What Chemicals Are In Lucky Charms Cereal?

December 3, 2025 •

2 min read

In 2022, the FDA investigated over 100 complaints of illness related to Lucky Charms, even though no specific cause was found, drawing consumer attention to what chemicals are in Lucky Charms cereal. This included a closer look at the artificial dyes and other additives that define this colorful breakfast staple.

Quick Summary

Lucky Charms contains artificial food dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, and Blue 1, along with other additives like trisodium phosphate, gelatin (from pork), and canola oil.

Key Points

Artificial Food Dyes: Lucky Charms contains artificial colorings like Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, and Blue 1, used for their vibrant appearance.
Gelatin from Pork: The soft, chewy texture of the marshmallows comes from gelatin, which is derived from pork collagen.
Inorganic Phosphates: The cereal includes trisodium phosphate and tricalcium phosphate, additives that act as emulsifiers and fortifiers.
Refined Canola Oil: Processed canola and/or sunflower oils are used, which, like many refined oils, can contain small amounts of artificial trans fats.
Fortified Vitamins: To add nutritional value, the cereal is fortified with synthetic vitamins, including various B vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc.
Ultra-Processed Nature: According to the EWG, Lucky Charms is classified as an ultra-processed food with high sugar content compared to the average cereal.

The Core Ingredients: A Look at the Cereal and Marshmallows

Lucky Charms consists of toasted oat pieces and colorful marshmallows called "marbits." Both contribute various chemicals and additives.

The Toasted Oat Pieces

Made from whole grains like oats and corn, the cereal base also contains added sugars, corn syrup, salt, and preservatives such as vitamin E.

The "Marbit" Marshmallows

The marshmallows contain sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, and modified corn starch. Gelatin, sourced from pork collagen, provides their texture, while artificial colors and flavors give them their look and taste.

The Rainbow of Chemicals: Artificial Dyes

The vibrant marshmallow colors come from artificial food dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), and Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF). While FDA-approved, some concerns exist about potential links to hyperactivity in sensitive children. Notably, the European Union has stricter regulations on these dyes, often requiring warning labels or using natural colorings in equivalent products.

Other Noteworthy Additives and Chemicals

Additional additives in Lucky Charms serve various purposes.

Phosphates: Trisodium Phosphate and Tricalcium Phosphate

Trisodium phosphate regulates acidity and acts as an emulsifier, while tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium fortifier and anticaking agent. Although generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, high intake of inorganic phosphates from processed foods may negatively impact kidney and heart health.

Natural and Artificial Flavors

These proprietary chemical mixtures enhance the cereal's taste profile.

Canola Oil

Canola and/or sunflower oil is used. These refined oils can contain small amounts of unhealthy trans fats due to processing.

Fortification: Beneficial Chemicals

Synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to boost nutritional value, including calcium carbonate, Vitamin C, iron, zinc, various B vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and folic acid. Vitamin D3 is often derived from lanolin from sheep's wool.

Lucky Charms vs. A More Natural Cereal


Ingredient Type	Lucky Charms Example	Natural Cereal Example	Notes
Sweeteners	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Dextrose	Fruit puree, honey, minimal added sugar	Lucky Charms has higher sugar content.
Colorants	Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 (Artificial)	Vegetable juices, beet juice, fruit extracts (Natural)	Lucky Charms uses petroleum-based dyes.
Texture Additives	Modified Corn Starch, Gelatin	Pectin, gums, starches (natural sources)	Gelatin in Lucky Charms is derived from pork.
Fats	Canola and/or Sunflower Oil	Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil	Processing of canola oil can produce trace trans fats.
Fortification	Synthetic Vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A Palmitate)	None, or naturally occurring nutrients	Fortified nutrients compensate for processing losses.

Conclusion: The Chemical Balance

Lucky Charms contains a mix of whole grains, sugars, fortified vitamins, artificial dyes, and phosphates. While FDA-approved as safe in small quantities, consumer awareness of these components, including synthetic additives, is important for making informed dietary choices. The cereal is an example of modern food science balancing appeal with efficiency.

For more detailed information on food additives, a useful resource is the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) database [https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/016000151253-GeneralMillsLuckyCharmsChocolateyWholeGrainCerealWithMarshmallowsChocolate/].

Frequently Asked Questions

While the FDA has approved the dyes used, some researchers and consumer advocates have raised concerns, particularly about the link between artificial colorings like Red 40 and hyperactivity in sensitive children.

Gelatin is used to create the light, spongy texture of the marshmallows. General Mills confirms that the gelatin in their marshmallows is made from pork collagen.

Food-grade trisodium phosphate is generally considered safe by the FDA in the small amounts used. However, excessive intake of inorganic phosphates from processed foods could potentially be linked to negative health effects, especially for individuals with heart or kidney conditions.

Canola oil is high in unsaturated fats, but the refining process can introduce trace amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats. A balanced diet should include a variety of fats.

Natural flavors are derived from natural sources, while artificial flavors are created in a lab from synthetic materials. The label lists both, indicating a mix of chemical compounds are used to create the specific taste.

The cereal is fortified with a range of synthetic vitamins and minerals to improve its nutritional profile. These include Vitamin C, various B vitamins (niacinamide, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, B12), Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, calcium, iron, and zinc.

In 2022, the FDA investigated over 100 reports of illness, mostly gastrointestinal, related to Lucky Charms consumption. However, despite extensive testing, no specific pathogen or chemical cause was ever identified by the FDA.