Truelabel

Quaker Instant Grits Cheddar Cheese

by Pepsico

This instant grits product is heavily processed with concerning additives including MSG, BHT preservative, and multiple seed oils. The corn is degerminated, removing beneficial nutrients, while artificial flavors and inflammatory oils dominate the ingredient profile.

  • Degerminated White Corn Grits – controversial · Corn with germ removed, stripping away fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients while leaving mostly starchy endosperm.
  • Salt – safe · Standard sodium chloride for taste enhancement.
  • Coconut Oil – safe · Saturated fat that's stable for cooking but adds calories without significant nutrition.
  • Corn Syrup Solids – controversial · Dried corn syrup that spikes blood sugar and adds empty calories.
  • Palm Oil – controversial · Highly processed oil linked to inflammation and environmental concerns.
  • Calcium Carbonate – safe · Mineral supplement for bone health.
  • Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that spikes blood sugar more than table sugar.
  • Natural Flavor – controversial · Vague term that can include hundreds of chemical compounds.
  • Modified Food Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used as a thickener.
  • Whey – safe · Milk protein byproduct that adds some nutritional value.
  • Cheddar Cheese – beneficial · Real cheese providing protein, calcium, and natural flavor.
  • Yeast Extract – safe · Natural umami flavor enhancer derived from yeast.
  • Annatto – safe · Natural coloring agent from annatto seeds.
  • Turmeric – beneficial · Anti-inflammatory spice used for yellow coloring.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavor – controversial · Combination of natural and synthetic flavoring compounds.
  • Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten – controversial · Processed protein that acts as a flavor enhancer similar to MSG.
  • Monosodium Glutamate – controversial · Flavor enhancer that may cause headaches and other symptoms in sensitive individuals.
  • Sodium Phosphate – controversial · Additive linked to kidney problems and cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly.
  • Lactic Acid – safe · Natural acid used for preservation and flavor.
  • Disodium Inosinate – safe · Nucleotide that enhances umami flavor.
  • Disodium Guanylate – safe · Nucleotide that works with MSG to enhance flavor.
  • Sodium Caseinate – safe · Milk protein used for texture and nutrition.
  • Reduced Iron – beneficial · Iron fortification for nutritional enhancement.
  • Mono and Diglycerides – safe · Emulsifiers that help blend oil and water-based ingredients.
  • Potassium Phosphate – safe · Mineral supplement and pH regulator.
  • Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E used as an antioxidant preservative.
  • BHT – dangerous · Synthetic antioxidant linked to cancer risk and hormone disruption in studies.
  • Citric Acid – safe · Natural acid used for preservation and flavor.
  • Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added for nutritional fortification.
  • Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for nutritional fortification.
  • Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 added for nutritional fortification.
  • Folic Acid – beneficial · Vitamin B9 added for nutritional fortification.

Added B vitamins

Contains some real cheese

Calcium fortification

BHT preservative

MSG

Ultra-processed

Blood sugar spikes

Inflammatory oils

Degerminated corn