10 Cereals You Might Want To Avoid Eating

Cereals hold a cherished place in the hearts and pantries of many, transcending their traditional breakfast role to become an anytime delight. People across the nation embrace it beyond the confines of their morning routines, making it an important topic of discussion. The ubiquity of cereal consumption underscores the significance of understanding the potential health pitfalls associated with certain kinds. From seemingly virtuous whole-grain claims to enticing flavors marketed toward children and adults alike, cereals have a way of masking their true nutritional profiles. Even after the FDA has redefined the standards of "healthy" cereal according to CNBC, many have undeservingly passed the mark.

As we delve deeper into this topic, it becomes evident that some breakfast cereals, despite their innocent appearance, are laden with sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. A critical examination of the nutrition labels and ingredient lists becomes imperative in making informed choices for our well-being. By shining a light on these 10 cereals you might want to avoid eating, we hope to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate the colorful and often misleading world of cereals.

Honey Nut Cheerios seem like the perfect breakfast cereal for a discerning child (or yourself), salvaging some aspects of health while maintaining its sweet allure. However, despite its reputation as a healthier choice, these honey-kissed loops may reveal something you didn't know about cereal. It contains 12 grams of added sugars, 210 milligrams of sodium, and 2 grams of fat per serving, but most importantly — a potentially dangerous ingredient called tripotassium phosphate.

While tripotassium phosphate is used for preserving various foods, it is also used (at different levels) in paint and cleaning products. As a rule of thumb, it is generally wise to avoid ingesting any ingredients that are also used in commercial cleaning products. Although the FDA deems it safe at low levels, there has been much debate. The National Kidney Foundation has linked high levels of phosphorus, like those found in tripotassium phosphate, to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as direct damage to the kidneys resulting in loss of function, and eventually kidney failure.

A bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios might appear wholesome and heartwarming, but appearances can be deceiving. Even as the FDA proposed new criteria for what qualifies as "healthy," Honey Nut Cheerios failed to meet the revised standards.

Regarded by many as a go-to health food, granola often presents itself as a health-conscious choice, but granola-based cereals often harbor unhealthy fats and sugars that can be detrimental to your health. According to WebMD, granola's reputation as a nutritious option has led to an overconsumption of calories by those seeking healthier alternatives. On average, one serving size of granola can contain up to 40 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fat, and 1 gram of saturated fat.

A major reason that granola cereals are not as healthy as we think lies in the preparation of the granola. According to a report by Healthline, granola is made with fatty oils like coconut or vegetable oil, and nut butters to bind it, add flavor, and aid in the toasting process. This adds significantly more calories, fat, and sugar, which when eaten in excess (as cereal often is), can increase your risk of metabolic disease and obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental issues.

While it may not apply to all granola cereals, one final thing to consider is the presence of extra ingredients. Typically, granola cereals contain a variety of additives, such as honey, added sugar, chocolate chips, and dried fruits. Granola already has enough sugar due to its preparation — it does not need any more. Always be sure to check the nutritional values and ingredients before choosing your cereal; never assume anything.

Ahoy there! While the sugary delight of Cap'n Crunch might be tempting, a closer look at the cereal's nutritional content raises red flags about its impact on your health. In addition to 2 grams of fat, 1/2 gram of saturated fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 17 grams of added sugars, the cereal also contains harmful preservatives that can have serious effects on your long-term health.

The unhealthy fats in Cap'n Crunch can potentially sabotage your cardiovascular well-being. According to Healthline, regular consumption of foods high in saturated fats, as found in Cap'n Crunch, can lead to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues, making it crucial to be mindful of your saturated fat intake.

In addition to saturated fats, Cap'n Crunch contains an ingredient called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). According to the Restorative Medicine Library, BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in certain food products. While the FDA has approved BHT for use in food, some studies have raised concerns about its potential adverse health effects. Research suggests that BHT may have harmful effects on the liver and thyroid function. Moreover, there have been concerns about its potential to act as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with hormonal balance in the body. 

Frosted Flakes, endorsed by the charismatic Tony the Tiger, has long been a breakfast favorite among the young and old. The alluring promise of sweet, frosted cornflakes may be a delightful way to start the day, but the truth beneath the surface reveals a sugary trap that demands our attention. Regular consumption of Frosted Flakes can lead to elevated insulin levels, increasing the risk of insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Amidst a landscape where the FDA has redefined what qualifies as healthy, Frosted Flakes did not meet the revised standards. This raises a red flag about its nutritional profile, which may contain excessive sugars and questionable additives. The added sugars in Frosted Flakes provide empty calories and lack essential nutrients, making them a less-than-optimal choice for a balanced diet.

It also includes ferric phosphate, an iron phosphate or fortifying additive that, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, is also used in many pesticides and only found naturally in soil. This means it is yet another synthetic additive to the cereal; and although the FDA considers it "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS), it is toxic to animals in large amounts and can also cause symptoms in humans, such as eye irritation or gastrointestinal issues.

Lucky Charms, adorned with charming marshmallow shapes, seem like a fun and whimsical choice for breakfast — they're magically delicious! However, the ingredients and artificial additives are not as magically nutritious. One serving of Lucky Charms contains 2 grams of fat, 12 grams of added sugars, and additives like trisodium phosphate, Red 40, Yellows 5 & 6, and Blue 1. A study titled "Toxicology of food dyes," published in the "International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health," has verified that "three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens," and "at least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) cause hypersensitivity reactions."

According to an NBC News report, Lucky Charms has been subject to investigations due to reports of stomach illnesses. Moreover, Forbes highlights that from late 2021 to May 2022, the cereal received over 7,300 illness complaints on the website iwaspoisoned.com, which collects reports of food-related illnesses linked to specific products or businesses. While the exact cause of these reported illnesses is still unknown, it raises questions about the safety and potential health implications of the artificial colors and flavors used to create the iconic marshmallow shapes.