How we scored this
PureScore is the stored composite of ingredient safety (40%), formulation quality (30%), contaminant risk (20%) and label transparency (10%). This label matched 23 of 23 listed ingredients. Unmatched names never wear an Excellent stamp. Methodology
Mini squares cereal
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Flagged concerns
canola oil
Industrial seed oil; very high omega-6; hexane-extracted and heavily refined; promotes inflammatory imbalance.
bht added to preserve freshness vitamins
Possible carcinogen; liver and kidney effects in animals; endocrine activity.
contains or less of: dextrose
Isolated glucose from corn or wheat starch; high glycemic; rapid insulin spike
maltodextrin
Ultra-processed starch derivative; very high glycemic index; may disrupt gut bacteria.
caramel color
Ammonia-process caramel coloring; may contain 4-MEI; ultra-processed marker.
natural flavor
Vague term masking hundreds of possible compounds; may include MSG, beaver anal gland secretions, and other sources.
sugar
High glycemic index; promotes inflammation and metabolic disease.
fructose
Isolated fructose is liver-metabolized; metabolic concerns at elevated dietary intake
Full ingredient list
Whole grain wheat, sugar, rice flour, canola oil, fructose, contains 2% or less of: dextrose, maltodextrin, salt, calcium carbonate, cinnamon, soy lecithin, trisodium phosphate, annatto and caramel color, natural flavor, bht added to preserve freshness. vitamins and minerals: ferric orthophosphate (source of iron), niacinamide (vitamin b3), zinc oxide (sour of zinc), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1), calcium pantothenate (vitamin b5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin b6), folic acid.
Ingredient analysis
Cleaner alternatives
Same aisle, higher PureScore. Open each one to compare the label.
Big Oz, Organic Quinoa Flakes Rolled Wholegrain Cereal
Ancient harvest, quinoa hot cereal flakes
Quinoa Super Cereal Puffed Stars
97Excellent