Why is Post Great Grains Cereal Crunchy Pecan classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The cereal is labeled NOVA 4 because it combines refined whole‑grain wheat, rolled oats and rice flour with added sugars, corn syrup, high‑oleic vegetable oil, and the synthetic antioxidant BHT (E321) to preserve freshness, all of which are hallmarks of ultra‑processed foods.

How does the sugar and salt content of this cereal affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 14.5 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can raise blood‑glucose levels quickly, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.8 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but may still contribute to elevated blood pressure in hypertension‑sensitive individuals, so portion control is advised.

Based on its ingredient list, is this cereal suitable for vegan, gluten‑free, or low‑carb diets?

No. The product contains whey (a milk derivative) and BHT, so it is not vegan; it lists wheat, barley and malted barley flour, making it unsuitable for gluten‑free diets; and its high carbohydrate (70.9 g) and sugar levels make it a poor fit for low‑carb eating plans.

Great Grains • 453 g

Crunchy Pecan Cereal

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Post Great Grains Cereal Crunchy Pecan is a ready‑to‑eat breakfast cereal that falls under the PNNS “Cereals and potatoes” food group. It carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified in the ultra‑processed NOVA 4 category, reflecting the presence of added sugars, refined grains, and the preservative BHT. Nutritionally, the cereal provides above‑average fiber and modest protein but contains more fat, sugar and total carbohydrates than typical breakfast cereals, while its salt level is lower than average.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal382 kcal

Fat10.9 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates70.9 g

Sugars14.5 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, this product is higher in total fat (10.9 g vs 8.97 g), sugars (14.55 g vs 14.13 g) and carbohydrates (70.9 g vs 63.94 g), offers more fiber (9.09 g vs 8.26 g) but contains less saturated fat (0.91 g vs 2.5 g), less salt (0.82 g vs 1.77 g), slightly lower energy (381 kcal vs 389 kcal) and a bit less protein (9.09 g vs 10.15 g).

Ingredients

whole grain wheat, whole grain rolled oats, pecans, brown sugar, wheat flour, malted barley flour, rice flour, sugar, high oleic vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil), salt, corn syrup, whey (from milk), bht (added to preserve freshness), vitamins and minerals: reduced iron, niacinamide, zinc oxide (source of zinc), vitamin b6, vitamin a palmitate, riboflavin (vitamin b2), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1), folic acid, vitamin b12, vitamin d,

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.