Sweetened Whole Multi Grain Cereal with Real Peanut Butter

by General Mills

A multi-grain cereal with decent whole grain content but undermined by high sugar content and industrial processing. While it provides some nutritional value from fortified vitamins and whole grains, the sugar load makes it more dessert than optimal breakfast fuel.

• Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Primary whole grain providing fiber, B vitamins, and sustained energy with intact germ and bran.
• Sugar – controversial · Refined white sugar as second ingredient creates significant blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories.
• Peanut Butter – safe · Real peanut butter adds protein, healthy fats, and flavor, though processed with emulsifiers.
• Peanuts – beneficial · Whole peanuts provide plant protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, and various minerals.
• Monoglycerides – safe · Common emulsifier derived from fats, generally recognized as safe with minimal health concerns.
• Whole Grain Oats – beneficial · Excellent source of beta-glucan fiber that helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.
• Whole Grain Sorghum – beneficial · Gluten-free ancient grain high in antioxidants and resistant starch for gut health.
• Whole Grain Barley – beneficial · High-fiber grain with beta-glucan that supports heart health and blood sugar control.
• Whole Grain Rice – safe · Provides carbohydrates and some B vitamins, though less nutrient-dense than other whole grains.
• Corn Syrup – controversial · High-glucose liquid sweetener that rapidly spikes blood sugar and contributes to metabolic dysfunction.
• Dextrose – controversial · Pure glucose that causes immediate blood sugar spikes and has higher glycemic index than table sugar.
• Salt – safe · Moderate amount for flavor enhancement, not excessive for breakfast cereal category.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
• Rice Bran Oil – safe · Less processed than other seed oils with some antioxidants, though still high in omega-6 fatty acids.
• Peanut Oil – safe · Relatively stable oil with balanced fatty acid profile, better choice than most seed oils.
• Corn Starch – safe · Simple starch used as thickener, provides empty calories but no significant health concerns.
• Color Added – safe · Artificial coloring agents, generally safe but unnecessary for nutritional value.
• Tripotassium Phosphate – safe · Buffering agent and potassium source, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Added calcium for bone health, well-absorbed form of this essential mineral.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral fortification to prevent iron deficiency, especially important for children.
• Zinc – beneficial · Important mineral for immune function and wound healing, beneficial fortification.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C in stable form, essential antioxidant vitamin for immune system and collagen production.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and antioxidant function.
• Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cellular development.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nervous system function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Contains multiple whole grains

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Provides plant protein from peanuts

No artificial preservatives

High sugar content with multiple forms

Contains processed seed oils

Ultra-processed with artificial additives

Blood sugar spiking potential