What are the ingredients in General Mills Cheerios?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Cheerios were first introduced in 1941, and their recipe has remained relatively consistent for decades. The core components of classic General Mills Cheerios include whole grain oats, corn starch, and several fortified vitamins and minerals. Examining the simple ingredients in General Mills Cheerios reveals a surprising amount about food manufacturing, nutrition, and health considerations.

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredients of classic General Mills Cheerios, covering primary components like whole grain oats and corn starch, along with fortifying vitamins and minerals. It also explores the function of food additives, processing methods, and how the original recipe compares to other cereal varieties and whole grains.

Key Points

Whole grain oats: The primary ingredient in Cheerios, providing soluble fiber beneficial for heart health.
Simple core recipe: Original Cheerios contain few basic ingredients, including whole grain oats, corn starch, a small amount of sugar and salt, and tripotassium phosphate.
Nutrient fortification: The cereal is heavily fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, compensating for nutrients lost during processing.
Processing and additives: Mixed tocopherols are used as a preservative, while tripotassium phosphate acts as an acidity regulator.
Dietary concerns: Original Cheerios are not suitable for strict vegans due to the use of animal-derived Vitamin D3.
Gluten-free considerations: While certified gluten-free, the process of sorting oats raises concerns for some people with celiac disease due to uneven gluten contamination.
Variations matter: Flavored versions like Honey Nut contain significantly more sugar and different ingredients than the original, altering their nutritional value.

Core ingredients of original Cheerios

At its foundation, the classic yellow-box Cheerios recipe is built on a few essential components. The simple, wholesome nature of these ingredients is a key part of the cereal's long-standing appeal.

Whole grain oats

As the number one ingredient, whole grain oats are the base for Cheerios. A whole grain contains all three parts of the grain kernel: the bran, endosperm, and germ. This differs from refined grains, which have the bran and germ removed. The use of whole grain oats provides the cereal with its natural fiber content, which has well-documented heart health benefits. Specifically, the soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, found in oats, is linked to lowering cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet. General Mills sources these oats from various farms across North America.

Corn starch

Corn starch is another key component, acting as a binder to give the cereal its distinctive round 'O' shape. It is a processed carbohydrate derived from corn and can impact the final texture of the toasted oat rings. Concerns have been raised regarding the source and processing of corn starch, especially in non-organic products, as it can be derived from genetically modified corn. However, General Mills states the Original Cheerios are not made with genetically modified ingredients, though trace amounts from cross-contact might exist.

Sugar and salt

Original Cheerios contain minimal sugar, with just one gram per serving, significantly less than many other breakfast cereals. Salt is added to enhance flavor.

Tripotassium phosphate

This ingredient, also known as potassium phosphate, serves multiple purposes in cereal production. It acts as an acidity regulator to balance the cereal's pH, which can affect flavor and color stability. It is also a source of the essential mineral potassium. While its name might sound concerning, it is a safe and regulated food additive.

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)

Mixed tocopherols are a form of Vitamin E added to preserve the cereal's freshness. As a natural antioxidant, it prevents the fats in the oats from going rancid over time, ensuring a longer shelf life. Mixed tocopherols can be derived from various sources, including soy, corn, or cotton, which has led to some concerns among consumers regarding GMOs in non-organic versions.

Fortified vitamins and minerals

To boost the cereal's nutritional profile, General Mills fortifies Cheerios with a variety of vitamins and minerals. This process adds nutrients that are either lost during processing or not naturally present in significant amounts.

Commonly added nutrients include:

Calcium Carbonate: A source of calcium for bone health.
Iron and Zinc: Essential mineral nutrients.
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate): An antioxidant and added nutrient.
B Vitamins: Niacinamide (B3), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (B6), Thiamin Mononitrate (B1), Folic Acid (B9), and Vitamin B12 are added to support metabolism.
Vitamin D3: Fortified into the cereal to aid in calcium absorption. For vegans, the source of Vitamin D3 is a concern, as it is typically derived from lanolin, a fat from sheep's wool.

Original Cheerios vs. flavored versions

While the classic recipe is simple, many flavored Cheerios products feature a longer ingredient list with additional sweeteners and flavorings. It is crucial for consumers to check the nutritional information for each variety.

Cereal comparison: Original vs. Honey Nut Cheerios


Feature	Original Cheerios	Honey Nut Cheerios
Core Grain	100% whole grain oats	Primarily whole grain oats
Added Sugars	1g per serving	12g per serving
Extra Sweeteners	None besides the single gram	Honey and brown sugar syrup
Added Flavors	Natural flavor	Natural almond flavor
Processing Level	Processed, but a simpler profile	More processed due to added ingredients

Conclusion

General Mills Cheerios are a well-known breakfast cereal with a foundation of wholesome ingredients, primarily whole grain oats. The cereal's reputation for being low in sugar and heart-healthy primarily refers to the Original, unflavored version. However, the product is still a processed food, with many of its key nutrients added through fortification rather than being naturally occurring. The inclusion of ingredients like Vitamin D3 and refined sugar can also make the classic variety unsuitable for strict vegans. For those managing gluten sensitivity, the gluten-free claim is achieved through a sorting process, but some groups advise caution due to potential cross-contamination. By understanding all the components and processing steps, consumers can make a more informed choice about whether Cheerios fit their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main and most prominent ingredient in General Mills' Original Cheerios is whole grain oats.

General Mills produces gluten-free Cheerios by sorting out stray gluten-containing grains from the oats. However, some celiac organizations have raised concerns about the testing methods, and some individuals with gluten intolerance have reported issues.

Tripotassium phosphate is a food additive used to regulate acidity in the cereal, stabilize color, and ensure uniform texture. It is also a source of the mineral potassium.

While Cheerios primarily consist of plant-based ingredients, they are fortified with Vitamin D3, which is typically sourced from lanolin (sheep's wool). The refined sugar used may also be processed using bone char.

The nutritional value varies significantly among Cheerios varieties. The Original is low in sugar, but flavored options like Honey Nut Cheerios contain substantially more added sugar and are more processed.

Mixed tocopherols are a form of Vitamin E that acts as a natural antioxidant. They are added to Cheerios to preserve freshness and prevent the fats in the oats from going rancid.

Yes, as part of a heart-healthy diet, the soluble fiber found in whole grain oats can help lower cholesterol. However, the recommended daily intake of soluble fiber for a significant effect is much higher than a single serving of Cheerios provides.