Why is Oatmeal Crisp classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is rated NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on isolated ingredients, refined sugars, added oils and a suite of technological additives. The label lists BHT (a synthetic antioxidant), annatto (a natural colour), caramel (a processed colour), calcium carbonate, baking soda, gum acacia, tocopherols and a blend of natural and artificial flavours, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in Oatmeal Crisp affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 22.4 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic meal plans unless portioned carefully. Its salt level of 0.52 g is modest and below the average for cereals, so it adds relatively little to sodium intake, but individuals on a low‑sodium diet should still monitor overall daily consumption.

Is the almond content in Oatmeal Crisp a concern for people with nut allergies?

Yes. Almonds are listed as an ingredient and are highlighted as an allergen, so anyone with a tree‑nut allergy should avoid this product.

General Mills • 628 g

Oatmeal Crisp

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Oatmeal Crisp is a breakfast cereal produced by General Mills, manufactured in the United States and sold in Canada, and it belongs to the cereals and potatoes group as a breakfast cereal. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and falls in NOVA group 4, providing about 396 kcal, 22.4 g of sugars, 0.52 g of salt, 8.6 g of fiber and 10.3 g of protein per 100 g, which means its sugar content far exceeds the average for breakfast cereals while its fiber is slightly above average and its salt is below average. The product contains whole‑grain oats, wheat and almonds and includes several additives such as BHT, annatto, caramel colour and calcium carbonate, making it an ultra‑processed food that may concern consumers seeking cleaner labels.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars6.5 g

Fruits & Vegetables6.5 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the typical breakfast‑cereal profile, Oatmeal Crisp contains markedly more sugar (22.4 g vs 14.1 g per 100 g) and slightly higher calories (≈396 kcal vs 389 kcal), while providing a bit more fiber (8.6 g vs 8.3 g) and less salt (0.52 g vs 1.77 g).

Ingredients

Whole grain oats, Whole grain wheat, Sugars (sugar and/or golden sugar, corn syrup, golden syrup, honey, maltodextrin, molasses, barley malt extract), Almonds, Salt, Rice flour, Oat flour, High monounsaturated canola and/or high monounsaturated sunflower oil, Calcium carbonate, Natural and artificial flavour, Baking soda, Gum acacia, Tocopherols,BHT, Annatto, Caramel, Tricalcium phosphate, Iron, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5), Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), FOlate

84%

35%

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