Why is Honey Nut Cheerios classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

It is produced by extrusion of oat‑based dough, includes added sugars, honey, fortified vitamins and food‑grade additives; the listed additives are tripotassium phosphate (E340/E340iii) as an acidity regulator and mixed tocopherols (E306) added to preserve freshness.

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content of Honey Nut Cheerios affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 32 g of added sugars per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it a poor choice for diabetic diets, while the 1.4 g of salt contributes to daily sodium intake and may be problematic for hypertension, although it is lower than the category average.

Is Honey Nut Cheerios suitable for gluten‑free, vegan, or nut‑allergy diets?

The product is certified gluten‑free, but it contains honey, so it is not vegan, and the label lists a nuts allergen due to almond flavor, making it potentially unsafe for individuals with nut allergies.

General Mills • 436 g

Honey Nut Cheerios

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Honey Nut Cheerios, a General Mills breakfast cereal, belongs to the cereals and potatoes group and is made mainly from whole‑grain oats, oat bran, corn starch and honey. It carries a Nutri‑Score of D and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its high added‑sugar content (32 g per 100 g), moderate salt (1.4 g), low saturated fat, and the presence of additives such as tripotassium phosphate (E340) and mixed tocopherols (E306). The cereal is labeled gluten‑free and fortified with several vitamins, but it contains honey (non‑vegan) and an allergen warning for nuts, which may limit suitability for vegans or nut‑sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal378 kcal

Fat5.4 g

Saturated Fat0 g

Trans Fat0 g

Monounsaturated Fat1.4 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios delivers more than double the sugar (32 g vs 14 g per 100 g) while providing less fat (5.4 g vs 9 g) and slightly lower salt (1.4 g vs 1.8 g).

Ingredients

whole grain oats, sugar, oat bran, corn starch, honey, brown sugar syrup, salt, tripotassium phosphate, canola oil, natural almond flavor, vitamin e (mixed tocopherols) (added to preserve freshness), calcium carbonate, zinc and iron (mineral nutrients), vitamin c (sodium ascorbate), a b vitamin (niacinamide), vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b2 (riboflavin), vitamin b1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin a (palmitate), a b vitamin (folic acid), vitamin b12, vitamin d3.

84%

35%

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