Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Great Value butter flavor enriched instant grits, butter received a Food Integrity Score of 42 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects ultra-processed and high additive load. This list looks like an engineered food to replicate familiar flavors and textures. The number of refined components and additives like partially hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors points to a higher degree of processing. Consider choosing whole grain alternatives more often to reduce intake of such processed ingredients. Main considerations include trans fat presence, artificial flavors, and artificial colors. Consider whole grains or steel-cut oats with real butter instead.
Food Integrity Score 42/100
What stood out on the label?
- Ultra-processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Trans fat presence
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors
Simpler options to consider
- Consider whole grains or steel-cut oats with real butter instead
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Breakfast & Cereal (source: Cereal)
- GTIN / UPC
00605388187253- Serving size
- 28 g (1 PACKET)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter
Great Value
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Partially hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors emphasize processing in this product.
Consider This
Mono and diglycerides with artificial flavor indicate ultra-processed food components.
Good Substitutes
Try using cooked whole grains or steel-cut oats with real butter as a simpler swap.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis list looks like an engineered food to replicate familiar flavors and textures. The number of refined components and additives like partially hydrogenated oils and artificial flavors points to a higher degree of processing. Consider choosing whole grain alternatives more often to reduce intake of such processed ingredients.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Trans fat presence
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- Partially hydrogenated soybean oil — Contains trans fats
- Natural butter flavors — Artificial flavor present
- Yellow 5 lake — Artificial color present
Highest concern ingredients
- Partially hydrogenated soybean oil (8/10) — Trans fats are highly concerning.
- Yellow 5 lake (8/10) — Industry-conscious artificial color.
- Natural butter flavors (6/10) — Artificially flavored ingredients.
Better choice tips
- Consider whole grains or steel-cut oats with real butter instead.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
SPECIALLY PROCESSED DEGERMINATED WHITE CORN GRITS, DRIED MARGARINE (PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, NONFAT MILK, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, ARTIFCIAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO COLOR), SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL OIL AND PALM OIL, RICE FLOUR, CALCIUM CARBONATE, NATURAL BUTTER FLAVORS, OAT FIBER, SILICON DIOXIDE, SOY LECITHIN, COLOR ADDED (ANNATTO, TURMERIC AND BETA CAROTENE), FERRIC PHOSPHATE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, NIACIN*, BHA AND CITRIC ACID (AS PRESERVATIVES), THIAMINE MONONITRATE*, RIBOFLAVIN*, FOLIC ACID*.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
DRIED MARGARINE (PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, NONFAT MILK, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, ARTIFCIAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO COLOR)Concern 8/10 — Higher concernTrans fat sourceWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Trans fat source
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Trans fats are linked to heart risks
Additional note
Contains trans fats and additives
YELLOW 5 LAKEConcern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Artificial color additive
Additional note
Synthetic color
Family watchlist
Artificial color present
PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED PALM KERNEL OIL AND PALM OILConcern 7/10 — Higher concernTrans fat sourceWatchlist
What this is
Trans fat source
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Trans fats are linked to heart risks
Additional note
Contains trans fats
Family watchlist
Trans fats present
NATURAL BUTTER FLAVORSConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernFlavoringWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Flavoring
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Flavor enhancer
Why it matters
Artificial flavor additive
Family watchlist
Artificial flavor present
View all 19 ingredient assessments
BHA AND CITRIC ACID (AS PRESERVATIVES)Concern 6/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Prevents spoilage
Additional note
Preservative use
Family watchlist
Contains preservatives
MALTODEXTRINConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernThickenerAdditive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Adds sweetness and bulk
Additional note
Processed carbohydrate
SPECIALLY PROCESSED DEGERMINATED WHITE CORN GRITSConcern 4/10 — Mild concernRefined grain
What this is
Refined grain
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined grains can be less nutrient-dense
Additional note
Refined grain usage
FERRIC PHOSPHATEConcern 4/10 — Mild concernIron supplementAdditive
What this is
Iron supplement
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Iron fortification for nutrition
Additional note
Iron fortification
CALCIUM CARBONATEConcern 3/10 — Mild concernAdditiveAdditive
What this is
Additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Adds dietary calcium
Additional note
Fortification
SOY LECITHINConcern 3/10 — Mild concernEmulsifierAdditive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Combines ingredients
RICE FLOURConcern 2/10 — Very low concernThickener
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Provides bulk
Additional note
Refined grain
OAT FIBERConcern 2/10 — Very low concernBalancing agent
What this is
Balancing agent
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Insoluble fiber content
Additional note
Fiber source
SILICON DIOXIDEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernStabilizing agentAdditive
What this is
Stabilizing agent
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Prevent clumping
Additional note
Anti-caking agent
NIACIN*Concern 2/10 — Very low concernVitamin additiveAdditive
What this is
Vitamin additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Essential vitamin
Additional note
Vitamin enrichment
THIAMINE MONONITRATE*Concern 2/10 — Very low concernVitamin additiveAdditive
What this is
Vitamin additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
B Vitamin supplementation
Additional note
Vitamin fortification
RIBOFLAVIN*Concern 2/10 — Very low concernVitamin additiveAdditive
What this is
Vitamin additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Nutrient fortification
Additional note
Vitamin B2
FOLIC ACID*Concern 2/10 — Very low concernVitamin additiveAdditive
What this is
Vitamin additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Supports cell growth
Additional note
Folate supplementation
COLOR ADDED (ANNATTO, TURMERIC AND BETA CAROTENE)Concern 1/10 — Very low concernColor additiveAdditive · Vague label term
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Aesthetic appeal
Additional note
Coloring agent
SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
None
Additional note
Common seasoning
This is not a medical safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Heart-Healthy Eating
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt". See ingredients for details.)
Athletic Fueling
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Carb fueling ingredients (Mentions "oat". See ingredients for details.)
Vegetarian
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Plant-food ingredients (Mentions "oat". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "butter". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "butter". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "maltodextrin". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "flour", "oat", "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 2 additional signals for this goal.
Low-Spike Stability
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
GLP-1 Eating Support
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Ultra-processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter shows about 1.01g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Butter Flavor Enriched Instant Grits, Butter: 0g added sugar per serving. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Moderate sodium; Low sugar content.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Contains artificial colors; Processed ingredients; Partially hydrogenated oils.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same breakfast & cereal differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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