Frosted Corn Puffs
by General Mills
This is a heavily processed breakfast cereal with multiple forms of sugar comprising roughly 25% of the product. The synthetic vitamin fortification cannot offset the metabolic damage from the sugar load and ultra-processing.
- Whole Grain Corn – beneficial · Good source of fiber and B vitamins, though processing reduces nutritional value significantly.
- Sugar – dangerous · Refined white sugar that spikes blood glucose and contributes to metabolic dysfunction when consumed regularly.
- Corn Meal – safe · Ground corn that adds texture but provides minimal nutrition after processing.
- Corn Syrup – dangerous · Concentrated glucose syrup that rapidly elevates blood sugar and insulin levels.
- Cocoa Processed With Alkali – controversial · Alkali processing reduces beneficial flavonoids but creates chocolate flavor and dark color.
- Canola Oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that may promote inflammation.
- Fructose – dangerous · Concentrated fruit sugar that bypasses glucose regulation and directly contributes to fatty liver.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for taste enhancement at reasonable levels in this product.
- Caramel Color – controversial · Manufacturing process creates 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen classified by California as harmful.
- Refiner's Syrup – dangerous · Another form of sugar that adds to the total glycemic load of the product.
- Baking Soda – safe · Sodium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent with no health concerns.
- Natural Flavor – controversial · Proprietary flavor compounds that may include processed ingredients not disclosed on label.
- Tricalcium Phosphate – safe · Calcium supplement that helps meet daily mineral requirements.
- Calcium Carbonate – safe · Additional calcium fortification for bone health support.
- Zinc – beneficial · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
- Iron – beneficial · Critical mineral for oxygen transport and energy production.
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) – beneficial · Antioxidant vitamin essential for immune function and collagen synthesis.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3 important for cellular energy production and DNA repair.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis and protein metabolism.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – beneficial · B vitamin essential for energy metabolism and cellular function.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate) – beneficial · B vitamin necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function.
- Vitamin A (Palmitate) – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and cellular growth.
- Folic Acid – beneficial · B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin B12 – beneficial · B vitamin crucial for neurological function and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin D3 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption.
Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
Contains some whole grain corn
Good source of iron and B vitamins
25% sugar content from multiple sources
Ultra-processed with minimal nutritional value
Contains potentially carcinogenic caramel color
High glycemic impact disrupts metabolism
Inflammatory seed oil inclusion
About This Analysis
This health analysis for Frosted 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