Sweetened Multi-Grain Cereal, Strawberry

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Sweetened Multi-Grain Cereal, Strawberry scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Modified Starches (Modified Corn Starch): Chemical modification is a hallmark of UPF.
• Artificial Colors (Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 6, +1 more): Synthetic colors are definitive UPF markers.
• Chemical Preservatives (Bht For Freshness): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
• Emulsifiers (Glycerin, Mono- And Diglycerides, Datem): Industrial emulsifiers indicate UPF.
• 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, Strawberry'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.

Stabilizers & GumsUPF marker

In this product: Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Alginate.

Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Invert Sugar, Dextrose.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator

In this product: Vegetable Oil (Partially Hydrogenated Coconut, Soybean And /Or Cottonseed, Palm).

Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.

Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator

In this product: Salt.

Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Citrate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Reduced Iron, Zinc Oxide.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Citric Acid.

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Natural ColorsProcessing indicator

In this product: Annatto Color.

Natural sources but still indicate processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Caramel Color. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid And Sodium Ascorbate), Niacinamide, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, and 5 more.

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.