Toast Crunch Peanut Butter Squares Cereal

by General Mills

A heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of sugar as primary ingredients and synthetic preservatives. While fortified with vitamins, the high sugar content and ultra-processed nature make it nutritionally poor for regular consumption.

• Whole Grain Wheat – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Good that it's the first ingredient, though processing removes many benefits.
• Sugar – dangerous · Refined sugar as the second ingredient creates high glycemic load and contributes to metabolic dysfunction with regular consumption.
• Rice Flour – safe · Refined grain flour that adds carbohydrates but minimal nutritional value.
• Peanut Butter – safe · Provides protein and healthy fats, though processed with added sugar and oil.
• Peanuts – beneficial · Good source of protein, healthy fats, and various nutrients including niacin and folate.
• Peanut Oil – safe · Relatively stable oil, though processed. Better than many seed oils but still refined.
• Salt – safe · Added for flavor enhancement at likely moderate levels.
• Molasses – safe · Less refined than sugar and contains some minerals, but still contributes to overall sugar load.
• Monoglycerides – safe · Emulsifier that helps ingredients blend. Generally recognized as safe with no major health concerns.
• Corn Starch – safe · Used as thickener and texture modifier. Highly refined carbohydrate with minimal nutrition.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed carbohydrate that spikes blood sugar rapidly and may disrupt gut bacteria balance.
• Rice Bran Oil – safe · Contains some beneficial compounds like gamma oryzanol, though still processed oil.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Heavily processed seed oil that undergoes chemical extraction and may contribute to inflammation.
• Dextrose – dangerous · Simple sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose and insulin levels.
• Trisodium Phosphate – controversial · Also used as industrial cleaner, can interfere with calcium absorption and may affect bone health.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, though specific ingredients are proprietary.
• Artificial Flavor – safe · Synthetic flavor compounds. Generally safe but indicates highly processed product.
• Color Added – safe · Artificial colorings for visual appeal. Modern food dyes are generally safer than older versions.
• Mixed Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidant preservatives. Actually beneficial for health.
• BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to potential hormone disruption and carcinogenic concerns in animal studies.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Added calcium for bone health. Well-absorbed form of calcium supplementation.
• Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
• Sodium Ascorbate – beneficial · Vitamin C supplement that supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• 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 cellular 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 cell growth.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health and immune function.

Contains whole grain wheat as first ingredient

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Provides some protein from peanut butter

Uses mixed tocopherols as natural preservative

Sugar is the second ingredient

Contains multiple forms of added sugar

Ultra-processed with artificial additives

Contains BHT preservative with safety concerns

High glycemic impact from refined sugars

Uses controversial seed oils

Contains trisodium phosphate industrial chemical