Why is Cinnamon Toast Crunch classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is labeled NOVA 4 because it combines refined grains with multiple industrial ingredients and additives; its formulation includes caramel color (E150c) for browning, BHT (E321) as an antioxidant preservative, soy lecithin (E322) as an emulsifier, rosemary extract (E392) for flavor stability, and trisodium phosphate (E339iii) as an acidity regulator.

How does the high sugar content in Cinnamon Toast Crunch affect a diabetic diet?

With 25.5 g of sugars per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for people managing diabetes unless consumed in very small portions and balanced with protein, fiber, or low‑glycemic foods.

Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch suitable for a gluten‑free or vegan diet?

No; the product lists whole‑grain wheat as a primary ingredient, which contains gluten, and it also includes soy lecithin, so it does not meet gluten‑free or vegan criteria.

General Mills • 49.5 oz

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a breakfast cereal classified in the Cereals and Potatoes family and specifically under Breakfast cereals. It delivers 414 kcal per 100 g with a high sugar content of 25.5 g, moderate fat at 9.8 g, and a low salt level of 0.22 g, placing it above the average sugar and energy values for its category while keeping salt well below average. The product is ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), contains several food additives such as caramel color (E150c), BHT (E321), soy lecithin (E322) and rosemary extract (E392), and is not suitable for gluten‑free or vegan consumers due to wheat and soy ingredients.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal415 kcal

Added Sugars29.3 g

Iron8.8 mg

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains about 80% more sugar (25.5 g vs 14.1 g per 100 g), slightly higher fat (9.8 g vs 9.0 g) and markedly lower salt (0.22 g vs 1.77 g).

Ingredients

Whole grain wheat, sugar, rice flour, canola oil, sunflower oil, fructose, maltodextrin, dextrose, salt, cinnamon, trisodium phosphate, soy lecithin, caramel color, rosemary extract, bht added to preserve freshness, vitamins and minerals (calcium carbonate, vitamin c (sodium ascorbate), iron and zinc (mineral nutrients), a b vitamin (niacinamide), vitamin b6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin b1 (thiamin mononitrate), vitamin a (palmitate), vitamin b2 (riboflavin), a b vitamin (folic acid), vitamin b12, vitamin d3).

84%

35%

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