Truelabel

Cap'n Crunch Donut Cereal

by Pepsico

This is an ultra-processed sugar bomb disguised as breakfast food. With sugar as the second ingredient and artificial colors throughout, it's more candy than cereal.

  • CORN FLOUR – safe · Refined corn flour provides carbohydrates but lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole corn.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Listed as second ingredient, indicating high sugar content that can spike blood glucose and contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
  • WHOLE GRAIN OAT FLOUR – beneficial · Provides fiber and nutrients, though present in smaller quantities than refined ingredients.
  • YELLOW 5 – controversial · Artificial color linked to hyperactivity in children and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • RED 3 – dangerous · Banned in cosmetics due to thyroid tumor concerns in animal studies, yet still allowed in food.
  • BLUE 1 – controversial · Artificial color that may trigger hyperactivity and has shown kidney and brain effects in animal studies.
  • RED 40 – controversial · Most widely used artificial color, linked to behavioral issues in children and potential immune system effects.
  • YELLOW 6 – controversial · Artificial color associated with hyperactivity and contains benzene contamination concerns.
  • BLUE 2 LAKE – controversial · Aluminum lake form of artificial color with potential brain toxicity concerns from aluminum content.
  • BROWN SUGAR – controversial · Additional sugar source that compounds the high sugar load of this product.
  • PALM OIL – controversial · High in saturated fat and associated with increased inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
  • COCONUT OIL – safe · Natural saturated fat that's more stable than processed oils but still calorie-dense.
  • BHT – dangerous · Synthetic preservative classified as possibly carcinogenic and linked to liver and thyroid problems.
  • CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · May contain 4-methylimidazole, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing process.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined flavor compounds that are generally recognized as safe but lack transparency.
  • ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR – safe · Synthetic flavor compounds that are FDA-approved but offer no nutritional value.
  • REDUCED IRON – beneficial · Added iron for nutritional fortification to address nutrient deficiencies in processed foods.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added for nutritional fortification.
  • ZINC OXIDE – safe · Mineral supplement added for nutritional value.
  • THIAMIN MONONITRATE – beneficial · Vitamin B1 added to replace nutrients lost during processing.
  • RIBOFLAVIN – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for nutritional fortification.
  • PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B6 added to enhance nutritional profile.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin added for fortification, especially important for neural development.
  • CORNSTARCH – safe · Used as thickener and binder in the sprinkles component.
  • CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE – safe · Shellac-based coating used to create shine on candy sprinkles.
  • CARNAUBA WAX – safe · Natural wax used as coating agent, generally recognized as safe.
  • SALT – safe · Used for flavor enhancement in moderate amounts.

Fortified with essential B vitamins and iron

Contains some whole grain oat flour

Shelf-stable convenience food

Sugar is the second ingredient

Contains Red 3, banned in cosmetics but allowed in food

Multiple artificial colors linked to hyperactivity

BHT preservative with cancer concerns

Ultra-processed with minimal real food ingredients

High inflammation potential

Severe blood sugar impact