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Cheerios
Flavor:
Chocolate Cheerios
Ingredients:
whole grain oats, sugar, corn syrup, corn starch, cocoa processed with alkali, salt, caramel color, canola and/or sunflower oil, Tripotassium phosphate, natural flavor. vitamin e (mixed tocopherols) added to preserve freshness. vitamins and minerals: calcium carbonate, vitamin c (sodium ascorbate), iron and zinc (mineral nutrients), a b vitamin (niacinamide), vitamin b6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), vitamin b1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin a (palmitate), vitamin b2 (Riboflavin), a b vitamin (folic acid), vitamin b12, vitamin d3.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rating: 1/5 Green Leaves
The Cheerios Chocolate Cheerios have earned the lowest possible rating on our green leaf scale, indicating significant concern for those seeking cleaner food options. This product is not organic, includes GMO ingredients, and contains multiple types of added sugars such as sugar and corn syrup, which detract from its healthfulness. Furthermore, it has a range of potentially harmful additives, including natural flavor, caramel color, and pyridoxine hydrochloride, with caramel color being particularly troubling due to its known risks.
The absence of organic certification means that the grains used in this cereal may have been grown using conventional farming methods that often rely on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. The presence of GMO ingredients raises additional concerns regarding environmental impact and potential health risks, although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the latter.
Added sugars, such as sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, contribute to the high caloric content without providing any essential nutrients. The World Health Organization recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, and further suggests a reduction to below 5% for additional health benefits.
The inclusion of additives like caramel color, which has been scrutinized for its possible carcinogenic effects, is another critical point. While some of these additives are approved for use by regulatory agencies, there is ongoing debate about their safety, especially with long-term consumption.
The use of oils like canola and palm oil is also a concern. These oils can undergo heavy processing and may be sourced from genetically modified crops. Additionally, the production of palm oil is often associated with significant environmental issues, including deforestation and habitat destruction.
The Cheerios Chocolate Cheerios score reflects the product’s alignment with our values of promoting cleaner, healthier food choices. The cereal’s composition, which includes non-organic and GMO ingredients, added sugars, and harmful additives, makes it a product our readers are advised to avoid in favor of healthier alternatives.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
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