Berry Flavor Frosted Cereal with Marshmallows
by General Mills
This is a heavily processed breakfast cereal loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and synthetic additives that create a blood sugar rollercoaster. While fortified with vitamins, the nutritional foundation is primarily refined corn and sugar, making it closer to candy than a healthy breakfast option.
- Whole Grain Corn – safe · The only redeeming ingredient providing fiber and some nutrients, though heavily processed into cereal form.
- Corn Meal – safe · Refined corn product that adds bulk but minimal nutrition compared to whole grain.
- Sugar – controversial · Primary sweetener contributing to blood sugar spikes and potential metabolic dysfunction with regular consumption.
- Marshmallows – controversial · Candy-like addition made of sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors that transforms cereal into dessert.
- Corn Syrup – controversial · High glycemic sweetener that rapidly elevates blood sugar and contributes to insulin resistance.
- Canola Oil – controversial · Heavily processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
- Salt – safe · Standard sodium addition for flavor enhancement at reasonable levels.
- Trisodium Phosphate – controversial · Industrial chemical used as pH regulator, also found in cleaning products, raising concerns about food safety.
- Red 40 – controversial · Petroleum-derived artificial dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic concerns.
- Natural and Artificial Flavor – controversial · Undefined flavor compounds that may contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
- Blue 1 – controversial · Synthetic dye derived from petroleum with potential links to behavioral issues and allergic reactions.
- Blue 2 – controversial · Another petroleum-derived artificial color with concerns about hyperactivity and potential carcinogenic properties.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Synthetic calcium supplement added for fortification.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium and phosphorus supplement for bone health.
- Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
- Iron – beneficial · Critical mineral for oxygen transport and energy production.
- Vitamin C – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin supporting immune function.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 – beneficial · Important for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for energy production and cellular function.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Vitamin B1 essential for nervous system function and energy metabolism.
- Vitamin A – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision and immune function.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Critical vitamin for nervous system function and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health and immune function.
- Dextrose – controversial · Simple sugar that rapidly spikes blood glucose levels.
- Modified Corn Starch – safe · Chemically altered starch used as thickening agent in marshmallows.
- Gelatin – safe · Animal-derived protein that provides structure to marshmallows.
- Malic Acid – safe · Natural acid that provides tart flavor to marshmallows.
- Citric Acid – safe · Natural preservative and flavor enhancer derived from citrus.
Contains whole grain corn as first ingredient
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Provides iron and B vitamins
High sugar content from multiple sources
Contains three artificial food dyes linked to behavioral issues
Ultra-processed with industrial chemicals
Causes rapid blood sugar spikes
More similar to candy than nutritious breakfast food
About This Analysis
This health analysis for Berry Flavor Frosted Cereal with Marshmallows 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