Cheerios

Cheerios Cinnamon Cheerios earns a rating of 1/5 green leaves on our clean food scale. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which immediately lowers its standing. The inclusion of added sugars such as brown sugar and sugar, alongside more concerning high fructose corn syrup, significantly impacts its score due to the negative health implications associated with these ingredients.

The presence of potentially harmful additives such as natural flavors, flavor, and caramel color further detracts from the product’s rating. Particularly, caramel color is a known harmful additive and raises substantial health concerns. Additionally, the use of oils like canola and palm, which are often processed and may contain trans fats, contribute to the low score.

The product also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium carbonate, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and several B vitamins, which are essential nutrients. However, the positive impact of these added nutrients is overshadowed by the negative aspects of the other ingredients.

The Cheerios Cinnamon Cheerios’ overall score reflects a strong recommendation to avoid this product for those seeking cleaner food alternatives. The evaluation criteria focus on the presence of non-organic and GMO ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and harmful oils, all of which are found in this cereal. While it may provide some nutritional benefits, the negatives outweigh the positives in the context of our clean food criteria.

Consumers looking for healthier breakfast options would be well-advised to consider alternatives that do not contain these detrimental ingredients. Opting for cereals that are organic, free from GMOs, and do not include added sugars or harmful additives would be a more suitable choice for those prioritizing their health and well-being.