Truelabel

Quaker Instant Grits

by Pepsico

Highly processed instant grits loaded with industrial oils, MSG, artificial additives, and synthetic preservatives. The degerminated corn removes most natural nutrients, requiring synthetic vitamin fortification.

  • Degerminated White Corn Grits – controversial · Corn with germ and bran removed, eliminating most natural nutrients and fiber while creating rapid blood sugar spikes.
  • Salt – safe · Standard sodium chloride for taste enhancement.
  • Coconut Oil – controversial · High in saturated fat, may contribute to inflammation when used in processed foods.
  • Corn Syrup Solids – controversial · Dehydrated corn syrup that rapidly raises blood sugar levels.
  • Palm Oil – controversial · High saturated fat oil linked to inflammation and environmental destruction.
  • Calcium Carbonate – safe · Mineral supplement for bone health.
  • Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar higher than table sugar.
  • Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources but chemically processed.
  • Modified Food Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used as thickener and stabilizer.
  • Whey – safe · Milk protein that provides amino acids.
  • Cheddar Cheese – safe · Real cheese providing protein and flavor.
  • Yeast Extract – safe · Natural umami flavor enhancer rich in glutamates.
  • Annatto – safe · Natural coloring agent from annatto seeds.
  • Turmeric – beneficial · Natural anti-inflammatory spice used for golden color.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavor – safe · Combination of natural and synthetic flavor compounds.
  • Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten – safe · Protein broken down to create savory taste compounds.
  • Monosodium Glutamate – controversial · Flavor enhancer that may cause headaches and sensitivity reactions in some people.
  • Sodium Phosphate – safe · Phosphate salt used as preservative and pH buffer.
  • Lactic Acid – safe · Natural acid used for flavor and preservation.
  • Disodium Inosinate – safe · Nucleotide that enhances savory flavors.
  • Disodium Guanylate – safe · Nucleotide that works synergistically with MSG to enhance flavor.
  • Sodium Caseinate – safe · Milk protein used as emulsifier and texture enhancer.
  • Reduced Iron – safe · Iron supplement for preventing anemia.
  • Mono and Diglycerides – safe · Emulsifiers that help bind oil and water.
  • Potassium Phosphate – safe · Phosphate salt providing potassium and acting as buffer.
  • Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidant preservatives.
  • Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism.
  • BHT – dangerous · Synthetic antioxidant linked to potential carcinogenic effects and hormone disruption.
  • Citric Acid – safe · Natural acid used for preservation and flavor enhancement.
  • Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 essential for energy production.
  • Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for nerve and muscle function.
  • Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.

B vitamin fortification

Quick preparation

Contains some real cheese

Calcium supplementation

BHT preservative

Palm and coconut oils

MSG and artificial flavors

Ultra-processed formulation

High glycemic impact

Multiple emulsifiers