Sweet & Crunchy Corn Puffs

by General Mills

This is a heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of sugar and synthetic additives masquerading as a nutritious start to the day. Despite vitamin fortification, the high sugar content and ultra-processed nature make it more like candy than a healthy breakfast option.

• Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, though processing removes much nutritional value.
• Sugar – controversial · High amounts contribute to blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
• Peanuts – beneficial · Good source of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients, though processing reduces benefits.
• Monoglycerides – controversial · Synthetic emulsifier that may disrupt gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function.
• Peanut Oil – safe · Relatively stable oil with balanced omega profile, better than most seed oils.
• Salt – safe · Essential mineral in moderate amounts, though processed foods often contain excess sodium.
• Molasses – safe · Less processed sweetener with some minerals, but still contributes to overall sugar load.
• Corn Starch – safe · Refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar but generally considered safe.
• Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose and insulin levels.
• Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn providing carbohydrates and some nutrients, though heavily processed.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · Highly processed sweetener that contributes to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Heavily processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, may promote inflammation.
• Hershey's Cocoa – safe · Provides antioxidants and flavor, though minimal amounts in processed cereals.
• Caramel Color – controversial · Artificial coloring that may contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen.
• Trisodium Phosphate – safe · Food additive used as emulsifier and pH adjuster, generally recognized as safe.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Undefined flavoring agents derived from natural sources, but specific compounds unknown.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidants and preserve freshness.
• Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium supplement that helps fortify the cereal with this essential mineral.
• Calcium Carbonate – safe · Additional calcium fortification, though absorption may be limited in processed foods.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy production.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C supplement that supports immune function and acts as antioxidant.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 crucial for brain development and protein metabolism.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 important for energy production and cellular function.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Vitamin A supplement important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• 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 production.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune function.

Contains whole grain corn as first ingredient

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Provides some protein from peanut butter component

Contains four different sugar sources totaling high sugar content

Ultra-processed with synthetic additives and emulsifiers

Contains potentially carcinogenic caramel color

Made with inflammatory seed oils

Marketed misleadingly as nutritious breakfast option