Is Life Cereal Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Life cereal is highly processed but not ultra-processed. It is made from whole grain oat flour, sugar, and corn flour with relatively few additives compared to many breakfast cereals, though it still undergoes significant industrial processing.
Key Findings
- •Whole grain oat flour is the primary ingredient, providing more nutritional value than refined grain bases
- •Contains fewer additives than most sweetened cereals — no artificial colors, flavors, or modified starches
- •Still undergoes significant industrial processing including extrusion and baking to form the distinctive square shape
Why Is Life Cereal Level 3?
Life cereal's ingredient list is shorter than many competitors, built primarily on whole grain oat flour and corn flour with sugar and salt. The squares are formed through extrusion and baking, which are standard industrial processes. While it contains some refined ingredients and added sugar, it avoids artificial colors, artificial flavors, and modified starches, keeping it at a level 3 rather than level 4 classification.
How to Read Life Cereal Labels
- 1
Look for whole grain oat flour listed as the first ingredient, indicating the grain base is relatively intact
- 2
Check sugar per serving, which is typically around 8 grams — moderate compared to many sweetened cereals
- 3
Note the absence of artificial colors and artificial flavors, distinguishing it from more heavily processed cereals
- 4
Look for BHT if present, a synthetic preservative sometimes added to the packaging or product for freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life cereal ultra-processed?
Life cereal is highly processed (level 3) but not ultra-processed. Its relatively short ingredient list with whole grain oat flour and the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or modified starches keep it below the ultra-processed threshold.
Is Life cereal a healthy choice?
Life cereal has a whole grain oat flour base and fewer additives than many cereals. However, it still contains added sugar and undergoes industrial processing. Comparing the nutrition label to alternatives is the best approach.
What is Life cereal made of?
The main ingredients are whole grain oat flour, sugar, corn flour, whole wheat flour, rice flour, salt, calcium carbonate, disodium phosphate, and added vitamins. Some versions may include BHT as a preservative.
How does Life cereal compare to other cereals?
Life cereal generally has fewer additives and less sugar per serving than heavily sweetened cereals like Froot Loops or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, though it still contains more added sugar than unsweetened options like plain oatmeal.