General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G

Common questions

Is General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G healthy?

General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cereal contains beneficial ingredients like whole grain oats, which provide fiber and essential nutrients, and added vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

How processed is General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G?

General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole grain oats, Tocopherols, Iron count in its favor; Sugar, Trisodium 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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General Mills Original Cheerios Breakfast Cereal, Whole Grains 350 G

General Mills
Bioengineered
65 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 2
Category Cereal Grains
Summary

This cereal contains beneficial ingredients like whole grain oats, which provide fiber and essential nutrients, and added vitamins and minerals that support overall health. However, it also includes processed additives such as trisodium phosphate and sugar, which can have negative health impacts when consumed in excess. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the presence of some healthy components.

Key ingredients 13

Whole grain oats
Very Good

Whole grain oats are a rich source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients. They are minimally processed, retaining most of their natural nutrients. Oats are known for their heart health benefits and ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Benefits

Rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

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Tocopherols
Good

Tocopherols are a form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant in foods. They help preserve freshness by preventing oxidation. Vitamin E is beneficial for skin health and immune function.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting immune health.

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Iron
Good

Iron is an essential mineral important for oxygen transport in the blood. It is added to foods to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Adequate iron intake supports energy levels and cognitive function.

Risks

Excessive iron intake can lead to toxicity, particularly in individuals with hemochromatosis.

Benefits

Supports the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport and muscle function.

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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Good

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and skin health. It is added to foods to ensure adequate intake of this essential nutrient. Niacinamide helps convert food into energy and supports cellular repair.

Benefits

Supports energy production and helps maintain healthy skin.

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Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
Good

Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5 that plays a role in energy metabolism. It is added to foods to prevent deficiencies and support overall health. This vitamin is crucial for synthesizing coenzyme A, important for fatty acid metabolism.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and the synthesis of essential lipids and neurotransmitters.

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Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
Good

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6 essential for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It is added to foods to ensure adequate intake. Vitamin B6 supports neurotransmitter synthesis and immune function.

Benefits

Supports brain health and aids in the production of neurotransmitters and red blood cells.

See more about Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) →
Folate
Good

Folate is a B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. It is added to foods to prevent neural tube defects and support overall health. Adequate folate intake is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development.

Benefits

Supports DNA synthesis and is crucial for cell division and growth, particularly during pregnancy.

Corn starch
Neutral

Corn starch is a common thickening agent used in food products. It is highly processed and primarily provides carbohydrates. While it adds texture, it offers little nutritional value.

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 and preserve food. It is a natural mineral but should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with 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.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

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Monoglycerides
Neutral

Monoglycerides are emulsifiers used to improve texture and extend shelf life. They are processed fats derived from natural oils. While generally recognized as safe, they offer no significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Helps maintain product texture and stability.

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Sugar
Bad

Sugar is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to various health issues when consumed in excess. It is highly processed and lacks essential nutrients. Excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Risks

High consumption can lead to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

Benefits

Provides quick energy but lacks essential nutrients.

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Trisodium phosphate
Bad

Trisodium phosphate is an additive used to adjust acidity and improve texture. It is a highly processed chemical compound. Concerns exist about its potential effects on kidney health and bone density when consumed in large amounts.

Risks

Excessive consumption may affect kidney function and bone health due to high phosphate levels.

See more about Trisodium phosphate →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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