Truelabel

Cap'n Crunch Berries Cereal

by Pepsico

This is ultra-processed cereal loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and synthetic preservatives that spike blood sugar and provide minimal nutrition. The first two ingredients are refined grains and sugar, making it more like candy than a nutritious breakfast.

  • CORN FLOUR – controversial · Refined corn flour stripped of fiber and nutrients, causes rapid blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories.
  • SUGAR – dangerous · Added sugar as second ingredient creates blood sugar spikes, feeds harmful bacteria, and contributes to obesity and diabetes risk.
  • OAT FLOUR – safe · Provides some fiber and protein, though processing reduces nutritional value compared to whole oats.
  • BROWN SUGAR – dangerous · Additional sugar source that compounds the high sugar load, contributing to metabolic dysfunction.
  • PALM AND/OR COCONUT OIL – controversial · Palm oil is inflammatory and environmentally destructive, though coconut oil is more stable than seed oils.
  • SALT – safe · Essential mineral used for flavor enhancement in appropriate amounts.
  • SODIUM CITRATE – safe · Generally recognized as safe preservative and acidity regulator.
  • NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR – controversial · Vague ingredient category that can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, some potentially harmful.
  • STRAWBERRY JUICE CONCENTRATE – safe · Concentrated fruit juice that adds natural flavor and minimal nutrients.
  • RED 40 – dangerous · Petroleum-derived artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • YELLOW 5 – dangerous · Tartrazine dye linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • MALIC ACID – safe · Natural acid found in fruits, used to provide tartness and enhance flavor.
  • REDUCED IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral added for fortification to prevent iron deficiency.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added for fortification, essential for energy metabolism.
  • ZINC OXIDE – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
  • BLUE 1 – dangerous · Brilliant Blue FCF artificial color linked to hyperactivity and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • YELLOW 6 – dangerous · Sunset Yellow artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions.
  • THIAMIN MONONITRATE – beneficial · Vitamin B1 added for fortification, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
  • BHT – dangerous · Butylated hydroxytoluene is a synthetic antioxidant linked to potential carcinogenic effects and hormonal disruption.
  • RIBOFLAVIN – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for fortification, essential for energy production and cellular function.
  • PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B6 added for fortification, essential for protein metabolism and brain function.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Vitamin B9 added for fortification, essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
  • TOCOPHEROLS – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidants and preservatives.

Fortified with essential B vitamins and iron

Contains some oat flour for minimal fiber

Uses tocopherols as natural preservative

Extremely high sugar content (12g per serving)

Multiple artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

BHT preservative with potential health risks

Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value

Targets children with harmful ingredients

Environmental impact from palm oil