Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value caramel rice cakes, caramel received a Food Integrity Score of 70 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects moderately processed and moderate additive load. This product includes some refined and additive-rich ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup, canola oil, and colorings, which can impact the overall integrity score. While whole grain brown rice is a positive element, the inclusion of multiple processed ingredients suggests these rice cakes should be consumed occasionally rather than daily. Main considerations include additive load, processing, and family watchlist. Simpler options: Look for rice cakes with whole grain rice only; opt out of added colors and flavors.
Food Integrity Score 70/100
What stood out on the label?
- Moderately processed
- Moderate additive load
- Transparency: Medium
What to watch?
- Additive load
- Processing
- Family Watchlist
Simpler options to consider
- Look for rice cakes with whole grain rice only
- Opt out of added colors and flavors
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 Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Snacks (source: Other Snacks)
- GTIN / UPC
00078742222820- Serving size
- 31 GRM (3 cakes)
- 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
Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
High fructose corn syrup is a key ingredient in these rice cakes.
Consider This
Contains multiple flavor and color additives like caramel color and annatto.
Good Substitutes
Opt for homemade-style rice cakes with just rice and spices.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThis product includes some refined and additive-rich ingredients, such as high fructose corn syrup, canola oil, and colorings, which can impact the overall integrity score. While whole grain brown rice is a positive element, the inclusion of multiple processed ingredients suggests these rice cakes should be consumed occasionally rather than daily.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Additive load
- Processing
- Family Watchlist
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP — Refined sweetener.
- FLAVORING — Vague flavor system.
- COLORS: ANNATTO, CARAMEL COLOR — Color additives.
- CANOLA OIL — Refined industrial oil.
Highest concern ingredients
- HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (6/10) — Refined sweetener, controversial use.
- FLAVORING (7/10) — Vague; potential artificial components.
- COLORS: ANNATTO, CARAMEL COLOR (7/10) — Color additives; annatto is natural, caramel color is not.
Better choice tips
- Look for rice cakes with whole grain rice only.
- Opt out of added colors and flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE, CORN GRITS, SUGAR, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CANOLA OIL, OLIGOFRUCTOSE, SEA SALT, FLAVORING, COLORS: ANNATTO, CARAMEL COLOR, SOY LECITHIN.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
FLAVORINGConcern 7/10 — Higher concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Vague ingredient label.
Additional note
Vague; potential artificial components.
Family watchlist
Vague flavor system.
COLORS: ANNATTO, CARAMEL COLORConcern 7/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used to enhance appearance.
Additional note
Color additives; annatto is natural, caramel color is not.
Family watchlist
Color additives.
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUPConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined and higher fructose sugar.
Additional note
Refined sweetener, controversial use.
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener.
CANOLA OILConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined industrial oil.
Additional note
Common refined oil.
View all 10 ingredient assessments
OLIGOFRUCTOSEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernAdditiveAdditive
What this is
Additive
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Isolated fiber, additive-like.
Additional note
Fiber additive, often isolated.
SOY LECITHINConcern 4/10 — Mild concernEmulsifierAdditive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used for texture and stability.
Additional note
Common emulsifier and stabilizer.
SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Contributes to added sugars.
Additional note
Common refined sweetener.
CORN GRITSConcern 1/10 — Very low concernProcessed grain
What this is
Processed grain
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
More refined than whole corn.
Additional note
Mild processing expected.
WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICEConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernWhole grain
What this is
Whole grain
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
No meaningful concern.
Additional note
Simple, recognizable food.
SEA SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
No meaningful concern.
Additional note
Natural seasoning.
This score 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.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "fructose". See ingredients for details.)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "fructose". 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 "rice", "corn syrup", "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
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 "rice", "corn syrup", "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
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: Family watchlist items (HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP)
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP)
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP)
This product has 1 additional signal 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 "rice", "corn", "soy". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, 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.
Vegetarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegan
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Plant-Based
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, 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 Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately 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 Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel shows about 0.99g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Caramel Rice Cakes, Caramel: 7g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include sugar, high fructose corn syrup. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Whole grain base; Low in sodium.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: High added sugar; Contains artificial colors; Includes high fructose corn syrup.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same snacks 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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