Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box

Common questions

Is Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box healthy?

Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box scores 63/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains beneficial fortifying ingredients like calcium carbonate and reduced iron, which support bone health and prevent anemia.

How processed is Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box?

Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacinamide, Riboflavin count in its favor; BHT is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

More from Quaker

See more

Quaker Instant Grits Original 18 Ounce Paper Box

Quaker
Bioengineered
63 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

$34.99 · 12 count · 12 oz · pack of 6 · $5.83 / ounce
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 2
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by PepsiCo
Category Cereals and Potatoes
Summary

This product contains beneficial fortifying ingredients like calcium carbonate and reduced iron, which support bone health and prevent anemia. However, it is processed and includes BHT, a controversial preservative with potential health concerns. The presence of additives and the level of processing limit its overall healthiness despite the fortification benefits.

Key ingredients 10

Niacinamide
Good

Vitamin B3 — evidence-backed skin and metabolic benefits.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and is essential for maintaining healthy skin and nerves.

See more about Niacinamide →
Riboflavin
Good

Essential B vitamin — beneficial micronutrient.

Benefits

Essential for energy production and helps maintain healthy skin and eyes.

See more about Riboflavin →
Degerminated white corn grits
Neutral

Degerminated white corn grits are a processed form of corn where the germ and bran are removed. This process reduces fiber and nutrient content compared to whole corn. It is a common ingredient in grits, providing a base carbohydrate source.

Risks

The removal of the germ and bran reduces the nutritional value, particularly fiber and essential nutrients.

Benefits

Provides a source of carbohydrates and energy, though with limited nutritional benefits compared to whole grain options.

Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor in foods. It is a common additive in processed foods and can contribute to high sodium intake. Moderation is key to avoid potential health issues related to excessive sodium consumption.

Risks

Excessive consumption of salt can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

See more about Salt →
Calcium carbonate
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and various metabolic functions.

See more about Calcium carbonate →
Reduced iron
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, but this is rare with food fortification.

Benefits

Essential for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, supporting oxygen transport and energy metabolism.

See more about Reduced iron →
Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer found in citrus fruits. It is widely used in the food industry to add acidity and preserve freshness. It is generally recognized as safe when used in food products.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative and can enhance flavor by adding acidity.

See more about Citric acid →
Thiamin mononitrate
Neutral

Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 used to fortify foods. It is essential for energy metabolism and nerve function. It is commonly added to processed foods to prevent deficiencies.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and is crucial for nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism.

See more about Thiamin mononitrate →
Folic acid
Neutral

Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 used to fortify foods. It is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly important during pregnancy. It is commonly added to foods to prevent neural tube defects.

Benefits

Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, and helps prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy.

See more about Folic acid →
BHT
Bad

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve freshness in foods. It is controversial due to potential health concerns and is banned in some countries. Its safety is debated, with some studies suggesting potential carcinogenic effects.

Risks

Potential health concerns include carcinogenicity and endocrine disruption, though evidence is not conclusive.

Benefits

Helps prevent oxidation and rancidity in food products, extending shelf life.

See more about BHT →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

More in Cereals and Potatoes