Key findings
- 1At 12g of sugar per 39g serving, Frosted Flakes are approximately 31% sugar by weight; comparable to many cookies
- 2The corn is degerminated before processing, removing the most nutritious parts of the kernel before extrusion and sugar-coating
- 3In our analysis, Frosted Flakes average a Processing Score of 5.7, which is Level 3
Why is Frosted Flakes Level 3 on average?
Frosted Flakes manufacturing begins with milled corn (degerminated, removing fiber and fat), which is cooked with sugar, malt flavoring, and salt in a pressurized vessel. The cooked mass is then extruded, flattened by heavy rollers into flake shapes, and toasted in a rotary oven. Finally, each flake is tumbled in a drum sprayer that applies a sugar glaze; delivering 12g of sugar per 39g serving (roughly 31% sugar by weight). The added vitamins are synthetic replacements for nutrients the corn lost during degermination and high-heat processing. In our analysis, Frosted Flakes average a Processing Score of 5.7, which is Level 3.
How 199 frosted flakes products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Frosted Flakes brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a frosted flakes label
- 1
Sugar is the second ingredient, each serving is nearly one-third sugar by weight
- 2
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) added "for freshness" is a synthetic preservative
- 3
The corn has been degerminated (the fiber and oil of the germ removed) before processing even begins
- 4
The long list of fortified vitamins indicates the base grain has been stripped of natural nutrients
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Frequently asked questions
How much sugar is in Frosted Flakes?
Frosted Flakes contain 12g of sugar per 39g serving, making the cereal approximately 31% sugar by weight. That is nearly one-third sugar, comparable to some cookie products.
Are Frosted Flakes worse than regular Corn Flakes?
Both start with the same extruded corn base, but Frosted Flakes add a sugar glaze coating. Corn Flakes have 4g sugar per serving vs Frosted Flakes' 12g. Frosted Flakes have significantly more added sugar. In our analysis, Frosted Flakes average Level 3; search Corn Flakes to see its own average.
Is there a healthier frosted cereal alternative?
Plain rolled oats with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup give you whole grain nutrition with far less total sugar and no industrial processing. You control the sweetness level rather than a sugar-glaze machine.
Guide · Breakfast
The Complete Breakfast Guide
Processing analysis, least-processed picks, and what to watch for.
Read guide