Why is MINI‑WHEATS! classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is made from refined grains, added sugars, fortified vitamins and a protein binder, and it includes two listed additives: gelatin, which acts as a binding agent, and the synthetic antioxidant BHT (E321) used to preserve freshness. These characteristics place it in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the sugar and salt content in MINI‑WHEATS! affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 20 g of sugars per 100 g, the cereal can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it a less suitable choice for people managing diabetes. Its salt level is low (0.05 g per 100 g), so it does not significantly contribute to sodium intake for hypertension, but the high sugar remains a primary concern.

Is MINI‑WHEATS! suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or other strict dietary preferences?

No. The product contains wheat, which provides gluten, and it also includes gelatin, a bovine‑derived protein, so it is neither vegan nor gluten‑free. It is also not certified halal or kosher because of the gelatin content.

Kellogg's

MINI-WHEATS! ORIGINAL

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

MINI‑WHEATS! is an extruded breakfast cereal made primarily from whole wheat and fortified with a range of vitamins and minerals such as iron, thiamine and folic acid. It carries a Nutri‑Score of B, low fat (1.8 g per 100 g) and low salt (0.05 g per 100 g), but its sugar content is 20 g per 100 g, well above the average for breakfast cereals, and it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4). The formulation also includes non‑vegan gelatin and the preservative BHT, which may be concerns for vegans or consumers avoiding additives.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal345 kcal

Vitamin B10.2 mg

Vitamin B60.3 mg

Iron13.6 mg

Magnesium73 mg

Comparative Analysis

It contains 20 g of sugars per 100 g, notably higher than the category average of 14.13 g, while its fat (1.8 g) and salt (0.05 g) are well below the averages of 8.97 g and 1.77 g respectively.

Ingredients

Potassium 200 mg 6% Calcium 20 mg 2% Fer 7,5 mg 42% Thiamine 0,1 mg 8% Niacine 1,5 mg 9% Vitamine B6 0,175 mg 10% Folate 60 μg ÉFA 15% Pantothenate 0,4 mg 8% Phosphore 125 mg 10% Magnésium 40 mg 10% Zinc 1 mg 9% Manganèse 1,75 mg 76% *5% ou moins c'est peu, 15% ou plus c'est beaucoup Ingrédients : Blé entier, Sucres (sucre, sirop de riz brun), Gélatine, BHT, Vitamines et minéraux : Fer, Acide folique. Contient : Blé. WK Kellogg Canada Corp., Bureau 401 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 0G1 *FABRIQUÉES AU CANADA À PARTIR D'INGREDIENTS IMPORTES ET CANADIENS

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.