Cherrios

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Cherrios healthy?

Cherrios scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains whole grain oats, which are a beneficial ingredient providing fiber and essential nutrients.

How processed is Cherrios?

Cherrios is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cherrios' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole Grain Oats, Vitamin E, Iron and Zinc count in its favor; Sugar, Tripotassium Phosphate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cherrios

Cheerios
Bioengineered
65 Fair

Analysis updated October 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by General Mills
Category Oats and Cereal
Summary

This product contains whole grain oats, which are a beneficial ingredient providing fiber and essential nutrients. However, it also includes refined sugar, which is associated with health issues like obesity and diabetes. The product is moderately processed, and while it includes several added vitamins and minerals, the presence of sugar and the level of processing prevent it from achieving a higher score.

Key ingredients 15

Whole Grain Oats
Very Good

Whole grain oats are a rich source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients. They are minimally processed, retaining their natural nutritional profile. Oats support heart health and provide sustained energy.

Benefits

Rich in beta-glucan fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

See more about Whole Grain Oats →
Vitamin E
Good

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. It is often added to foods to enhance nutritional value. It supports immune function and skin health.

Benefits

Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

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Iron and Zinc
Good

Iron and zinc are essential minerals that support various bodily functions. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport, while zinc supports immune function. They are added to foods to prevent deficiencies.

Risks

Excessive intake of iron can lead to toxicity, while high zinc intake may interfere with copper absorption.

Benefits

Iron supports oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc is vital for immune health and wound healing.

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Vitamin C
Good

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen synthesis. It is added to foods to enhance nutritional value. It helps protect against oxidative stress and supports skin health.

Benefits

Boosts immune function and aids in collagen production, promoting skin health.

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Vitamin A
Good

Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. It is added to foods to prevent deficiencies and improve nutritional content. It supports eye health and immune response.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to toxicity, causing liver damage and other health issues.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function, and is vital for maintaining healthy skin.

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Vitamin B6
Good

Vitamin B6 is important for brain health and metabolism. It is added to foods to enhance nutritional value and prevent deficiencies. It supports neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism.

Benefits

Supports brain health and energy metabolism, aiding in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

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Vitamin B1
Good

Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is essential for energy metabolism and nerve function. It is added to foods to prevent deficiencies and improve nutritional content. It helps convert carbohydrates into energy.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and nerve function, aiding in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy.

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Vitamin B12
Good

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation. It is added to foods to prevent deficiencies and enhance nutritional value. It supports energy production and neurological health.

Benefits

Supports nerve function and red blood cell formation, aiding in energy production and neurological health.

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Vitamin D3
Good

Vitamin D3 is important for calcium absorption and bone health. It is added to foods to prevent deficiencies and improve nutritional content. It supports immune function and bone strength.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia and associated health issues.

Benefits

Enhances calcium absorption, supporting bone health and immune function.

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Corn Starch
Neutral

Corn starch is a common thickening agent used in food products. It is highly processed and provides little nutritional value. It is primarily used for texture and consistency in food products.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to high blood sugar levels due to its high glycemic index.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor in food products. It is a refined form of sodium chloride without additional trace minerals. While necessary for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

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Calcium Carbonate
Neutral

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

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia and kidney stones.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis.

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Folic Acid
Neutral

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

Risks

Excessive intake may mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

Benefits

Supports DNA synthesis and cell division, and is vital for fetal development during pregnancy.

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Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is associated with various health issues, including obesity and diabetes. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional benefits. Excessive sugar intake can lead to metabolic disorders.

Risks

High consumption of sugar can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

See more about Sugar →
Tripotassium Phosphate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to imbalances in mineral levels in the body.

See more about Tripotassium Phosphate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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