Quaker Instant Grits Butter Flavor

by Pepsico

Ultra-processed instant grits loaded with inflammatory oils, synthetic additives, and artificial fortification. The degerminated corn removes natural nutrients which are then synthetically replaced, while palm oils and BHT preservatives add unnecessary health risks.

• Specially processed degerminated white corn grits – controversial · Corn with the nutrient-rich germ removed, requiring synthetic fortification to replace lost vitamins and minerals.
• Salt – safe · Standard sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, though likely in high amounts for instant products.
• Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed carbohydrate that spikes blood sugar rapidly and may disrupt gut bacteria balance.
• Sunflower oil – controversial · High in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation when consumed regularly in processed foods.
• Vegetable oil (palm kernel and palm oil) – controversial · Highly saturated tropical oils that are environmentally problematic and may contribute to inflammation.
• Rice flour – safe · Ground rice used as a thickening agent, generally well-tolerated.
• Calcium carbonate – safe · Synthetic calcium supplement added for fortification, though not as bioavailable as natural sources.
• Whey – safe · Milk protein byproduct that adds creamy flavor and some protein content.
• Sodium caseinate – safe · Milk protein derivative used as an emulsifier and texture enhancer.
• Oat fiber – beneficial · Added fiber that can support digestive health and blood sugar regulation.
• Natural flavor – controversial · Undefined flavor compounds that could contain up to 100 different chemicals, with no disclosure requirement.
• Corn starch – safe · Refined starch used as a thickening agent, contributes to blood sugar elevation.
• Mono and diglycerides – safe · Common emulsifiers derived from fats, generally recognized as safe but contribute to ultra-processing.
• Soy lecithin – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans, helps blend ingredients together.
• Hydrogenated palm oil – dangerous · Partially hydrogenated oil containing trans fats, linked to heart disease and inflammation.
• Annatto (color) – safe · Natural orange-yellow coloring derived from achiote seeds, generally well-tolerated.
• Nonfat milk – safe · Dried milk solids that add dairy flavor and some protein.
• Reduced iron – safe · Synthetic iron supplement for fortification, though not as well-absorbed as heme iron.
• Turmeric (color) – beneficial · Natural spice with anti-inflammatory properties, used here primarily for yellow coloring.
• Niacinamide – safe · Synthetic B3 vitamin added for fortification to replace nutrients lost in processing.
• BHT and citric acid (preservatives) – controversial · BHT is a synthetic antioxidant with potential carcinogenic properties; citric acid is generally safe.
• Thiamin mononitrate – safe · Synthetic B1 vitamin added to replace nutrients removed during processing.
• Riboflavin – safe · B2 vitamin added for fortification, essential for energy metabolism.
• Beta carotene (color) – safe · Vitamin A precursor used for orange coloring, has antioxidant properties.
• Folic acid – safe · Synthetic B9 vitamin required for fortification of grain products.

Contains added B vitamins and iron

Quick preparation time

Some added fiber from oat fiber

Contains hydrogenated palm oil with trans fats

BHT preservative with cancer concerns

Ultra-processed with synthetic fortification

Multiple inflammatory seed oils

High blood sugar impact from refined corn

Environmental concerns from palm oil