Froot Loops

What’s in it

• AWhole Grain Yellow Corn FlourA minimally processed whole grain flour made from corn, retaining the bran and germ. Whole grains are generally safe for children and provide fiber and nutrients.PubMed · NIH
• CDegerminated Yellow Corn FlourA refined corn flour with the germ removed, so it is less nutrient-dense than whole grain corn flour. Refined grains are common and generally safe, but they are more processed and less beneficial than whole grains.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarAdded sugar, which is safe in small amounts but offers no nutritional benefit. For children, higher intakes are associated with more dental caries and poorer diet quality.PubMed · NIH
• CWheat FlourA refined flour made from wheat with the bran and germ removed. Refined flour is common and generally safe, but it is less fiber-rich and less nutrient-dense than whole-grain flour.PubMed · NIH
• AWhole Grain Oat FlourA minimally processed whole grain flour made from oats, retaining the grain's fiber and nutrients. Whole grains are generally safe for children and are considered a healthier grain option.PubMed · NIH
• CModified Food StarchA processed starch used as a thickener or stabilizer, usually from corn, tapioca, or potato. It is generally recognized as safe, but it is a highly processed ingredient with limited direct child-specific safety concerns.PubMed · NIH
• CVegetable OilA blend of plant oils; if hydrogenated, the oil may be more processed and can contain undesirable fats depending on the level of hydrogenation. Generic vegetable oil is generally safe, but this type is less ideal than minimally processed oils.PubMed · NIH
• AOat FiberA minimally processed fiber from oats. Generally considered safe for children, with the main concern being that very large amounts can cause digestive discomfort.PubMed · NIH
• CMaltodextrinA refined starch-derived ingredient used as a bulking agent or texture aid. It is generally permitted and has limited direct safety concerns, but it is a processed carbohydrate with limited child-specific safety concerns beyond its role in the food.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltPlain salt is a common seasoning and preservative. It is safe in normal amounts, but higher sodium intake is a concern for children if foods contain a lot of it.PubMed · NIH
• BSoluble Corn FiberA processed fiber ingredient derived from corn. It is generally recognized as safe, though some children may get bloating or gas if they consume a lot.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural FlavorA broad labeling term for flavoring compounds from natural sources. It is generally permitted, but the exact composition is not disclosed, so child-specific safety assessment is limited.PubMed · NIH
• DRed 40An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. Some evidence links synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity or behavior changes in sensitive children, so it is rated toward the higher-risk end of the additive range.PubMed · NIH
• DYellow 5An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. It has child-relevant safety concerns because some studies associate synthetic dyes with hyperactivity or behavioral effects in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• DBlue 1An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. It is generally allowed, but synthetic dyes have some child-relevant concerns and limited evidence of behavioral effects in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• DYellow 6An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. It has child-relevant safety concerns because some studies and regulatory reviews link artificial colors with hyperactivity or behavioral effects in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• DBHTA synthetic antioxidant used to keep fats from going rancid. It is permitted in limited amounts, but there are animal and regulatory concerns about potential toxicity at higher exposures, so it is not a low-risk ingredient for children.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin CVitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a standard added nutrient and antioxidant. Fortification with vitamin C is widely accepted and generally considered safe for children at normal food-use levels.PubMed · NIH
• AReduced IronA fortified mineral source added to increase iron content. Iron fortification is a public-health measure and is generally safe at food-use levels, though excessive iron intake can be harmful if a child consumes too much from multiple sources.PubMed · NIH
• ANiacinamideA form of vitamin B3 added for fortification. Added vitamins are generally safe and are commonly used in foods and infant formulas at regulated levels.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin B6A fortified vitamin, here in the form of pyridoxine hydrochloride. It is generally safe at food-use levels and is a routine nutrient addition.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin B2A fortified vitamin, also known as riboflavin. It is widely used in food fortification and is generally safe for children at normal intake levels.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin B1A fortified vitamin, here as thiamin hydrochloride. Added thiamin is a standard nutrient fortification and is generally considered safe at food-use levels.PubMed · NIH
• AFolic AcidA synthetic form of folate used to fortify foods and supplements. It is generally considered safe for children at typical fortification or supplement doses, with established regulatory use.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin D3A form of vitamin D used in supplements and fortified foods. It is an essential nutrient and is generally safe for children at appropriate doses; excess intake can be harmful, but the ingredient itself is well established and permitted.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin B12An essential vitamin commonly added to foods and supplements. It is generally safe for children and is used for fortification because it supports normal growth and development.PubMed · NIH