# General Mills Basic Four Cereal

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Basic 4
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Cereal & Breakfast
- **Size:** 19.80 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/basic-4-general-mills-basic-four-cereal-1980-oz
- **Slug:** `basic-4-general-mills-basic-four-cereal-1980-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains industrial ingredients and formulations typical of ultraprocessed foods — added sugars, corn syrup, glycerin, palm kernel oil, emulsifier (soy lecithin), colorings, natural flavor and fortified vitamins, alongside processed grains and fruit pieces.

## Review

Basic 4 Cereal from General Mills arrives on the supermarket shelf in the dry cereal aisle, usually stacked with other mainstream adult-targeted cereals and near granolas and muesli. The 19.8 oz box, typically with an inner plastic bag, sits alongside brand stalwarts that promise whole grains and fruit pieces rather than bright cartoon packaging. Shoppers pull it on grocery runs for quick weekday breakfasts, back-to-school morning routines, or as a pantry staple for road trips and weekend brunches when a simple, ready-to-eat cereal is wanted. The brand positions itself as a mature, sensible choice — a nod to traditional breakfast bowls that feel “wholesome” and fiber-forward, appealing to parents and older adults who want fruit and nuts in a convenient format without kid-focused marketing. Label copy often highlights whole grain wheat, raisins and almonds and may evoke a health halo around fruit and grains; there are no organic seals or explicit “natural” certification, and the product carries added vitamins and minerals which can read as fortified and nutritious. In plain terms, the cereal is made in an industrial process and includes added sugars, syrups, emulsifiers and colorings alongside real ingredients. Eating it is a tactile ritual: crisp wheat-and-corn flakes give a dry crunch that softens in milk, punctuated by chewy raisins and tart dried cranberries and occasional almond crunch; a spoonful ritual at the kitchen table or in a travel bowl. Packaging is functional and familiar — a mid-sized cardboard box with nutrition and ingredient panels that shoppers scan for sugar and whole-grain claims.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian
- Dairy-free

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1 cup
- **Servings per container:** 10
- **Calories:** 200
- **Total fat:** 2g (3% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV)
- **Sodium:** 270mg (12% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 44g (16% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 12g
- **Added sugars:** 9g (18% DV)
- **Protein:** 4g

## Ingredients

Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Meal, Sugar, Raisins, Rice Flour, Almond Pieces, Brown Sugar Syrup, Glycerin, Whole Grain Oats, Dried Cranberries, Salt, Corn Syrup, Palm Kernel Oil, Brown Sugar, Barley Malt Extract, Dextrose, Honey, Color (Caramel Color and Annatto Extract), Cinnamon, Soy Lecithin, Baking Soda, Natural Flavor. Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), Iron and Zinc (Mineral Nutrients), A B Vitamin (Niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate), Vitamin A (Palmitate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), A B Vitamin (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3.

## Flagged ingredients

- **Palm Kernel Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)** (preservative): Synthetic preservative
- **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring
- **Annatto Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** back-to-school, weekend-brunch, road-trip
- **Vibes:** nostalgic, wholesome, convenient

## FAQ

### Is Basic Four cereal healthy?

Basic Four cereal can be a decent choice for breakfast, especially if you're looking for whole grains and fiber. With 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving, it can help keep you feeling full. However, it also has added sugars and sodium, so it might not be the healthiest option compared to, say, oatmeal or whole grain toast.

### Is Basic Four cereal vegan?

Nope, Basic Four cereal isn’t vegan. It contains honey, which is a no-go for strict plant-based diets. So if you’re avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a different cereal.

### Is Basic Four cereal gluten-free?

Sadly, Basic Four cereal is not gluten-free, as it contains whole grain wheat. If you're gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease, you'll want to steer clear of this one and opt for a certified gluten-free cereal instead.

### Does Basic Four cereal contain seed oils?

Yes, Basic Four has palm kernel oil listed among its ingredients. While it’s a common ingredient in many processed foods, some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to concerns about their health effects. It’s all about your personal preference and dietary choices!

### Does Basic Four cereal contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope! Basic Four cereal is free from artificial sweeteners, which is great if you’re looking to avoid those. Instead, it gets its sweetness from added sugars like brown sugar and honey, which can feel a bit more natural.

### Is Basic Four cereal high in sugar?

While Basic Four isn’t overly sugary, it does have 12 grams of total sugars per serving, with 9 grams being added sugars. This isn’t off-the-charts, but if you're watching your sugar intake, it’s something to keep in mind—especially compared to less sweet options like plain cereals.

### What are healthier alternatives to Basic Four cereal?

If you’re looking for something healthier, consider options like plain oatmeal, whole grain bran cereals, or cereals with minimal added sugars and more fiber. Brands that focus on whole ingredients without added sugars are usually a safe bet. Just remember, what’s ‘healthier’ can depend on your individual dietary needs!

### Can kids eat Basic Four cereal?

Absolutely! Basic Four cereal can be a fun breakfast option for kids, especially with its fruity bits and crunchy texture. Just be mindful of the sugar content and pair it with some fresh fruit or yogurt to boost the nutrition factor!

### Is Basic Four cereal good for weight loss?

Basic Four can fit into a weight loss plan if you enjoy it and control portion sizes. It's relatively low in calories and has fiber, which can help with satiety. Just remember that moderation is key, and balancing it with other nutrient-dense foods is important.

### Is Basic Four cereal ultra-processed?

Basic Four does fall into the category of processed foods, but it’s not at the extreme end of the spectrum. While it contains ingredients that are more processed, like glycerin and caramel color, it also has whole grains and dried fruits. So, it’s more about finding a balance in your diet rather than labeling it as 'bad' or 'good.'

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