Corn Squares Cereal
by Wegmans Food Markets
A simple corn-based cereal with basic fortification and moderate sugar content. While free from artificial additives and preservatives, it still contains added sugar and offers limited nutritional density beyond synthetic vitamins.
- Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn that provides carbohydrates but has been processed to remove most nutrients and fiber.
- Sugar – controversial · Added refined sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and provides empty calories.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, appears in moderate amounts.
- Corn Bran – beneficial · The fiber-rich outer layer of corn that provides some dietary fiber and nutrients.
- Molasses – safe · Natural sweetener that retains some minerals like iron and potassium, better than refined sugar.
- Potassium Chloride – safe · Salt substitute that provides essential potassium mineral for heart and muscle function.
- Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent to create texture during processing.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Synthetic calcium supplement to fortify the cereal with bone-supporting mineral.
- Reduced Iron – safe · Iron fortification to prevent deficiency, though synthetic form is less bioavailable than food-source iron.
- Zinc Oxide – safe · Zinc fortification for immune function, though oxide form has lower absorption than other zinc forms.
- Sodium Ascorbate – safe · Synthetic Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and prevents scurvy.
- Niacinamide – safe · Vitamin B3 fortification that supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – safe · Synthetic form of Vitamin A that supports vision and immune function.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – safe · Synthetic Vitamin B6 that supports protein metabolism and brain development.
- Riboflavin – safe · Vitamin B2 that supports energy production and cellular function.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – safe · Synthetic Vitamin B1 that supports nervous system function and energy metabolism.
- Folic Acid – safe · Synthetic form of folate that supports DNA synthesis and prevents neural tube defects.
- Vitamin D – safe · Essential vitamin for calcium absorption and bone health, added to prevent deficiency.
- Vitamin B12 – safe · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation, particularly important for vegetarians.
Simple, recognizable ingredients
No artificial preservatives or colors
Comprehensive vitamin and mineral fortification
Contains some fiber from corn bran
No seed oils or trans fats
Added sugar as second ingredient
Highly processed refined corn meal
Limited natural nutrients beyond fortification
Moderate blood sugar impact
Minimal fiber content overall
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Corn Squares Cereal was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Cereal