Why is Corn Flakes classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

It is made from refined corn that is extruded and toasted, includes added sugars, salt, fortified vitamins and mineral iron, and uses industrial ingredients such as the antioxidant tocopherol extract (E306) and the emulsifier mono‑ and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471); these steps and additives place it in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category.

How does the high salt content of this cereal affect a hypertensive diet?

With about 9.8 g of salt per 100 g, a standard serving can contribute well over 30 % of the recommended daily limit for sodium, which may raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk for people managing hypertension, so it should be eaten only rarely or paired with very low‑salt foods.

Is Corn Flakes suitable for vegan, gluten-free, or other strict diets?

The cereal is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients, but it is not gluten-free as it includes wheat-derived malt extract and may contain trace gluten; it also contains added sugar and salt, making it unsuitable for strict low-carb or keto diets.

Golden Bridge • 500 g

Corn Flakes

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Corn Flakes are a plant-based breakfast cereal made primarily of corn (91 %), sugar, salt, barley malt extract and fortified with vitamins and iron. The product carries a Nutri-Score of E and belongs to NOVA group 4, indicating it is ultra-processed and contains additive E306 (tocopherol extract) and E471 (mono- and diglycerides), as well as gluten. While it is low in fat and saturated fat and provides some fiber, it is very high in salt (≈9.8 g per 100 g) and offers less fiber and protein than typical cereals, which limits its nutritional appeal.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal363 kcal

Fat1 g

Saturated Fat0.5 g

Carbohydrates80 g

Sugars6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average breakfast cereals, this Corn Flakes contains far less fat (1 g vs 9 g) and sugar (6 g vs 14 g) but its salt level is dramatically higher (9.8 g vs 1.8 g) and it provides less fiber and protein while delivering more carbohydrates.

Ingredients

Maíz 91 %, azúcar, sal, extracto de malta de cebada, emulgente (monoglicéridos y diglicéridos de ácidos grasos), vitaminas [tiamina (vitamina B1), riboflavina (vitamina B2), niacina (vitamina B3), ácido pantoténico (vitamina B5), vitamina B6, biotina (vitamina B8), ácido fólico (vitamina B9) y vitamina B12], hierro y antioxidante (extracto rico en tocoferoles).

84%

35%

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