Truelabel

Raisin Nut Bran Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed cereal with whole grains and nuts providing fiber and protein, but undermined by multiple added sugars totaling significant sweetening. The inclusion of seed oils and synthetic additives prevents it from being a clean breakfast option.

  • WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals while maintaining the grain's nutritional integrity. Good foundation for breakfast cereal.
  • SUGAR – controversial · Added refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and provides empty calories without nutritional benefit.
  • RAISINS – beneficial · Dried grapes providing natural sweetness, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
  • ALMONDS – beneficial · Tree nuts providing healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium.
  • CORN BRAN – safe · High-fiber outer layer of corn grain that supports digestive health.
  • CORN SYRUP – controversial · High-glucose liquid sweetener that rapidly elevates blood sugar levels.
  • BROWN SUGAR SYRUP – controversial · Concentrated liquid sweetener that adds calories and blood sugar spikes.
  • SALT – safe · Essential mineral used for taste enhancement in moderate amounts.
  • PALM KERNEL OIL – controversial · Highly saturated tropical oil linked to environmental concerns and potential inflammation.
  • GLYCERIN – safe · Humectant that maintains moisture and texture in processed foods.
  • CANOLA OIL – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
  • CORN STARCH – safe · Natural thickening agent derived from corn with minimal processing concerns.
  • MOLASSES – safe · Byproduct of sugar refining that retains some minerals like iron and potassium.
  • SOY LECITHIN – safe · Emulsifier derived from soybeans that helps ingredients blend together.
  • VANILLA EXTRACT – safe · Natural flavoring agent extracted from vanilla beans.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Undefined flavoring compounds derived from natural sources but processed industrially.
  • VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that prevents rancidity while providing vitamin E benefits.
  • ZINC – beneficial · Essential mineral important for immune function and wound healing.
  • IRON – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
  • VITAMIN C (SODIUM ASCORBATE) – beneficial · Important antioxidant vitamin that supports immune function.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for cellular energy production and metabolism.
  • VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE) – beneficial · B vitamin important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy production and cellular function.
  • VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN MONONITRATE) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and preventing neural tube defects.
  • VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · B vitamin essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Whole grain wheat as primary ingredient

Real almonds provide healthy fats and protein

High fiber content from bran and whole grains

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains antioxidants from raisins

Four different added sugar sources

Contains inflammatory seed oil (canola)

Palm kernel oil with environmental concerns

Heavily processed despite whole grain base

High glycemic load from multiple sweeteners