Life Regular
by Pepsico
A moderately processed breakfast cereal with added vitamins but significant concerns from artificial colors, BHT preservative, and moderate sugar content. Better than many sugary cereals but far from optimal.
- Whole Grain Oat Flour – beneficial · Good source of fiber and protein with heart-healthy beta-glucan. Being the first ingredient is positive for nutritional value.
- Sugar – controversial · Added sugar contributing to blood sugar spikes and empty calories, though amount is moderate compared to many cereals.
- Corn Flour – safe · Refined corn flour providing carbohydrates and texture but limited nutritional value compared to whole grains.
- Whole Wheat Flour – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals while maintaining the wheat germ and bran.
- Rice Flour – safe · Gluten-free grain flour providing carbohydrates and contributing to cereal texture.
- Salt – safe · Used in moderate amounts for flavor enhancement and preservation.
- Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Calcium fortification supporting bone health, commonly used mineral supplement.
- Disodium Phosphate – safe · Emulsifier and leavening agent, generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Reduced Iron – beneficial · Iron fortification helping prevent anemia, especially important in grain-based foods.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Zinc Oxide – beneficial · Zinc fortification supporting immune function and wound healing.
- BHT – controversial · Butylated hydroxytoluene preservative with potential health concerns including hormone disruption and cancer risk in animal studies.
- Yellow 5 – controversial · Tartrazine artificial dye linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Yellow 6 – controversial · Sunset Yellow artificial dye with potential links to hyperactivity and contaminated with carcinogenic compounds.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 important for energy production and cellular function.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6 crucial for brain development and immune function.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for DNA synthesis and preventing birth defects.
Whole grain oat flour first ingredient
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains fiber from whole grains
Iron fortification
BHT preservative with health concerns
Artificial food dyes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6
Added sugar content
Ultra-processed formulation
Non-organic ingredients