Truelabel

Sweetened Corn Puffs

by General Mills

A heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of sugar and corn as primary ingredients. While fortified with vitamins, it's essentially candy marketed as a nutritious breakfast option.

  • WHOLE GRAIN CORN – safe · Primary grain ingredient providing some fiber and nutrients, though heavily processed into puffs.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar contributing to high glycemic load and potential metabolic dysfunction.
  • CORN MEAL – safe · Refined corn product that adds bulk but minimal nutritional value.
  • CORN SYRUP – controversial · High-glycemic sweetener that can contribute to blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance.
  • CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • SALT – safe · Standard sodium chloride for flavor enhancement.
  • COLOR (VEGETABLE AND FRUIT JUICE, TURMERIC EXTRACT AND ANNATTO EXTRACT) – beneficial · Natural coloring agents from plant sources, providing antioxidants.
  • TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE – controversial · Chemical additive that may irritate digestive tract and affect mineral absorption.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though specific components unknown.
  • CITRIC ACID – safe · Natural preservative that helps maintain freshness and adds tartness.
  • MALIC ACID – safe · Natural acid found in fruits that enhances flavor profile.
  • CALCIUM CARBONATE – beneficial · Calcium supplement for bone health and fortification.
  • TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · Calcium and phosphorus source for bone health.
  • ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
  • IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
  • VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin supporting immune function and collagen synthesis.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
  • VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · B vitamin important for energy production and antioxidant function.
  • VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
  • VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune function.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division.
  • VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
  • VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Uses natural colors from plant sources

Contains some whole grain corn

Multiple sugar sources as primary ingredients

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Ultra-processed with chemical additives

High glycemic impact

Marketed misleadingly as healthy breakfast option