Cheerios

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, Cheerios Oat Crunch Almond falls short of the clean eating standards set forth by our website. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which significantly reduces its score. The presence of added sugars, including brown sugar and sugar, further detracts from its rating.

Delving deeper into the ingredient list, the cereal includes several additives that raise concerns. Natural flavors, while common in processed foods, are ambiguous and may consist of various chemical components. The inclusion of caramel color, a widely used food coloring, is particularly troubling due to its potential health risks. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, another name for vitamin B6, is typically safe, but its synthetic form used as an additive can be a point of contention for those seeking whole food sources of nutrients.

The product also contains oils that are often considered less healthy, such as canola and palm oil. These oils are usually highly processed and may undergo treatments that strip away nutritional benefits while potentially introducing harmful compounds.

Cheerios Oat Crunch Almond is fortified with vitamins and minerals, which may appear beneficial at a glance. However, the negative aspects of the non-organic ingredients, added sugars, and controversial additives overshadow the potential positives of these nutritional enhancements.

Consumers seeking cleaner food options would be advised to consider alternative products that align more closely with their health objectives. The low green leaf rating reflects the product’s alignment with our stringent criteria, emphasizing the importance of transparency and healthfulness in food choices. For those prioritizing cleaner eating, Cheerios Oat Crunch Almond does not meet the standard due to its composition and the presence of ingredients that are at odds with a clean diet.