General Mills taking out artificial colors and flavors

One more manufacturer is getting on the bandwagon of taking out artificial flavors and colors from its products.  General Mills has announced it will be removing artificial colors and flavors from its cereals.  General Mills is already way ahead of its competitors when it comes to nutrition.  General Mills has taken out all high fructose corn syrup.  All General Mills cereals are whole grain.  In contrast, the first ingredient in Froot Loops made by Kellogg’s is sugar.  This means Froot Loops are mostly sugar. 
Trix – a popular cereal among kids and even adults.  Trix will still have those vibrant colors but not from artificial ingredients.  General Mills will be using fruits and vegetable juice and spices to provide the colors so many kids like.  But probably good bye to blue and green as they haven’t yet figured out how to make those colors with natural ingredients.
Reese’s Puffs will also be undergoing a color changes. 
Lucky Charms is on the list for reformulation but it will take longer to figure out how to color the marshmallows. 
General Mills goal is to have all artificial colors and flavors removed by the end of 2016. 

Don’t want to wait until 2016?
General Mills already makes many cereals without artificial colors and flavors:
  • Cheerios – no artificial colors and flavors, just a very nutritious, whole grain cereal.  Choose Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Cheerios + Ancient Grains, Cheerios Protein Cinnamon Almond, Cheerios Protein Oats and Honey, Banana Nut Cheerios.
  • Total – Total Whole Grain, Total Raisin Bran
  • All Chex Cereals
  • All Kix Cereals
  • Wheaties
General Mills has made other healthier changes in their cereals.  (See General Mills cereals)

1997 Heart Healthy

2005 Whole Grain

2011 Sugar Reduction
2015-2016 Removing artificial colors and flavors
Soluble fiber such as that in Cheerios, helps reduce risk of heart disease.
All General Mills cereals became Whole Grain cereals.  Whole grain is the first ingredient in all General Mills cereals.
All cereals have 10 grams or less per serving. 
General Mills removing artificial colors and flavors from cereals over the next 2-3 years.

General Mills is already a leader in making cereals healthier.  Good for General Mills to take the lead in removing artificial ingredients from its cereals.  Let’s see if Kellogg’s, Post, and other cereal manufacturers follow General Mills lead.   

Sources:  General Mills to remove articial flavors and colors, General Mills to drop artificial ingredients, Image source: General Mills

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