Lucky Charms

Provides dietary fiber and beta-glucan, but lacks bioavailable protein due to antinutrients like phytic acid that bind minerals and reduce absorption. As the first ingredient it's immediately undermined by sugar as ingredient #2.

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.

Highly processed liquid glucose from industrial corn refining. The third form of sugar in this product. Rapidly spikes blood sugar with zero nutritional value.

Pure crystalline glucose — another sugar disguise tactic to fragment the sugar content across the ingredient list.

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.

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.

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.'

Petroleum-derived synthetic dye associated with hypersensitivity reactions. Banned or restricted in several countries outside the US.

Opaque flavoring including synthetic chemicals. 'Natural flavor' is an industry loophole that can include heavily processed compounds. Combined with artificial flavor — zero transparency.