Cheerios

Cheerios Oat Crunch Oats ‘N Honey receives a rating of 1/5 green leaves on our scale for cleaner food options. As a cereal, it is not certified organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which leads to an initial deduction in its score. The presence of added sugars, specifically listed as sugar and honey, further reduces its standing.

The product contains several ingredients that raise concerns. Natural flavor and caramel color are among the additives that contribute to its lower rating. These ingredients are often scrutinized for their potential health impacts and lack of transparency regarding their composition. The use of caramel color is particularly troubling, as it is not only an additive but also classified as a known harmful ingredient, which significantly affects the product’s score.

Additionally, oils such as canola are included in the ingredient list. The inclusion of such oils, which are often processed and may be linked to health concerns, also detracts from the product’s overall rating. The presence of these elements suggests that the product may not align with the health-oriented goals of consumers seeking cleaner food options.

Vitamins and minerals are added to the cereal, including calcium carbonate, iron, zinc, vitamin C, and a range of B vitamins, along with vitamins A and D3. While these fortifications contribute to the nutritional profile, they do not compensate for the deductions made due to the other ingredients.

Consumers looking for cleaner, healthier food options may find this product falls short of expectations. The combination of non-organic ingredients, GMOs, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, known harmful additives, and oils deemed harmful to health results in the lowest possible rating on our scale. This assessment reflects the product’s alignment with our criteria for cleaner eating and suggests that there are better choices available for those prioritizing health and ingredient quality in their diet.