General Mills Mermaid Cereal

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, General Mills Mermaid 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.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Yellow 6): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Natural Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.

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 General Mills Mermaid 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.

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: Canola Oil.

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Blue 1. Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)Added To Preserve Freshness. Vitamins And Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), A B Vitamin, Vitamin B6, and 5 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

MineralsProcessing indicator

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

Added minerals often compensate for processing.