Corn flakes

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Common questions

Is Corn flakes healthy?

Corn flakes scores 63/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of corn, sugar, malt extract, and salt.

How processed is Corn flakes?

Corn flakes is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Corn flakes' score?

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

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Corn flakes

Penny
63 Fair

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Oats and Cereal
Summary

This product is a processed food with a relatively simple ingredient list, primarily consisting of corn, sugar, malt extract, and salt. The presence of added sugar is a concern as it contributes to increased calorie intake without nutritional benefits. Despite being processed, the absence of artificial additives or seed oils helps maintain a moderate score.

Key ingredients 4

Corn
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Provides carbohydrates for energy and contains some dietary fiber.

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Barley malt extract
Neutral

Barley malt extract is used as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer. It is derived from barley and contains some vitamins and minerals. However, it is still a source of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Risks

May contribute to increased sugar intake and is not suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Benefits

Provides a natural source of sweetness and some micronutrients.

See more about Barley malt extract →
Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor but does not provide significant nutritional benefits. It is a common ingredient in processed foods and can contribute to high sodium intake. Excessive consumption may lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

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Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is added to enhance sweetness but offers no nutritional benefits. It can contribute to increased calorie intake and potential blood sugar spikes. Excessive consumption is linked to various health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Risks

High intake of refined sugar is associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

See more about Sugar →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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