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

The cereal is made from refined flours, added sugars, honey, invert sugar syrup and several processing aids, which places it in the NOVA 4 group for ultra‑processed foods. Its only listed additive is E306 (tocopherols), used as an antioxidant, along with natural flavouring.

How does the high sugar content in Honey Cheerios affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With roughly 22 g of sugar per 100 g, the cereal can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The low salt (0.16 g) is beneficial for hypertension, but the overall sugar load outweighs this advantage for blood‑pressure management.

Based on its ingredient list, is Honey Cheerios suitable for vegan, keto, halal, or gluten‑free diets?

The product contains wheat, barley, maize and rice flours, so it is not gluten‑free. Honey and possibly other animal‑derived ingredients make it unsuitable for strict vegans, and its high carbohydrate content (about 71 g per 100 g) excludes it from keto diets. Honey is generally permissible in halal diets, but certification is not indicated.

Nestlé • 12 servings, 370g

Honey Cheerios

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Honey Cheerios is a breakfast cereal made from whole‑grain oat, wheat, barley, maize and rice flours, sweetened with honey and sugar. It belongs to the "Cereals and potatoes" and "Breakfast cereals" families, carries a NOVA 4 (ultra‑processed) classification and provides about 22 g of sugar per 100 g, far above the category average of 14 g, while its fat (4 g), saturated fat (0.7 g) and salt (0.16 g) are lower than typical cereal values. The product offers modest fiber (9 g) and protein (9 g) and low sodium, but the high added sugar and ultra‑processed nature are drawbacks for health‑focused consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal183 kcal

Energy778 kJ

Fat2.9 g

Saturated Fat0.1 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal (14.1 g sugar, 9 g fat, 1.8 g salt per 100 g), Honey Cheerios contains about 22 g sugar (significantly higher), only 4 g fat and 0.7 g saturated fat (well below average), and 0.16 g salt (much lower), while offering slightly more fiber (9 g vs 8.3 g) and slightly less protein (9 g vs 10.2 g).

Ingredients

whole grain oat flour (28,1%), whole grain wheat (28,1%), sugar, whole grain barley flour (16,9%), wheat starch honey (3,9%), whole grain maize flour (2%), whole grain rice flour (1,9%), calcium carbonate, invert sugar syrup, salt, sunflower oil, molasses, antioxidant: tocopherols, natural flavouring, iron, vitamin c, b3, b5, d, b9, b6, b2,

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.