Hill Country Fare Corn Flakes Cereal — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Hill Country Fare Corn Flakes Cereal by Hill Country Fare OKAY — score 62/90.

A no-frills corn cereal: degermed corn meal, a little sugar, salt and barley malt, plus added vitamins. Nothing artificial here, but the grain is refined and there is added sugar, so it lands squarely in the middle. Fine in a bowl with fruit, not a nutrition powerhouse on its own.

Why this verdict

• Short, recognizable ingredient list: corn, sugar, salt and malt
• Made from degermed (refined) corn, stripping most of the grain's fiber
• Contains added sugar plus barley malt, so two sources of sweetness
• Fortified with nine added vitamins and minerals

Ingredients (5)

• Degermed Yellow Corn Meal (moderate) — Refined corn with the germ removed, stripping out most of the fiber and nutrients.
• Sugar (moderate) — Small added sweetener to balance acidity; minor at salsa portions.
• Salt (moderate) — Main sodium source; keep an eye on it if you use large amounts.
• Barley Malt Extract (moderate) — A malt sweetener and flavoring; also a source of gluten from barley.
• Added vitamins and minerals (safe) — Vitamin C, iron, B-vitamins, A and D added to enrich an otherwise refined base.

Healthier alternatives

• Old Country Style Muesli
• Good & Gather Original Instant Oatmeal
• Simply Nutty Muesli
• Kirkland Signature Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• Sprouted Rolled Oats