Cheetos, Crunchy

What’s in it

• CEnriched Corn MealRefined corn meal with added vitamins and minerals. The enrichment nutrients are generally beneficial, but the base grain is processed and stripped of bran and germ, so it is rated as a refined grain.PubMed · NIH
• CCorn MealA refined corn product made from the grain's endosperm rather than the whole kernel. Refined grains are less protective than whole grains and are rated in the middle range for child safety/nutrition.PubMed · NIH
• AFerrous SulfateAn added iron source used for fortification. Iron fortification is a common public-health measure and is generally considered safe when used as intended.PubMed · NIH
• ANiacinA B vitamin added for fortification. Added vitamins are generally considered safe and beneficial in normal food amounts.PubMed · NIH
• AThiamin MononitrateA fortified form of vitamin B1. This is routinely used to replace nutrients lost during refining and is generally safe.PubMed · NIH
• ARiboflavinA B vitamin added for enrichment. Fortified vitamins are generally safe and are not considered a child safety concern at food levels.PubMed · NIH
• AFolic AcidA fortified form of folate (vitamin B9). Added folic acid is widely used in foods and is generally safe at typical dietary levels.PubMed · NIH
• BVegetable OilA processed oil blend made from plant oils, here corn and canola. This is a common cooking ingredient and is generally safe, though it is more processed than whole-food fats.PubMed · NIH
• ACornA whole food ingredient when used as corn-based oil source. Corn itself is a standard food ingredient with no established child safety concern in normal amounts.PubMed · NIH
• ACanolaA plant-derived oil source. Canola oil is widely used in foods and is generally considered safe by major food-safety authorities.PubMed · NIH
• BAnd/Or Sunflower OilA refined vegetable oil used for texture and flavor. It is generally considered safe for children, though it is energy-dense and not as nutrient-rich as whole-food fats.PubMed · NIH
• AWheyA milk-derived protein ingredient, usually from cheese-making. It is a common food ingredient with a good safety profile for children unless there is a milk allergy or lactose sensitivity.PubMed · NIH
• BCheddar CheeseA aged dairy ingredient made from milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes. It is a processed but familiar food ingredient and is generally safe for children, though it can be high in sodium and saturated fat.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltA basic mineral used for flavor and preservation. It is safe in small amounts, but children should not get too much sodium.PubMed · NIH
• CCorn MaltodextrinA refined carbohydrate made from corn starch, used as a filler or flavor carrier. It is generally recognized as safe, but it is highly processed and offers little nutritional value.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural And Artificial FlavorsA broad flavoring category that can include many compounds used in small amounts to make food taste consistent. It is generally permitted by regulators, but the exact makeup is often undisclosed, so child-specific safety data are limited.PubMed · NIH
• AWhey Protein ConcentrateA milk-derived protein that is minimally processed and commonly used in foods. It is generally considered safe for children, though it can be an allergen for those with milk allergy.PubMed · NIH
• CMonosodium GlutamateA flavor enhancer widely permitted in foods. It is generally considered safe at normal dietary levels, but some people report sensitivity and it is a processed additive rather than a whole food.U.S. FDAPubMed · NIH
• BLactic AcidA naturally occurring acid used to adjust flavor and acidity. It is commonly used and generally regarded as safe in foods.PubMed · NIH
• BCitric AcidA common acidulant found naturally in citrus and also made for food use. It is widely permitted and generally safe, though it can be irritating to teeth or the mouth in very acidic products.PubMed · NIH
• DArtificial Color (Yellow 6)An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. Some studies and regulatory reviews suggest a possible link between synthetic dyes and hyperactivity or behavior changes in sensitive children, so it is rated toward the higher-risk end.PubMed · NIH