Frosted Cheerios

Cheerios
Seed oil free Bioengineered Lab tested
16 Poor

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The Real Cereal Co. Organic Rice Crisps The Real Cereal Co. · 3 pack 95 View on Amazon See all Cereal, ranked

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 11
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by General Mills
Category Cereal
Summary

Frosted Cheerios scores 16/100. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~60 ppb. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator linked to reduced fertility and developmental toxicity in animal studies; it is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S. EWG 2023 also found up to 71.8 ppb glyphosate. The heavy three-sweetener load (sugar + corn syrup + brown sugar syrup) plus trisodium phosphate sit on top of the two-pesticide contamination story.

Contaminants 2

Source: EWG

Glyphosate
71.8 ppb
Moderate

Detected at a moderate level — a meaningful amount worth factoring in if this product is eaten regularly. Glyphosate is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC, and glyphosate-residue-free supply chains exist — so its presence reflects ingredient sourcing.

EWG 2023 testing detected glyphosate at up to 71.8 ppb (samples: 48.6 and 71.8 ppb).

Chlormequat
~60 ppb
High

Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Chlormequat is a plant growth regulator (PGR) used to shorten cereal stalks pre-harvest. Animal studies link chlormequat exposure to reduced fertility, delayed puberty, and developmental toxicity (Environmental Health Perspectives 2018; Reproductive Toxicology 2020). Chlormequat is not approved for use on food crops grown in the U.S., so its presence in this product indicates pre-harvest spraying on imported (likely Canadian or European) oats. There is no FDA tolerance for chlormequat in oat-based foods sold in the U.S.

EWG's February 2024 study detected chlormequat chloride at ~60 ppb in this product. EWG detected chlormequat in 80% of urine samples from a U.S. population in 2023.

Key ingredients 21

Sugar
Bad

Refined sugar is a source of empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional value. Excessive consumption is linked to various health problems, including diabetes.

Risks

High intake can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and dental cavities.

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Corn Syrup
Bad

Corn syrup is a sweetener that can contribute to excessive calorie intake and weight gain. It is highly processed and lacks nutritional benefits. Regular consumption is associated with metabolic disorders.

Risks

May lead to obesity and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Trisodium Phosphate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Excessive consumption may affect kidney function and bone health.

See more about Trisodium Phosphate →
Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavors are added to enhance taste but are often highly processed. They can contain a variety of chemical compounds. Lack of transparency in their composition raises concerns.

Risks

Potential allergens and unknown chemical additives may pose health risks.

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Corn Starch
Neutral

Corn starch is a refined carbohydrate used as a thickening agent. It is highly processed and provides little nutritional value. It is generally considered neutral in terms of health impact.

Risks

Excessive consumption may contribute to blood sugar spikes.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor but provides no nutritional benefits beyond sodium. It is a refined ingredient and should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

High sodium intake is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Brown Sugar Syrup
Neutral

Brown sugar syrup is a sweetener that provides flavor and color. It is processed and contains added sugars. While it offers some trace minerals, its nutritional value is limited.

Risks

High sugar content can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues.

Benefits

Contains small amounts of minerals like calcium and potassium.

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Calcium Carbonate
Neutral

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

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to kidney stones or impaired absorption of other minerals.

Benefits

Supports bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis.

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Vitamin A Palmitate
Neutral

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

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to toxicity and liver damage.

Benefits

Supports vision and immune function.

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Folic Acid
Neutral

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

Benefits

Supports cell growth and prevents birth defects.

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Oat Bran
Good

Oat bran is high in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. It is a minimally processed component of oats. This ingredient supports digestive health and provides a feeling of fullness.

Benefits

Contains beta-glucan, which is beneficial for heart health and blood sugar control.

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Vitamin E
Good

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

Benefits

Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

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Zinc and Iron
Good

Zinc and iron are essential minerals that support immune function and oxygen transport. They are added to fortify the product and enhance nutritional value. Adequate intake is vital for overall health and development.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to toxicity and interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

Benefits

Supports immune function and helps prevent anemia.

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Vitamin C
Good

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen synthesis. It is added to enhance the nutritional profile of the product. This vitamin aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based sources.

Benefits

Boosts immune function and enhances iron absorption.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and skin health. It is added to fortify the product and prevent deficiencies. This vitamin plays a role in DNA repair and cell signaling.

Benefits

Supports energy production and skin health.

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Vitamin B6
Good

Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It is added to enhance the nutritional value of the product. This vitamin supports neurotransmitter synthesis and immune function.

Benefits

Supports brain health and immune function.

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Vitamin B2
Good

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is important for energy production and cellular function. It is added to fortify the product and prevent deficiencies. This vitamin supports the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and cellular health.

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Thiamin Mononitrate
Good

Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that aids in energy metabolism. It is added to fortify the product and prevent deficiencies. This vitamin is crucial for nerve function and carbohydrate metabolism.

Benefits

Supports energy production and nerve function.

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Vitamin B12
Good

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function. It is added to enhance the nutritional value of the product. This vitamin is crucial for DNA synthesis and energy production.

Benefits

Supports nerve health and red blood cell production.

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Vitamin D3
Good

Vitamin D3 supports calcium absorption and bone health. It is added to fortify the product and enhance its nutritional profile. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for immune function and mood regulation.

Risks

Excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia and kidney damage.

Benefits

Supports bone health and immune function.

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Whole Grain Oats
Very Good

Minimally processed whole-food ingredient.

Benefits

Rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

See more about Whole Grain Oats →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Frosted Cheerios

Common questions

Is Frosted Cheerios healthy?

Frosted Cheerios scores 16/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. EWG's February 2024 chlormequat study detected the pesticide at ~60 ppb.

Does Frosted Cheerios contain seed oils?

No — Scout's ingredient analysis marks Frosted Cheerios as seed-oil free.

Has Frosted Cheerios been lab-tested?

Yes. Frosted Cheerios carries an independent laboratory panel from EWG covering 2 contaminants (including Glyphosate, Chlormequat) — the full results are on this page.

How processed is Frosted Cheerios?

Frosted Cheerios is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Frosted Cheerios compare to other cereals?

Frosted Cheerios ranks #22 of 35 cereals in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is The Real Cereal Co. Organic Rice Crisps at 95/100.

Which ingredients drive Frosted Cheerios' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Whole Grain Oats, Oat Bran, Vitamin E count in its favor; Sugar, Corn Syrup, 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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