Quick answer
Cheerios has significantly less sugar (1g vs 12g per serving) and a shorter ingredient list, making it the less-processed of the two despite both being ultra-processed. As a fortified cereal, Cheerios at least pairs its added vitamins with oat fiber rather than a sugar coating.
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores. These comparisons evaluate processing level and ingredient composition only. They do not account for taste, price, convenience, cultural significance, or individual dietary needs.
How do they compare by the numbers?
Sample products from each
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Frequently asked questions
How much more sugar does Frosted Flakes have?
Frosted Flakes has about 12g of sugar per serving compared to 1g in original Cheerios. That is 12x more sugar. The sugar coating is the defining difference between these two cereals.
Are Cheerios healthy?
In our analysis, Cheerios scores as ultra-processed (Level 4) despite its heart-healthy marketing. It has less sugar than most cereals and contains oat fiber, which is a genuine benefit. However, the ingredient list still includes modified corn starch, tripotassium phosphate, and synthetic vitamin fortification. For a less processed breakfast, plain oatmeal (Level 1) or muesli (Level 2) are simpler alternatives.