Quaker Raisin Date & Walnut Instant Oatmeal

by Pepsico

A reasonably healthy breakfast option with whole grains, real fruit, and nuts. Main concern is added sugar as the second ingredient, though the natural sweetness from dates and raisins helps. Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.

• WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS – beneficial · Excellent source of beta-glucan fiber that helps lower cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar. Minimally processed whole grain.
• SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar as second ingredient increases calorie density and blood sugar impact, though amount is moderate for instant oatmeal category.
• RAISINS – beneficial · Dried grapes provide natural sweetness, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants without processing concerns.
• CHOPPED DATES – beneficial · Nutrient-dense dried fruit providing fiber, potassium, and natural sweetness with lower glycemic impact than refined sugar.
• WALNUTS COATED WITH ROSEMARY EXTRACT – beneficial · Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Rosemary extract is natural preservative protecting beneficial oils.
• SALT – safe · Small amount for flavor enhancement, not excessive for breakfast cereal category.
• CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Mineral supplement providing bioavailable calcium for bone health, commonly used fortification ingredient.
• GUAR GUM – safe · Natural fiber from legume seeds used as thickener. Generally well-tolerated though may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
• CINNAMON – beneficial · Spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar benefits. Natural flavor enhancer.
• NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Likely derived from plant sources to enhance taste. While ambiguous, generally considered safe.
• REDUCED IRON – safe · Essential mineral fortification to prevent iron deficiency, important for oxygen transport and energy.
• NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. Well-tolerated form of niacin.
• VITAMIN A PALMITATE – safe · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune function. Stable synthetic form commonly used in fortification.
• PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE – safe · Vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Standard fortification ingredient.
• RIBOFLAVIN – safe · Vitamin B2 essential for energy metabolism and cellular function. Water-soluble B vitamin.
• THIAMIN MONONITRATE – safe · Vitamin B1 essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function. Standard fortification form.
• FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Particularly important for reproductive health.

Whole grain oats provide heart-healthy beta-glucan fiber

Real walnuts add beneficial omega-3 fatty acids

Natural fruit sweeteners from dates and raisins

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

No artificial preservatives or colors

Added sugar as second ingredient increases calorie density

Potential glyphosate residues from conventional oat farming

Natural flavor lacks transparency

Higher sodium than plain oatmeal