Oven Toasted Corn Squares Cereal
by Mcilhenny
A basic corn cereal with moderate sugar content and synthetic vitamin fortification. While relatively simple compared to ultra-processed cereals, it contains added sugar and synthetic preservatives in packaging that may migrate to food.
- Corn Meal – safe · Processed corn that provides carbohydrates and some fiber, though refined compared to whole corn.
- Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar increases palatability but contributes to blood sugar spikes and potential metabolic issues with regular consumption.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for taste enhancement, likely within reasonable limits for cereal products.
- Corn Bran – beneficial · Fiber-rich outer layer of corn that supports digestive health and blood sugar stability.
- Molasses – safe · Natural sweetener that provides some minerals like iron and potassium, though still contributes sugar.
- Potassium Chloride – safe · Mineral salt that provides potassium, an essential electrolyte for heart and muscle function.
- Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent in processing, generally recognized as safe.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Common calcium supplement that fortifies the cereal with this essential mineral for bone health.
- Reduced Iron – safe · Iron fortification to prevent deficiency, using a bioavailable form that's well-absorbed.
- Zinc Oxide – safe · Zinc fortification for immune function and wound healing, though oxide form has lower bioavailability.
- Sodium Ascorbate – safe · Vitamin C in sodium salt form, acts as antioxidant and essential nutrient for immune function.
- Niacinamide – safe · Vitamin B3 fortification essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Fat-soluble vitamin A for vision and immune health, in stable palmitate form.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – safe · Vitamin B6 for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Riboflavin – safe · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production and cellular function.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – safe · Vitamin B1 for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
- Folic Acid – safe · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin D – safe · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function, added to improve nutritional profile.
- Vitamin B12 – safe · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, particularly important for vegetarians.
- BHT – controversial · Butylated hydroxytoluene in packaging material may migrate to food; linked to potential endocrine disruption and cancer concerns in studies.
Simple ingredient list
Vitamin and mineral fortification
Contains fiber from corn bran
No seed oils
Relatively low additive count
Added sugar as second ingredient
BHT preservative in packaging
Highly processed corn base
Synthetic vitamin forms
May spike blood sugar
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Oven Toasted Corn Squares Cereal was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Cereal