Lucky Charms

What’s in it

• AWhole Grain OatsA minimally processed whole grain. It is generally a safe, nutritious ingredient for children and is associated with fiber and micronutrients.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarAdded cane or beet sugar is a refined sweetener. It is permitted but offers no nutritional benefit and can contribute to excess added sugar intake in children.PubMed · NIH
• COat FlourThis is ground oats, but without the intact grain structure it is more processed than whole oats. It is generally safe, though it is not as beneficial as whole grain oats.PubMed · NIH
• DCorn SyrupA refined added-sugar ingredient made from corn starch. It is safe as a food ingredient but is associated with high added sugar intake, which pediatric guidance recommends limiting.PubMed · NIH
• CModified Corn StarchA processed starch used as a thickener or texture stabilizer. It is commonly permitted and generally considered low risk, though it provides little nutritional value.PubMed · NIH
• CCorn StarchA refined starch used for texture and thickening. It is generally safe, but it is more processed than whole grain ingredients and has little nutritional value.PubMed · NIH
• CDextroseA simple added sugar, usually derived from corn. It is allowed in foods, but it is still a rapidly absorbed sugar and should be limited in children.PubMed · NIH
• BSaltA basic mineral ingredient used for flavor and preservation. In normal food amounts it is generally safe, though children should not consume too much sodium overall.PubMed · NIH
• AGelatinA protein derived from collagen, usually from animal sources, and commonly used to give foods a chewy texture. It is generally low-risk for children when consumed as a food ingredient.PubMed · NIH
• CTrisodium PhosphateA permitted food additive used to adjust acidity and improve texture. It is generally considered safe at regulated levels, but it is a processed phosphate additive and can contribute extra phosphate intake.PubMed · NIH
• DYellow 5An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. Some studies and public-health reviews have linked synthetic dyes, including Yellow 5, to hyperactivity or behavior changes in sensitive children.PubMed · NIH
• C6This appears to be part of the dye name "Yellow 6" but was provided separately. As written, it is not a standalone ingredient and cannot be reliably rated on its own.PubMed · NIH
• DRed 40An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. It has credible child-relevant concerns because some children may be sensitive to synthetic food dyes, with possible behavior effects reported in the scientific literature.PubMed · NIH
• DBlue 1An FDA-permitted synthetic dye. Like other artificial colors, it has been associated in some studies with behavior concerns in sensitive children, though overall evidence is limited.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural And Artificial FlavorA broad flavoring term that can include many different ingredients; the exact composition is not disclosed. Because safety depends on the specific flavor compounds and the label gives limited detail, this is rated in the middle.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) Added To Preserve FreshnessVitamin E mixed tocopherols are commonly used as antioxidants to slow rancidity. Added vitamins and preservatives of this type are generally low-risk and are not a child safety concern at typical food-use levels.PubMed · NIH
• ACalcium CarbonateA common mineral nutrient and calcium source used for fortification. It is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately, and added minerals are not considered a processing concern for children.PubMed · NIH
• AZinc And IronEssential mineral nutrients commonly added to foods and supplements for fortification. They are not a safety concern at typical permitted levels, though excess intake from supplements can be harmful.PubMed · NIH
• ASodium AscorbateA form of vitamin C used for fortification and acidity control. It is a routine added vitamin ingredient with no established child-specific safety concern at normal dietary levels.PubMed · NIH
• ANiacinamideA B vitamin form used to fortify foods and supplements. Fortified vitamins are generally considered safe and are not a processing hazard for children at normal intakes.PubMed · NIH
• APyridoxine HydrochlorideA form of vitamin B6 used in fortification. It is a standard added nutrient with no special child-specific safety concern at normal levels, though very high supplemental doses can cause problems.PubMed · NIH
• ARiboflavinVitamin B2, commonly added to foods for fortification. It is a routine nutrient addition and is considered safe at typical intake levels.PubMed · NIH
• AThiamin MononitrateA stable form of vitamin B1 used in food fortification. Added vitamins and minerals are generally safe for children when used at regulated levels.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin A (Palmitate)A fortified vitamin form used to supply vitamin A. It is a standard nutrient ingredient with established safety when used at appropriate amounts for children.PubMed · NIH
• AA B Vitamin (Folic Acid)Synthetic folate used for fortification and supplementation. It is widely recognized by public-health agencies and is safe at normal dietary supplement levels.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin B12An essential vitamin used for fortification or supplementation. It has well-established safety and is not a concerning ingredient for children at typical doses.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin D3A standard vitamin form used to support vitamin D intake. It is generally safe for children at appropriate doses, with concerns mainly related to excessive total intake rather than the ingredient itself.PubMed · NIH