Lucky Charms
At a glance
Summary
Lucky Charms scores 2/100. Contains FOUR synthetic petroleum-derived food dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1) — all banned or requiring warning labels in the European Union — and is marketed directly to children. THREE forms of sugar (sugar, corn syrup, dextrose) are used to fragment the sweetener content, preventing 'sugar' from appearing as ingredient #1. Contains trisodium phosphate, an industrial chemical also used as a cleaning agent and degreaser. The whole grain oats provide some fiber but lack bioavailable protein due to antinutrients like phytic acid. Heavily fortified with synthetic vitamins to create a health halo masking a nutritionally void ultra-processed base. Owned by General Mills.
Key ingredients 9
Red 40Very Bad
Petroleum-derived synthetic food dye linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenicity. Banned or requires warning labels in the EU. Particularly concerning in a product marketed to children.
See more about Red 40 →Yellow 5 & 6Very Bad
Petroleum-derived synthetic dyes associated with hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children. Require warning labels in the EU stating 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'
See more about Yellow 5 & 6 →Blue 1Very Bad
Petroleum-derived synthetic dye associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Banned or restricted in several countries outside the US.
See more about Blue 1 →SugarBad
Second ingredient — present in massive quantity. Combined with corn syrup and dextrose, this cereal contains THREE distinct forms of sugar, an industrial tactic to prevent 'sugar' from appearing as ingredient #1.
See more about Sugar →Corn SyrupBad
Highly processed liquid glucose from industrial corn refining. The third form of sugar in this product. Rapidly spikes blood sugar with zero nutritional value.
See more about Corn Syrup →DextroseBad
Pure crystalline glucose — another sugar disguise tactic to fragment the sugar content across the ingredient list.
See more about Dextrose →Trisodium PhosphateBad
An industrial chemical also used as a cleaning agent, degreaser, and paint stripper. While FDA-approved in small amounts, its presence signals heavy industrial processing and has no nutritional purpose.
See more about Trisodium Phosphate →Natural And Artificial FlavorBad
Opaque flavoring including synthetic chemicals. 'Natural flavor' is an industry loophole that can include heavily processed compounds. Combined with artificial flavor — zero transparency.
See more about Natural And Artificial Flavor →Whole Grain OatsVery Good
Minimally processed whole-food ingredient.
See more about Whole Grain Oats →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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