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

The cereal contains refined grains, added sugars, starches, colourants and an antioxidant, all of which are hallmarks of ultra‑processed foods; its listed additives are carotene (E160a), annatto (E160b) and tocopherols (E306).

How does the high sugar and moderate salt content of this cereal affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 17.6 g of sugars per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while the 0.84 g of salt contributes to sodium intake and may worsen blood‑pressure management for hypertensive individuals.

Is the presence of wheat and barley in Cheerios multigrain a concern for those with gluten intolerance?

Yes; the cereal includes wheat and barley flours, which contain gluten, so it is not safe for people with celiac disease or non‑celiac gluten sensitivity.

Nestle • 700g

Cheerios multigrain

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Cheerios multigrain is a plant‑based breakfast cereal made primarily from whole‑grain oat, wheat and barley flours, with added sugar, starches and a small amount of sunflower oil. Per 100 g it delivers 382 kcal, 9.4 g protein and 6.9 g fiber, but also contains a high 17.6 g of sugars and a moderate 0.84 g of salt, while fat is relatively low at 4.7 g (saturated 0.9 g). The product is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), carries a Nutri‑Score of C and includes three additives (carotene, annatto, tocopherols) and may have trace nut contamination.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal382 kcal

Fat4.7 g

Saturated Fat0.9 g

Carbohydrates71.2 g

Sugars17.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Its sugar content (17.6 g/100 g) exceeds the breakfast cereal average of 14.13 g, whereas its fat (4.7 g) and salt (0.84 g) are well below the typical averages of 8.97 g and 1.77 g respectively.

Ingredients

whole grain oat flour (29,6%), whole grain wheat (29,6%), whole grain barley flour (17,9%), sugar, wheat starch, invert sugar syrup, whole grain maize flour (2,1%), whole grain rice flour (2,1%), molasses, calcium carbonate, sunflower oil, salt, colours: carotene, annatto norbixin, caramelised sugar syrup, antioxidant: tocopherols, iron, vitamin c, b3, b5, b9, d, b6, b2, allergy advice: for allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold, may also contain nuts, vitamins , minerals: %

84%

35%

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