Is Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry Safe? Ingredient Analysis
General Mills
General Mills's Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry 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 Sugar, Fructose, Dextrose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients such as sugar, maltodextrin, and dextrose, which raise quality concerns. Additionally, BHT is a synthetic preservative that may pose safety issues. However, the presence of vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc indicates some nutritional value.
Main concern
Includes BHT, a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns regarding long-term consumption.
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
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, contributing to nutritional value.
- Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that may help preserve freshness without synthetic additives.
Concerns
- Includes BHT, a synthetic preservative that raises safety concerns regarding long-term consumption.
- High sugar content from sugar and fructose may lead to health issues if consumed excessively.
Who should avoid this product?
This formula may not suit:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this cereal, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Whole Grain Wheat safe in this cereal?
Good
Whole Grain Wheat is used here as base. Whole grain wheat serves as the primary ingredient, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Its inclusion supports a healthier grain choice compared to refined alternatives.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whole Grain Wheat
-
Is Sugar safe in this cereal?
Bad
Sugar is used here as sweetener. Sugar is a highly processed sweetener that contributes to the overall sweetness of the cereal but raises concerns about excessive consumption and potential health risks.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Rice Flour safe in this cereal?
Medium
Rice Flour is used here as base. Rice flour is a processed ingredient that provides texture but lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grains. Its presence indicates a degree of refinement in the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: Rice Flour
-
Is Canola And Or Sunflower Oil safe in this cereal?
Medium
Canola And Or Sunflower Oil is used here as base. Canola and sunflower oils are commonly used fats that help with texture and flavor. However, they are refined oils, which may raise concerns about processing and quality.
Role in formula: base
Original: Canola and/or Sunflower Oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Canola And Or Sunflower Oil
-
Is Fructose safe in this cereal?
Bad
Fructose is used here as sweetener. Fructose is a simple sugar that can contribute to sweetness but is often linked to health concerns when consumed in high amounts, particularly in processed foods.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Fructose
-
Is Maltodextrin safe in this cereal?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as sweetener. Maltodextrin is a processed carbohydrate that serves as a thickener and sweetener. While it enhances texture, it raises concerns about its high glycemic index.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Maltodextrin
-
Is Dextrose safe in this cereal?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from starch that adds sweetness but can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, raising health concerns.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Cinnamon safe in this cereal?
Good
Cinnamon is used here as flavor. Cinnamon is a natural spice that adds flavor and may have some health benefits. Its inclusion enhances the product's taste without synthetic additives.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Cinnamon
-
Is Salt safe in this cereal?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor but should be consumed in moderation. Its presence indicates a balance in taste but raises concerns about sodium intake.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Trisodium Phosphate safe in this cereal?
Bad
Trisodium Phosphate is used here as preservative. Trisodium phosphate is a synthetic compound used as a preservative. Its inclusion raises safety concerns regarding synthetic additives in food products.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: Trisodium Phosphate
-
Is Soy Lecithin safe in this cereal?
Medium
Soy Lecithin is used here as emulsifier. Soy lecithin is a natural emulsifier that helps maintain texture. While it is derived from soy, it is processed and may raise concerns for those with soy allergies.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Soy Lecithin
-
Is Color Vegetable Juice Caramel Color safe in this cereal?
Medium
Color Vegetable Juice Caramel Color is used here as colorant. The color is derived from vegetable juice and caramel, which are natural sources. However, caramel color is often associated with processing concerns.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Color (vegetable juice, caramel color)
-
Is Natural Flavor safe in this cereal?
Medium
Natural Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural flavor is a broad term that can include various plant-derived compounds. Its vague nature raises questions about the specific sources and processing involved.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural Flavor
-
Is Rosemary Extract safe in this cereal?
Good
Rosemary Extract is used here as antioxidant. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that helps preserve freshness. Its inclusion indicates a preference for natural preservation methods over synthetic ones.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Rosemary Extract
-
Is Bht safe in this cereal?
Bad
Bht is used here as preservative. BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve freshness. Its use raises safety concerns due to potential health risks associated with synthetic preservatives.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: BHT Added to Preserve Freshness
-
Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as fortificant. Calcium carbonate is used to fortify the product with calcium. While it adds nutritional value, it is a synthetic compound that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Calcium Carbonate
-
Is Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate is used here as fortificant. Vitamin C, in the form of sodium ascorbate, is included for fortification. It provides antioxidant benefits and supports overall health without raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
Read the full ingredient profile for Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate
-
Is Iron And Zinc Mineral Nutrients safe in this cereal?
Good
Iron And Zinc Mineral Nutrients is used here as fortificant. Iron and zinc are essential minerals added for nutritional fortification. Their presence enhances the product's overall nutritional profile.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Iron and Zinc (mineral nutrients)
-
Is Niacinamide safe in this cereal?
Good
Niacinamide is used here as fortificant. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 included for fortification. It supports metabolic health and adds nutritional value without safety concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: A B Vitamin (niacinamide)
-
Is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride safe in this cereal?
Good
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is used here as fortificant. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6 used for fortification. It plays a crucial role in metabolism and adds to the product's nutritional benefits.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Read the full ingredient profile for Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
-
Is Thiamin Mononitrate safe in this cereal?
Good
Thiamin Mononitrate is used here as fortificant. Thiamin mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 included for fortification. It is essential for energy metabolism and enhances the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: A B Vitamin (thiamin mononitrate)
-
Is Palmitate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Palmitate is used here as fortificant. Palmitate is a form of vitamin A used for fortification. While it adds nutritional value, it is a synthetic compound that may raise quality concerns.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: Vitamin A (palmitate)
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this cereal?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as fortificant. Riboflavin is a form of vitamin B2 included for fortification. It supports energy production and adds to the overall nutritional value of the product.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: A B Vitamin (riboflavin)
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this cereal?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as fortificant. Folic acid is a B vitamin included for fortification. It is essential for DNA synthesis and adds significant nutritional benefits to the product.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: A B Vitamin (folic acid)
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B12 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin B12 is included for fortification and is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation. Its presence enhances the product's nutritional profile.
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 included for fortification and supports bone health. Its addition contributes positively to the overall nutritional value of the product.
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: 2380125
More from this brand: General Mills products in Zerotox
Similar products: cereal in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: soy
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.