Is Reese's Puffs Peanut Butter Lovers Safe? Ingredient Analysis
General Mills
General Mills's Reese's Puffs Peanut Butter Lovers 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, Dextrose, Corn Syrup.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients such as sugar and dextrose, which raise quality concerns. Additionally, artificial flavors and caramel color are present, indicating a highly processed product. However, the inclusion of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and iron adds some nutritional value.
Main concern
Includes sugar and dextrose, which are processed sweeteners that raise quality concerns.
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 vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and iron, which contribute to nutritional value.
- REESE'S Peanut Butter provides a recognizable flavor profile that appeals to consumers.
Concerns
- Includes sugar and dextrose, which are processed sweeteners that raise quality concerns.
- Artificial flavors and caramel color indicate a highly processed composition, which may not appeal to health-conscious consumers.
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.
-
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 fiber and essential nutrients. Its whole grain status indicates a more nutritious option compared to refined grains.
Role in formula: base
Original: Whole Grain Corn
-
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 product but raises concerns about excessive sugar intake and its health implications.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Sugar
-
Is Reeses Peanut Butter safe in this cereal?
Medium
Reeses Peanut Butter is used here as flavor. REESE'S Peanut Butter is a blend of peanuts, sugar, and oils that adds flavor and texture. While it enhances taste, the presence of added sugars and oils raises quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: REESE'S Peanut Butter (peanuts, sugar, monoglycerides, peanut oil, salt, molasses, corn starch)
-
Is Corn Meal safe in this cereal?
Good
Corn Meal is used here as base. Corn meal is a whole grain ingredient that adds texture and contributes to the overall fiber content. It is a more nutritious option compared to refined flours.
Role in formula: base
Original: Corn Meal
-
Is Dextrose safe in this cereal?
Bad
Dextrose is used here as sweetener. Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from corn, used to enhance sweetness. Its presence raises concerns about added sugars in the product, which can contribute to health issues.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Dextrose
-
Is Corn Syrup safe in this cereal?
Bad
Corn Syrup is used here as sweetener. Corn syrup is a processed sweetener that adds sweetness and moisture. Its high fructose content raises concerns about potential health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: Corn Syrup
-
Is Peanut Flour safe in this cereal?
Medium
Peanut Flour is used here as base. Peanut flour is a protein-rich ingredient that adds flavor and nutritional value. However, it is processed and may not provide the same benefits as whole peanuts.
Role in formula: base
Original: Peanut Flour
-
Is Canola And Or Sunflower Oil safe in this cereal?
Medium
Canola And Or Sunflower Oil is used here as emulsifier. Canola and sunflower oils are used for texture and moisture. While they are plant-based, their refined nature raises concerns about the quality of fats in the product.
Role in formula: emulsifier
Original: Canola and/or Sunflower Oil
Read the full ingredient profile for Canola And Or Sunflower Oil
-
Is Salt safe in this cereal?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the product. In moderation, it is a common ingredient that does not raise significant quality concerns.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Salt
-
Is Caramel Color safe in this cereal?
Bad
Caramel Color is used here as colorant. Caramel color is an artificial colorant used to enhance appearance. Its synthetic nature raises concerns about potential health risks associated with artificial additives.
Role in formula: colorant
Original: Caramel Color
-
Is Trisodium Phosphate safe in this cereal?
Bad
Trisodium Phosphate is used here as stabilizer. Trisodium phosphate is a synthetic compound used as a stabilizer. Its presence raises concerns about synthetic additives in the product, which may not align with clean eating principles.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: Trisodium Phosphate
-
Is Natural And Artificial Flavor safe in this cereal?
Bad
Natural And Artificial Flavor is used here as flavor. Natural and artificial flavors are used to enhance taste. The inclusion of artificial flavors raises concerns about the overall quality and processing of the product.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: Natural And Artificial Flavor
Read the full ingredient profile for Natural And Artificial 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 focus on quality and safety in the product's formulation.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Rosemary Extract
-
Is Vitamin E safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin E is used here as antioxidant. Vitamin E is added to preserve freshness and enhance nutritional value. Its presence supports the product's overall quality and safety profile.
Role in formula: antioxidant
Original: Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)
-
Is Tricalcium Phosphate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Tricalcium Phosphate is used here as nutrient. Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium source added for nutritional enhancement. While it contributes to mineral content, its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Tricalcium Phosphate
-
Is Calcium Carbonate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Calcium Carbonate is used here as nutrient. Calcium carbonate is a common calcium supplement used to fortify the product. Its synthetic origin raises questions about the overall quality of added nutrients.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Calcium Carbonate
-
Is Vitamin C safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin C is used here as nutrient. Vitamin C is added as a nutrient and antioxidant. Its presence enhances the product's nutritional profile and supports overall health.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
-
Is Iron safe in this cereal?
Good
Iron is used here as nutrient. Iron is included as a mineral nutrient to enhance the product's nutritional value. Its presence supports dietary needs, particularly for those at risk of deficiency.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Iron
-
Is Zinc safe in this cereal?
Good
Zinc is used here as nutrient. Zinc is added as a mineral nutrient, contributing to the overall nutritional profile. Its inclusion supports immune function and overall health.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Zinc
-
Is Niacinamide safe in this cereal?
Good
Niacinamide is used here as nutrient. Niacinamide is a B vitamin included for nutritional enhancement. Its presence supports metabolic health and contributes to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: A B Vitamin (niacinamide)
-
Is Pyridoxine Hydrochloride safe in this cereal?
Good
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride is used here as nutrient. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of Vitamin B6 added for nutritional benefits. Its inclusion supports various bodily functions and enhances the product's quality.
Role in formula: nutrient
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 nutrient. Thiamin mononitrate is a B vitamin included to enhance nutritional value. Its presence supports energy metabolism and contributes positively to the product's quality.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Vitamin B₁ (thiamin mononitrate)
-
Is Palmitate safe in this cereal?
Medium
Palmitate is used here as nutrient. Vitamin A palmitate is a synthetic form of Vitamin A added for fortification. While it enhances nutritional content, its synthetic nature raises some quality concerns.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Vitamin A (palmitate)
-
Is Riboflavin safe in this cereal?
Good
Riboflavin is used here as nutrient. Riboflavin is a B vitamin included for nutritional enhancement. Its presence supports energy production and contributes positively to the product's overall quality.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
-
Is Folic Acid safe in this cereal?
Good
Folic Acid is used here as nutrient. Folic acid is a B vitamin added for nutritional benefits. Its inclusion supports cellular function and overall health, enhancing the product's quality.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: A B Vitamin (folic acid)
-
Is Vitamin B12 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin B12 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin B12 is included for its essential role in nerve function and red blood cell production. Its presence enhances the product's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: nutrient
Original: Vitamin B12
-
Is Vitamin D3 safe in this cereal?
Good
Vitamin D3 is used here as nutrient. Vitamin D3 is added to support bone health and immune function. Its inclusion enhances the product's overall nutritional value.
Role in formula: nutrient
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: 2380026
More from this brand: General Mills products in Zerotox
Similar products: cereal in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: peanut
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