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

The cereal contains refined grains, added sugars, invert sugar syrup, caramelised sugar syrup, colourings (E160a carotene and E160b annatto), and the antioxidant tocopherols (E306), all of which are markers of industrial formulation and lead to its NOVA 4 classification.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Cheerios Multigrain affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

With 10 g of total sugars (plus an estimated 12.9 g of added sugars) per 100 g, the cereal can raise blood glucose levels, so diabetic individuals should limit portion size. The 0.83 g of salt per 100 g is moderate and may contribute to sodium intake, so those with hypertension should also consume it sparingly.

Is Cheerios Multigrain suitable for vegans, gluten‑free, or other specific dietary restrictions?

All ingredients are plant‑derived, making the product vegan and vegetarian, but it contains wheat, barley and oat flours that provide gluten, so it is not gluten‑free. It may contain trace nuts, as indicated by the allergen warning, and the colour additives have a tentative vegan status, so strict vegans should verify the source of the pigments.

Cheerios,Nestle • 540 g

Cheerios Multigrain

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Cheerios Multigrain is a plant‑based breakfast cereal that falls under the PNNS groups “Cereals and potatoes” and “Breakfast cereals.” It provides 9.3 g of protein and 2.7 g of fiber per 100 g, with relatively low fat (4.7 g), saturated fat (1 g), salt (0.83 g) and sugars (10 g) compared with average cereals. However, it is classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4), contains added sugars, several colour additives (E160a, E160b) and an antioxidant (E306), and includes gluten, which may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal383 kcal

Fat4.7 g

Saturated Fat1 g

Carbohydrates71.3 g

Sugars10 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average breakfast cereal, Cheerios Multigrain has lower fat, saturated fat, salt and sugars while offering similar protein levels, but its added sugars and ultra‑processed status remain concerns.

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 oit, 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,

84%

35%

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