Peach Cheerios Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed breakfast cereal with whole grains as the base but loaded with added sugars and synthetic vitamins. While it provides some fiber and fortified nutrients, the high sugar content and processing level make it a mediocre breakfast choice.

• WHOLE GRAIN OATS – beneficial · Excellent source of soluble fiber, beta-glucan, and sustained energy with heart health benefits.
• SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar contributing to blood sugar spikes and empty calories, second ingredient by weight.
• CORN STARCH – safe · Modified starch used as thickener and texture enhancer, generally safe but adds processing.
• OAT BRAN – beneficial · High-fiber component that supports digestive health and cholesterol management.
• CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil that may contribute to inflammation and omega-6 excess in typical diets.
• PEACH PUREE CONCENTRATE – safe · Concentrated fruit puree providing some nutrients but also concentrated natural sugars.
• SALT – safe · Sodium chloride for taste enhancement, present in reasonable amounts.
• CORN SYRUP – controversial · High-glycemic sweetener that rapidly raises blood sugar and provides empty calories.
• TRIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · pH buffer and texture modifier, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
• NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Industry-standard flavoring agents, though specific compounds are proprietary and undisclosed.
• ANNATTO EXTRACT COLOR – safe · Natural colorant from annatto seeds, considered safe and preferable to artificial dyes.
• VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant preservative that also provides vitamin E nutrition.
• ASCORBIC ACID – beneficial · Vitamin C used as natural preservative and nutritional fortification.
• CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Common calcium fortification that supports bone health.
• ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral fortification to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
• VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Stable form of vitamin C for immune support and antioxidant protection.
• NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for protein metabolism and brain development.
• VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for energy production and cellular function.
• VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• VITAMIN A (PALMITATE) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
• VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Important for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.

Whole grain oats provide fiber and nutrients

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains beneficial oat bran

Uses natural colorant

Very high added sugar content (9g per serving)

Contains inflammatory canola oil

Highly processed with multiple additives

Misleading health marketing