Basic 4 Cereal

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Basic 4 Cereal scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Soy Lecithin): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.

Within Breakfast Cereal, this product is more processed than about 77% of the 9,419 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Basic 4 Cereal's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Brown Sugar Syrup, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, and 1 more.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Palm Kernel Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Color (Caramel Color And Annatto Extract).

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Zinc And Iron (Mineral Nutrients).

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), A B Vitamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, and 4 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.