient contributing to high glycemic load and blood sugar spikes.
• Peanuts – beneficial · Provides healthy fats and protein, though highly processed in this product.
• Monoglycerides – controversial · Emulsifier that may disrupt gut barrier function with regular consumption.
• Peanut Oil – safe · Stable cooking oil with balanced omega profile when unprocessed.
• Salt – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer in moderate amounts.
• Molasses – safe · Contains some minerals but still contributes to total sugar content.
• Corn Starch – safe · Refined carbohydrate used as thickener and binder.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose levels.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High glycemic sweetener contributing to metabolic dysfunction.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids promoting inflammation.
• Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn providing carbohydrates but minimal nutrition when refined.
• Hershey's Cocoa – safe · Processed cocoa powder for chocolate flavor with reduced antioxidants.
• Red 40 – controversial · Artificial food dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic concerns.
• Yellow 5 – controversial · Artificial food dye associated with allergic reactions and behavioral issues in sensitive individuals.
• Yellow 6 – controversial · Artificial food dye with potential links to hyperactivity and allergic reactions.
• Blue 1 – controversial · Artificial food dye with some safety concerns in animal studies.
• Trisodium Phosphate – safe · Food additive used as emulsifier and pH adjuster in processed foods.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Proprietary flavoring compounds derived from natural sources.
• Artificial Flavor – safe · Synthetic flavoring compounds to enhance taste.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds used as antioxidant preservative.
• Rice Flour – safe · Gluten-free flour used in crisp rice component.
• Cocoa Processed with Alkali – safe · Dutch-processed cocoa with reduced acidity but lower antioxidant content.
• Barley Malt Extract – safe · Natural sweetener derived from barley with some nutrients.
• Caramel Color – safe · Food coloring made by heating sugars, generally recognized as safe.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative with potential endocrine disruption concerns.
• Partially Defatted Peanut Meal – safe · Processed peanut product with reduced fat content.
• Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil – dangerous · Contains trans fats linked to cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
• Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil – dangerous · Industrial trans fat associated with heart disease and metabolic dysfunction.
• Corn Syrup Solids – controversial · Dried corn syrup adding to total sugar and glycemic load.
• Reduced Minerals Whey – safe · Dairy byproduct used for texture and protein content.
• Vanillin – safe · Synthetic vanilla flavoring compound.
• Soy Lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans, generally well tolerated.
• Partially Defatted Peanut Flour – safe · Peanut flour with reduced fat content for protein and flavor.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – controversial · Highly processed sweetener linked to metabolic syndrome and liver dysfunction.
• Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil – controversial · Highly processed saturated fat used for texture and shelf stability.
• Fructose – controversial · Simple sugar that bypasses normal glucose regulation and stresses the liver.
• Glycerin – safe · Humectant used to maintain moisture and texture.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch with very high glycemic index.
• Sorbitol – safe · Sugar alcohol that may cause digestive upset in large amounts.
• Water – safe · Used in processing and texture.
• Gelatin – safe · Protein-derived thickening agent from animal collagen.
• Nonfat Dry Milk – safe · Dairy powder for protein and texture enhancement.
• Whey – safe · Dairy protein with complete amino acid profile.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Added calcium for bone health fortification.
• Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium and phosphorus supplement for bone health.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and metabolism.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy production.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C for immune support and antioxidant protection.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 for protein metabolism and brain function.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 for energy production and antioxidant activity.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin for vision and immune function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nervous system and red blood cell health.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains some whole grain corn

Contains banned trans fats

8+ different sugar sources

Artificial food dyes

Ultra-processed ingredients

High inflammation potential