Truelabel

Reese's Puffs Cereal

by General Mills

This ultra-processed breakfast cereal is essentially candy masquerading as a morning meal. With multiple forms of sugar comprising nearly 40% of the product and inflammatory seed oils, it's a metabolic disaster that will spike blood sugar and promote inflammation.

  • WHOLE GRAIN CORN – beneficial · Provides fiber and some nutrients, though processing reduces benefits. The only redeeming ingredient in this product.
  • SUGAR – dangerous · Appears twice in the ingredients, making this cereal nearly 40% sugar by weight. Major driver of metabolic dysfunction.
  • REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER – controversial · Branded peanut butter containing additional sugar and processing agents, not a whole food.
  • PEANUTS – safe · Whole peanuts provide protein and healthy fats, though processed within the peanut butter component.
  • MONOGLYCERIDES – controversial · Industrial emulsifier that can disrupt gut bacteria and promote inflammation in sensitive individuals.
  • PEANUT OIL – controversial · While not a seed oil, commercial peanut oil is often highly refined and can be inflammatory when consumed regularly.
  • SALT – safe · Basic seasoning, appears twice in ingredients. Contributes to moderate sodium content.
  • MOLASSES – controversial · Another form of sugar adding to the glycemic load, though contains trace minerals.
  • CORN STARCH – safe · Thickening agent that adds to carbohydrate load but generally recognized as safe.
  • DEXTROSE – dangerous · Pure glucose that spikes blood sugar faster than table sugar. Third form of added sugar in this product.
  • CORN MEAL – safe · Ground corn providing texture and some nutrients, though refined processing reduces benefits.
  • CORN SYRUP – dangerous · Fourth type of added sugar, highly processed and linked to metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease.
  • CANOLA OIL – controversial · Inflammatory seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, often chemically extracted and linked to oxidative stress.
  • HERSHEY'S COCOA – safe · Processed cocoa powder providing chocolate flavor and some antioxidants, though benefits are minimal in this context.
  • CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · Artificial coloring potentially containing 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen according to California Prop 65.
  • TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE – controversial · Industrial chemical also used in cleaning products. Can disrupt calcium absorption and kidney function with regular consumption.
  • NATURAL FLAVOR – safe · Proprietary blend of flavoring compounds. While called 'natural', can contain dozens of chemical compounds.
  • VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that prevents rancidity and provides vitamin E benefits.
  • TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE – safe · Calcium supplement providing bioavailable calcium for bone health.
  • CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Another calcium source for fortification, generally well-tolerated.
  • IRON AND ZINC – beneficial · Essential minerals for blood health and immune function, though absorption may be limited.
  • VITAMIN C – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin supporting immune function, added as sodium ascorbate.
  • NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · B vitamin (B3) important for energy metabolism and cellular function.
  • VITAMIN B6 – beneficial · Essential for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter production.
  • VITAMIN B2 – beneficial · Riboflavin supports energy production and cellular function.
  • VITAMIN B1 – beneficial · Thiamine essential for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
  • VITAMIN A – beneficial · Important for vision and immune function, added as palmitate.
  • FOLIC ACID – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for DNA synthesis and pregnancy health.
  • VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
  • VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Supports bone health and immune function, especially important in fortified foods.

Whole grain corn as first ingredient

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Contains some protein from peanuts

Four different types of added sugar

Inflammatory seed oil

Ultra-processed with industrial additives

Marketed to children despite candy-like nutritional profile

Potential glyphosate residues