Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
by General Mills
This ultra-processed breakfast cereal delivers a sugar bomb equivalent to eating dessert for breakfast, with 12g of sugar per serving from multiple sources. While fortified with vitamins and using whole grain wheat as the first ingredient, the high sugar content, seed oils, and artificial additives make this a poor daily choice that can spike blood sugar and promote inflammation.
- WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT – beneficial · A nutritious whole grain providing fiber and nutrients, though its benefits are overshadowed by the high sugar content in this product.
- SUGAR – controversial · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to inflammation when consumed in excess, especially problematic at breakfast.
- RICE FLOUR – safe · Refined rice flour used for texture, lacks the nutrients of whole grain rice but generally safe.
- CANOLA OIL – controversial · A highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation when consumed regularly.
- FRUCTOSE – controversial · Concentrated fruit sugar that bypasses normal appetite regulation and is linked to metabolic dysfunction when consumed in isolation.
- MALTODEXTRIN – controversial · A highly processed starch derivative with a higher glycemic index than table sugar, rapidly spiking blood glucose.
- DEXTROSE – controversial · Pure glucose that causes immediate blood sugar spikes, contributing to the product's high glycemic load.
- SALT – safe · Basic sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, safe in moderate amounts.
- CINNAMON – beneficial · A beneficial spice with anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulation benefits, though minimal in this context.
- TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE – controversial · An industrial cleaning agent also used as a food additive, raises concerns about gut health impact with regular consumption.
- SOY LECITHIN – safe · Common emulsifier derived from soy, generally recognized as safe though often from GMO sources.
- CARAMEL COLOR – controversial · Artificial coloring that may contain 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen formed during production, especially in darker caramel colors.
- BHT – controversial · Synthetic antioxidant preservative linked to potential hormone disruption and banned in several countries due to health concerns.
- CALCIUM CARBONATE – safe · Common calcium supplement for bone health, generally safe and beneficial.
- IRON AND ZINC – beneficial · Essential minerals for immune function and oxygen transport, beneficial additions to fortified foods.
- VITAMIN C – beneficial · Essential antioxidant vitamin supporting immune function and tissue repair.
- NIACINAMIDE – beneficial · Vitamin B3 important for energy metabolism and cellular function.
- VITAMIN B6 – beneficial · Essential B vitamin 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, immune function, and cellular health.
- FOLIC ACID – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- VITAMIN B12 – beneficial · Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation, especially important for vegetarians.
- VITAMIN D3 – beneficial · Crucial for calcium absorption and immune function, especially valuable in fortified foods.
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains whole grain wheat
Includes beneficial cinnamon
12g added sugar per serving
Contains controversial BHT preservative
Ultra-processed with seed oils
Marketed to children despite high sugar content
May contain glyphosate residues
About This Analysis
This health analysis for Cinnamon Toast Crunch 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