What Ingredients Do Froot Loops Have?

November 6, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a single serving of Froot Loops cereal contains 64% more sugar than the average cold cereal. So, what ingredients do Froot Loops have that make them so sweet and colorful? The popular cereal is primarily made from a blend of corn, wheat, and oat flours, combined with a significant amount of sugar, artificial flavors, and synthetic dyes.

Quick Summary

Froot Loops cereal is made from a blend of corn, wheat, and oat flours, sugar, hydrogenated oils, oat fiber, salt, and artificial colors and flavors, along with added vitamins and minerals. International versions may use natural colors.

Key Points

Grain Base: Froot Loops are primarily made from a corn flour blend, wheat flour, and whole grain oat flour, creating its signature ring shape.
High Sugar Content: The cereal's sweet flavor comes from high levels of sugar and maltodextrin, contributing to it being classified as an ultra-processed food.
Artificial Colors and Flavors: The vibrant colors and iconic taste are due to artificial flavors and synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 in the US version.
Upcoming Formulation Change: Due to regulatory pressure, WK Kellogg Co. will remove artificial dyes from US Froot Loops by the end of 2027.
International Versions Differ: Froot Loops sold in countries like Canada and Australia already use natural colors derived from vegetable concentrates.
Fortified with Vitamins: Like many cereals, it is fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including Iron, Vitamin C, and B vitamins.
Additives for Freshness: Ingredients such as hydrogenated vegetable oils and the preservative BHT are included to maintain freshness and texture.

A Closer Look at the Base Ingredients

Froot Loops are primarily made from a blend of corn, wheat, and oat flours, including whole grain and degerminated yellow corn flour, wheat flour, and whole grain oat flour. Modified food starch is also included as a binder.

Sweeteners and Flavoring

The sweetness and fruity taste of Froot Loops come from sugar and maltodextrin, along with a "Natural Flavor" blend. There is no actual fruit in the cereal.

The Controversial Role of Artificial Colors

In the U.S., the bright colors of Froot Loops are achieved using synthetic food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6. Concerns have been raised about these dyes, and WK Kellogg Co. plans to remove them from U.S. Froot Loops by the end of 2027. International versions often use natural colors.

Other Key Additives and Fortification

Additional ingredients include hydrogenated vegetable oils, oat fiber, salt, soluble corn fiber, and BHT as a preservative. Froot Loops are also fortified with several vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, Iron, Niacinamide, and B vitamins, though this does not outweigh the high sugar content.

Nutritional Considerations and Comparison

Due to its high sugar content and processing, Froot Loops is considered an ultra-processed food. A comparison with plain rolled oats shows significant differences in added sugar and fiber.


Feature	Froot Loops	Plain Rolled Oats
Main Grains	Corn, wheat, oats	Whole grain oats
Primary Sweetener	Sugar, maltodextrin	None added
Fiber Content	Low (2g per serving)	High (approx. 4g per serving)
Added Sugars	High (12g per serving)	None
Artificial Ingredients	Yes (colors, flavors)	No
Fortification	Fortified with vitamins/minerals	Not typically fortified
Health Classification	Ultra-processed	Whole food

Conclusion: Decoding the Ingredients of a Cereal Icon

Froot Loops are made from a blend of grains with added sugar, artificial flavors, and synthetic colors (in the U.S.). While fortified with vitamins, their high sugar content classifies them as an ultra-processed food best consumed in moderation. Changes are coming to the U.S. version, with a move towards natural colorings by 2027.

For more insight on food additives, consider reviewing resources from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite the name, Froot Loops are not made with real fruit. Their fruity flavor comes from a non-specific 'natural flavor' blend, not from actual fruit.

All Froot Loops rings, regardless of their color, share the same flavor. The different colors are purely for aesthetic purposes, while the taste is provided by a singular 'natural flavor' ingredient.

US versions of Froot Loops contain synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6, which are used to achieve the product's bright colors.

Yes, WK Kellogg Co. has announced plans to remove artificial dyes from Froot Loops and other cereals in the US by the end of 2027, transitioning to natural coloring agents.

Froot Loops are considered an ultra-processed, sugary cereal with a high added sugar content and low fiber. While they are fortified with vitamins, they are not a nutritionally dense food and should be consumed in moderation.

Maltodextrin is a type of carbohydrate used as a food additive in Froot Loops to enhance sweetness, act as a binder, and improve the cereal's texture.

Some international versions, like those in Canada and Australia, use natural colors derived from concentrated fruits and vegetables instead of synthetic dyes, resulting in a paler, less vivid appearance.