Mixed Fruit Granola — BULLSHIT
Munch or Dump rates Mixed Fruit Granola by Fit and Flex BULLSHIT — score 0/90.
Sold as a 'sugar-free, artificial-flavor-free, immunity-boosting' healthy breakfast, but the label literally lists added artificial flavouring, sugar, maltodextrin and palm kernel oil. The marketing flatly contradicts what's in the bag.
Why this verdict
- Label admits 'added artificial flavouring substances' yet the brand sells it as artificial-flavor-free
- Marketed 'sugar free' while sugar, FOS, maltodextrin and candied fruits all appear on the list
- Maltodextrin plus three refined flours (rice, maize, wheat) drive blood sugar spikes
- Palm kernel oil + sugar + refined starch = a hyper-palatable, NOVA 4 formula
- 'Immunity booster' framing has no support in this ingredient list
Ingredients (19)
- Rolled Oats (32.9%) (safe) — Genuine whole grain, the one solid ingredient here, but it's a minority of the formula.
- FOS (Fructo-oligosaccharides) (9.5%) (moderate) — A prebiotic fiber, but also a sweet syrup used to add sweetness without saying 'sugar'; can cause bloating.
- Rice Flour (9.3%) (moderate) — Refined starch that spikes blood sugar; bulk filler.
- Wheat Flour (7.6%) (moderate) — Refined flour, another fast-digesting starch filler.
- Palm Kernel Oil (6.1%) (concerning) — Highly refined, very high in saturated fat; cheap industrial fat for crunch and shelf life.
- Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
- Maize Grits (moderate) — Refined corn starch, more cheap carbohydrate filler.
- Maltodextrin (moderate) — Highly processed starch-derived carbohydrate used as a carrier and texturizer; spikes blood sugar readily.
- Almond Flakes (3%) (safe) — Real nuts, a genuine positive, but only a token amount.
- Tender Coconut Powder (moderate) — Processed coconut solids for flavor and texture.
- Coconut Milk Powder (safe) — Dried coconut for body and flavor.
- Candied Fruits (Cranberry 3.7%, Blueberry 3.7%) (concerning) — Sugar-infused fruit pieces, essentially fruit-shaped sugar, another sweetener source.
- Freeze Dried Strawberry (3%) (safe) — Real freeze-dried fruit, the legitimate basis for the 'real fruit' claim, but a small fraction.
- Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
- Sodium Citrate (INS 331) (moderate) — Acidity regulator/stabilizer additive.
- Glycerin (INS 422) (moderate) — Humectant used to keep candied pieces soft; industrial additive.
- Citric Acid (INS 330) (safe) — Common acidulant, safe in these amounts.
- Tocopherol (INS 307) (safe) — Vitamin E used as an antioxidant preservative; benign.
- Added Nature-Identical & Artificial Flavouring Substances (concerning) — Lab flavorings for 'mix berries' and 'tender coconut', directly contradicting the artificial-flavor-free marketing.