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Search Lucky Charms products →Lucky Charms vs Cocoa Puffs Comparison
Both are General Mills children's cereals at the high end of processing. Lucky Charms combines extruded oat pieces with marshmallow bits made from sugar, modified corn starch, gelatin, and artificial colors. Cocoa Puffs uses cocoa processing with added artificial flavors and colors.
Breakfast CerealsQuick Answer
Both are Level 4 with long ingredient lists. Lucky Charms is arguably more processed due to its marshmallow components, which require gelatin, modified corn starch, and additional artificial colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, Blue 1) beyond what the cereal base uses. Cocoa Puffs has a slightly simpler formula.
Lucky Charms vs Cocoa Puffs
Lucky Charms
Cocoa Puffs
Search our database for specific cocoa puffs products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Cocoa Puffs products →Our Verdict
Both are Level 4 with long ingredient lists. Lucky Charms is arguably more processed due to its marshmallow components, which require gelatin, modified corn starch, and additional artificial colors (Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, Blue 1) beyond what the cereal base uses. Cocoa Puffs has a slightly simpler formula.
Important Note
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lucky Charms so processed?
Lucky Charms is essentially two products in one box: extruded oat cereal pieces AND marshmallow bits. The marshmallows alone require sugar, modified corn starch, corn syrup, dextrose, gelatin, and four artificial colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1). Combined, the full product has one of the longest ingredient lists in the cereal aisle.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.