Why is Multi Grain Cheerios classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is rated NOVA 4 because it includes industrial ingredients and additives such as caramel color (E150c), tripotassium phosphate (E340iii) for mineral stability, and mixed tocopherols (E306) as an antioxidant, all of which are manufactured through processing steps beyond simple cooking or milling.

How does the sugar and salt content in Multi Grain Cheerios affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 20.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 2.47 g of salt per 100 g exceeds typical daily limits and may raise blood pressure, posing a risk for those managing hypertension.

Based on its ingredients, is Multi Grain Cheerios suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or keto diets?

The product is labeled gluten‑free and its core grain ingredients are plant‑based, so it fits a vegan diet except for the added vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), which may be derived from animal sources; however, its high carbohydrate (≈82 g per 100 g) and sugar levels make it unsuitable for a keto diet.

Cheerios • 510g

Multi Grain Cheerios

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Multi Grain Cheerios is a plant-based breakfast cereal made from whole-grain oats, corn, rice and sorghum and fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals. It is classified as NOVA group 4 ultra-processed and carries a Nutri-Score of D, reflecting its relatively high added sugar (20.5 g per 100 g) and salt (2.47 g per 100 g) despite low saturated fat and a decent fiber content (7.7 g per 100 g). The product is labeled gluten-free, contains no obvious animal-derived ingredients except a possible animal source for vitamin A, and provides moderate energy (about 385 kcal per 100 g) with a mix of whole grains and added sugars.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal484 kcal

Added Sugars20.5 g

Vitamin C32.3 mg

Vitamin E35.7 mg

Vitamin B61.3 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Multi Grain Cheerios contains substantially more sugar (20.5 g vs 14.1 g) and salt (2.47 g vs 1.77 g), less fat (3.85 g vs 8.97 g) and protein (7.7 g vs 10.2 g), while offering a similar calorie level (≈385 kcal vs 389 kcal) and slightly lower fiber (7.7 g vs 8.3 g).

Ingredients

Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Starch, Whole Grain Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Sugar Syrup, Salt, Tripotassium Phosphate, Color (caramel color, annatto extract). Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Iron and Zinc (mineral nutrients), A B Vitamin (niacinamide), Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), A B Vitamin (calcium pantothenate), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B1, (thiamin mononitrate), A B Vitamin (folic acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin A (palmitate), Vitamin D3.

84%

35%

Unlock What Your Food Doesn't Tell You

Scan this and millions of other food products to discover hidden positive & negative points, scores percentage, additives, allergens, and deeper product insights with the free NutrScan app.