Is Bluey Lightly Sweetened Corn Cereal Safe? Ingredient Analysis
General Mills
General Mills's Bluey Lightly Sweetened Corn Cereal is reviewed here as a cereal. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Baking Soda.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes whole grain corn and corn meal as primary ingredients, which are beneficial. However, the presence of sugar and brown sugar syrup raises concerns about added sugars, impacting the overall rating. Additionally, synthetic additives like spirulina extract and baking soda are present, which may indicate processing concerns.
Main concern
Contains added sugars like sugar and brown sugar syrup, which can raise health concerns regarding excessive sugar intake.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Whole grain corn provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients, supporting a moderate rating.
- Includes vitamins such as Vitamin C and B vitamins, contributing positively to the nutritional profile.
Concerns
- Contains added sugars like sugar and brown sugar syrup, which can raise health concerns regarding excessive sugar intake.
- Baking soda is a synthetic ingredient that may indicate processing, which can lower the overall quality perception.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this cereal, not just listed as a raw label.
-
Is Whole Grain Corn safe in this cereal?
Good
Whole Grain Corn is used here as base. Whole grain corn serves as the primary ingredient, providing dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Its inclusion supports a healthier cereal option, contributing positively to the overall quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whole Grain Corn
-
Is Corn Meal safe in this cereal?
Good
Corn Meal is used here as base. Corn meal is a finely ground corn product that adds texture and additional nutrients to the cereal. It complements the whole grain corn, enhancing the overall nutritional value.
Role in formula: base
Original: Corn Meal
-
Is Sugar safe in this cereal?
Medium
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is added for sweetness, which can enhance flavor but raises concerns about excessive sugar consumption. Its presence indicates a processed aspect of the cereal.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Salt safe in this cereal?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is included to enhance flavor. While it is a common ingredient, excessive sodium intake can be a concern, impacting the overall health profile of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Brown Sugar Syrup safe in this cereal?
Medium
Brown Sugar Syrup is used here as sweetener. Brown sugar syrup adds sweetness and moisture to the cereal. Its presence alongside sugar raises concerns about added sugars, which can affect health.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Brown Sugar Syrup
-
Is Canola And Or Sunflower Oil safe in this cereal?
Medium
Canola And Or Sunflower Oil is used here as emulsifier. Canola and/or sunflower oil are used for texture and moisture. While they are common in processed foods, concerns about refined oils may affect the perception of quality.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Canola and/or Sunflower Oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Canola And Or Sunflower Oil
-
Is Spirulina Extract safe in this cereal?
Medium
Spirulina Extract is used here as colorant. Spirulina extract is a natural colorant that adds visual appeal. However, its processing raises questions about the overall naturalness of the product.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Spirulina Extract
-
Is Baking Soda safe in this cereal?
Bad
Baking Soda is used here as leavening agent. Baking soda is a synthetic leavening agent that helps with texture. Its inclusion indicates processing, which may detract from the perceived quality of the cereal.
Role in formula: leavening agent
Original: Baking Soda
-
Is Vitamin E safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin E is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin E is included as an antioxidant, contributing to the nutritional profile. It helps protect the product from oxidation, enhancing shelf life.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin E
-
Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as fortificant. Calcium carbonate is used to fortify the cereal with calcium. While beneficial for bone health, its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Calcium Carbonate
-
Is Iron safe in this cereal?
Good
Iron is used here as fortificant. Iron is added to fortify the cereal, addressing potential dietary deficiencies. Its presence is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Iron
-
Is Zinc safe in this cereal?
Good
Zinc is used here as fortificant. Zinc is included to enhance the nutritional profile, supporting immune function and overall health. Its addition is a positive aspect of the composition.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Zinc
-
Is Vitamin C safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin C is used here as fortificant. Vitamin C is added for its antioxidant properties and to enhance the nutritional value. It supports immune health and overall well-being.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin C
-
Is Vitamin B6 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B6 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin B6 is included to support metabolic processes and overall health. Its presence is beneficial in enhancing the nutritional profile.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin B6
-
Is Vitamin B1 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B1 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin B1 is added to support energy metabolism. Its inclusion contributes positively to the overall nutritional value of the cereal.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin B1
-
Is Vitamin A safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin A is used here as fortificant. Vitamin A is included for its role in vision and immune function. Its addition enhances the nutritional profile of the cereal.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin A
-
Is Vitamin B2 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B2 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin B2 is added to support energy production and overall health. Its presence is a positive aspect of the nutritional composition.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin B2
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B12 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin B12 is included to support nerve function and energy metabolism. Its addition is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin B12
-
Is Vitamin D3 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin D3 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin D3 is added to support bone health and immune function. Its presence enhances the nutritional profile of the cereal.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin D3
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2380123
More from this brand: General Mills products in Zerotox
Similar products: cereal in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.