Vanilla Chex Cereal

by General Mills

A moderately processed cereal with whole grains as the base but containing added sugar and seed oil. The vitamin fortification is helpful, but the sugar content and canola oil processing detract from overall health value.

• Whole Grain Rice – beneficial · Provides fiber, B vitamins, and minerals while maintaining the grain's nutritional integrity.
• Rice – safe · Refined rice provides carbohydrates and some protein but lacks fiber and nutrients of whole grain.
• Sugar – controversial · Added sugar contributes empty calories and can spike blood glucose levels.
• Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
• Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, present in reasonable amounts.
• Rice Fiber – beneficial · Adds beneficial fiber content and improves digestive health.
• Molasses – safe · Natural sweetener that provides trace minerals along with sweetness.
• Natural Flavor – safe · Flavor compounds derived from natural sources, generally considered safe.
• Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) – beneficial · Natural antioxidant that preserves freshness while providing vitamin E benefits.
• Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Essential mineral for bone health and muscle function.
• Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral that helps prevent iron deficiency anemia.
• Zinc – beneficial · Important mineral for immune function and wound healing.
• Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin essential for immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – beneficial · B vitamin important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate) – beneficial · Essential B vitamin for carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
• Vitamin A (Palmitate) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – beneficial · B vitamin important for energy production and cellular function.
• Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Important vitamin for bone health and immune function.

Whole grain rice as primary ingredient

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification

No artificial colors or flavors

Rice fiber for digestive health

Added sugar as third ingredient

Canola oil (inflammatory seed oil)

Contains refined rice

Moderate processing level