Sweetened Corn Puffs Fruit

by General Mills

A heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of added sugar as top ingredients and minimal nutritional value beyond synthetic vitamins. The whole grain corn base is overshadowed by sugar, corn syrup, and industrial processing that strips away natural nutrients then adds them back artificially.

• whole grain corn – beneficial · Provides fiber and some nutrients, though heavily processed into puffs removes much nutritional value.
• sugar – dangerous · Refined sugar as second ingredient contributes to blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
• corn meal – safe · Processed corn that adds bulk but minimal nutritional value compared to whole corn.
• corn syrup – dangerous · High-fructose processed sweetener that rapidly raises blood sugar and contributes to metabolic issues.
• canola oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
• salt – safe · Standard sodium chloride for flavor enhancement at reasonable levels.
• vegetable and fruit juice color – beneficial · Natural coloring from plant sources, preferable to synthetic dyes.
• turmeric extract – beneficial · Natural yellow coloring with anti-inflammatory properties, though minimal amounts used.
• annatto extract – safe · Natural orange-red coloring from annatto seeds, generally well-tolerated.
• trisodium phosphate – controversial · Industrial chemical used as pH adjuster and emulsifier, potential gut irritant in sensitive individuals.
• natural flavor – safe · Undefined natural flavoring compounds, generally safe but lack transparency.
• citric acid – safe · Natural acid used as preservative and flavor enhancer, well-tolerated.
• malic acid – safe · Fruit acid that adds tartness and acts as preservative, naturally occurring.
• calcium carbonate – beneficial · Calcium fortification for bone health, well-absorbed form.
• tricalcium phosphate – safe · Calcium and phosphorus source for bone health.
• zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and metabolism.
• iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for blood health and oxygen transport.
• sodium ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C fortification for immune support and antioxidant function.
• 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 cellular function.
• thiamin mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 for nervous system and energy metabolism.
• vitamin a palmitate – beneficial · Vitamin A for vision health and immune function.
• folic acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• vitamin b12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• vitamin d3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune system function.

Contains whole grain corn as first ingredient

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Uses natural coloring agents instead of artificial dyes

High in added sugars with sugar and corn syrup as top ingredients

Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Likely to cause blood sugar spikes

May contain pesticide residues from non-organic corn