Sweetened Multi-Grain Cereal, Apple Crunchies

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Sweetened Multi-Grain Cereal, Apple Crunchies 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.
• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5): 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 Sweetened Multi-Grain Cereal, Apple Crunchies' 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.

Food Bases & AlkalisProcessing indicator

In this product: Baking Soda.

Common in baking, excessive use indicates processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Blue 1. Bht (To Preserve Freshness). Vitamins & Minerals; Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Niacin, Vitamin B6, and 5 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Calcium Carbonate, Reduced Iron, Zinc (Zinc Oxide).

Added minerals often compensate for processing.