Why You Should Think Twice About Eating Fruity Pebbles

In the world of breakfast cereals, it's no secret the options on the store shelves are not always the best for you. As Healthline can attest, though many brands make exorbitant claims about the good-for-you elements inside, they typically are very often processed and full of refined sugars and carbs. In fact, Healthline says that of processed foods, breakfast cereals rank among some of the highest in added sugar content, with that usually being the "second or third ingredient" on the label. But Fruity Pebbles has the word fruit in it, so it's reasonable to assume that it can't be all bad, right? There has to be some element of healthy goodness in the box?

Turns out it's a misnomer, and Fruity Pebbles was actually ranked among the six most unhealthy breakfast cereal options that should be avoided at all costs, according to The Daily Meal. So what exactly makes this innocent-seeming cereal so bad that it landed on the worst list?

Fruity Pebbles' unwavering flavor bomb sparks joy in the taste buds of children and adults alike. Nerdist counts Fruity Pebbles at #8 on a list of 50 popular breakfast cereals, which is even better than Fruit Loops. But you may want to think twice before jumping to grab those colorful flakes the next time you're at the grocery store.

The Daily Meal article mentions that within Fruity Pebbles' main ingredients, after rice comes sugar and hydrogenated vegetable oil. This breakfast option also offers very little protein, fat, or fiber in a full serving, while on the opposite end loading in a remarkable amount of carbs (23g to be exact). 

If you're the type to enjoy not-so-good-for-you foods by recreating them in more healthful ways, Well + Good has a great roundup of recipes to reimagine popular cereals in their healthy, homemade counterparts (though an option for Fruity Pebbles doesn't make this list). And if you prefer to make it easy on yourself and purchase your cereal instead, Nutrition Rank has some great picks for alternate boxed kinds as well.