Corn Puffs
by General Mills
This is a heavily processed breakfast cereal loaded with sugar, artificial colors, and synthetic additives that provide little nutritional value beyond fortified vitamins. The combination of sugar, corn syrup, and artificial colors creates a product designed to appeal to children but contributes to poor metabolic health and behavioral issues.
- Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Provides some fiber and nutrients, though processing removes much of the natural nutrition.
- Sugar – dangerous · Added refined sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction.
- Corn Meal – safe · Processed corn that adds bulk but limited nutritional value.
- Corn Syrup – dangerous · High-glycemic liquid sugar that causes rapid blood sugar spikes and metabolic stress.
- Canola Oil – controversial · Processed seed oil that may contribute to inflammation, though used in small amounts here.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for taste enhancement, likely within acceptable limits.
- Trisodium Phosphate – controversial · Chemical additive that may disrupt gut bacteria and calcium absorption in large amounts.
- Natural and Artificial Flavor – controversial · Undisclosed chemical compounds that may contain allergens or problematic substances.
- Red 40 – dangerous · Petroleum-derived artificial dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic risk.
- Yellow 6 – dangerous · Artificial food dye associated with behavioral problems in children and possible cancer risk.
- Blue 1 – dangerous · Synthetic dye that may cause allergic reactions and has been linked to kidney tumors in animal studies.
- Citric Acid – safe · Generally safe preservative derived from citrus or fermentation.
- Malic Acid – safe · Natural acid found in apples, used for tart flavor enhancement.
- Calcium Carbonate – beneficial · Essential mineral supplement for bone health.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium and phosphorus supplement for bone health.
- Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
- Iron – beneficial · Essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy metabolism.
- Vitamin C – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin important for immune function and collagen synthesis.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · B-vitamin essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin B6 – beneficial · B-vitamin crucial for protein metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · B-vitamin essential for energy production and cellular function.
- Thiamin Mononitrate – beneficial · Synthetic form of vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism.
- Vitamin A Palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision and immune function.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate, essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nervous system function and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for calcium absorption and bone health.
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains whole grain corn as primary ingredient
Provides B-vitamins and iron
Three artificial food dyes linked to hyperactivity
High sugar content from multiple sources
Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value
Contains controversial additives like trisodium phosphate
Marketed to children despite health concerns
About This Analysis
This health analysis for Corn Puffs 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