Truelabel

Quaker Instant Grits Red Eye Gravy & Country Ham

by Pepsico

Highly processed instant grits loaded with MSG, artificial flavors, concerning preservatives like BHT, and Red 3 artificial color. This ultra-processed convenience food is far removed from traditional grits and contains multiple additives linked to health concerns.

  • Degerminated White Corn Grits – controversial · Refined corn with nutrient-rich germ removed, significantly reducing nutritional value compared to whole corn grits
  • Salt – safe · Natural mineral for flavor enhancement, though this product likely contains excessive amounts
  • Soy Flour – controversial · Processed soy protein that may contain anti-nutrients and is often from GMO sources
  • Calcium Carbonate – safe · Mineral supplement that helps fortify the product with calcium
  • Hydrolyzed Corn and Soy Protein – controversial · Processed protein that creates glutamate compounds, acting as a flavor enhancer similar to MSG
  • Soybean Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, contributing to inflammatory imbalance
  • Monosodium Glutamate – controversial · Synthetic flavor enhancer linked to headaches and neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals
  • Torula Yeast – safe · Natural yeast extract that provides umami flavor, generally considered safe
  • Caramel Color – controversial · Manufactured coloring agent that may contain trace amounts of carcinogenic compounds like 4-MEI
  • Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and metabolic stress
  • Corn Maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed carbohydrate that spikes blood sugar more rapidly than table sugar
  • Palm Oil – controversial · Tropical oil high in saturated fat, often sourced unsustainably and may contribute to inflammation
  • Corn Syrup Solids – controversial · Concentrated corn syrup that rapidly elevates blood glucose levels
  • Reduced Iron – safe · Iron fortification to replace nutrients lost during processing
  • Natural and Artificial Flavor – controversial · Undisclosed flavor compounds that may include synthetic chemicals with unknown health effects
  • Spice – safe · Natural spice ingredients, generally beneficial
  • Sodium Caseinate – safe · Milk protein derivative used as an emulsifier and protein source
  • Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 added to fortify the product and support metabolic function
  • Red 3 – dangerous · Artificial color banned in cosmetics due to thyroid tumor risk in animal studies, yet still allowed in food
  • BHT – dangerous · Synthetic preservative classified as possible human carcinogen and endocrine disruptor
  • Citric Acid – safe · Natural acid used as preservative and flavor enhancer, generally recognized as safe
  • Mono and Diglycerides – safe · Emulsifiers derived from fats, generally safe but may contain trans fat traces
  • Potassium Phosphate – safe · Mineral salt used as buffering agent and texture modifier
  • Tocopherols – beneficial · Natural vitamin E compounds that act as antioxidant preservatives
  • Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 fortification to replace nutrients lost in processing
  • Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2 added for nutritional fortification
  • Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate added for nutritional fortification

Fortified with B vitamins

Convenient preparation

Contains some natural spices

Contains BHT carcinogen

Red 3 artificial color

High in MSG

Multiple seed oils

Ultra-processed

Blood sugar spikes

Gut microbiome disruption