What are the Ingredients in Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes?

According to Trader Joe's official website, their Frosted Flakes are made with crispy corn flakes, a suite of vitamins, and a layer of sugar—not high fructose corn syrup. This article provides a comprehensive guide detailing what are the ingredients in Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes for curious shoppers.

Quick Summary

This article details the exact ingredients found in Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes, covering the corn base, the specific types of sweeteners, added vitamins, and all potential allergen information for a fully transparent look.

Key Points

• Core Ingredients: The primary components are corn, sugar, glucose syrup, barley malt extract, and salt.

• No High Fructose Corn Syrup: Trader Joe's notes their Frosted Flakes are sweetened with a mix of sugar and glucose syrup, not high fructose corn syrup.

• Contains Wheat: The glucose syrup is sourced from both wheat and corn, and the product explicitly contains wheat.

• Fortified with Vitamins: The cereal is fortified with several vitamins, including A, C, D, and various B-vitamins.

• Not Vegan: The inclusion of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), which can be animal-derived, and potentially bone char-filtered sugar, means it is not vegan.

• May Contain Allergens: Due to shared manufacturing equipment, the product may contain traces of milk and soy.

Core Ingredients of Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes

Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes are primarily made from corn, forming the base of the crispy flakes. They are sweetened with a frosting made from sugar and glucose syrup, notably without high fructose corn syrup. The inclusion of barley malt extract contributes to the flavor and color, and salt is added to enhance the taste. An emulsifier, mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, is also present.

The Sweeteners: A Closer Look

The sweetness comes from a blend of sugar and glucose syrup. The glucose syrup is derived from both wheat and corn, which is relevant for dietary considerations. The emulsifier helps maintain the cereal's texture and coating.

Fortification and Additives

Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes are fortified with a variety of vitamins to increase their nutritional value. These include several B vitamins, as well as Vitamins A, C, and D. The Vitamin D added is Cholecalciferol, which is often sourced from animal products and may make the cereal unsuitable for strict vegans. The product may also contain traces of milk and soy, further indicating it is not vegan-friendly.

A Comparison: Trader Joe's vs. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes

Comparing Trader Joe's to Kellogg's Frosted Flakes reveals some differences, particularly in sweeteners and fortification.

Feature	Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes	Kellogg's Frosted Flakes (US)
Primary Cereal Base	Corn	Milled corn
Sweeteners	Sugar, Glucose Syrup (wheat/corn)	Sugar, Malt Flavor
Allergens	Contains wheat, may contain milk/soy	Contains corn, may contain trace allergens
Vegan Status	Not vegan (Vitamin D3)	Not vegan (Vitamin D3)
Added Vitamins	Vitamins A, C, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid	Iron, Niacinamide, B6, B2, B1, Folic Acid, D3, B12
Fortification Process	Fortified with a range of vitamins	Fortified with a standard set of vitamins and minerals

These distinctions highlight variations in ingredient sourcing and the specific types of vitamins used, important details for consumers with specific dietary focuses.

Allergen Information

Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes contain wheat, primarily from the glucose syrup. A warning is also present regarding potential traces of milk and soy due to shared equipment, making this important information for those with allergies to these ingredients. Always refer to the product packaging for the most current allergen details.

Conclusion

Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes are made with corn, sugar, glucose syrup, barley malt extract, and salt, and are fortified with several vitamins. They do not contain high fructose corn syrup but do contain wheat. The inclusion of Vitamin D3 and potential processing methods mean the cereal is not suitable for vegans. It may also contain traces of milk and soy. Understanding these ingredients is key for consumers making dietary choices.

For more detailed nutritional information, visit the official Trader Joe's product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes gluten-free?

No, Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes are not gluten-free. The ingredients list explicitly states that the product 'CONTAINS WHEAT,' as the glucose syrup is derived from wheat.

Do Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes contain high fructose corn syrup?

No, according to the Trader Joe's product description, their Frosted Flakes are sweetened with a blend of sugar and glucose syrup and do not contain high fructose corn syrup.

Why are Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes not suitable for vegans?

Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes are not suitable for vegans primarily due to the inclusion of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), which is often derived from lanolin (sheep's wool). The sugar processing method can also be a concern for some vegans.

What is the difference between Trader Joe's and Kellogg's Frosted Flakes?

While both use a corn flake base, the key differences lie in the sweeteners and fortification. Trader Joe's uses sugar and glucose syrup (wheat/corn), whereas Kellogg's uses sugar and malt flavor.

What kind of sugar is used in Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes?

Trader Joe's uses a combination of sugar and glucose syrup to provide the frosting and sweetness for their frosted flakes. The sugar processing may involve bone char, a concern for some vegans.

Are there any allergens in Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes?

Yes, Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes contain wheat. The product also carries a warning that it 'MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF MILK, SOY' due to shared manufacturing equipment.

How do the ingredients affect the taste of Trader Joe's Frosted Flakes?

The combination of corn, sugar, and barley malt extract creates a sweet and crunchy flavor profile. The lack of high fructose corn syrup is noted by the company, suggesting a focus on a more traditional, balanced sweetness.