A food scientist saw an advertisement for ground beef cereal. When she took a closer look at the nutrition label, she realized the bizarre ingredients aren’t the only reason consumers should think twice before purchasing.
In a video with over 87,000 views, TikToker and food scientist Hydroxide (@hydroxide) shows a screenshot of the cover of a “meat cereal” called “Meaties.”
“They have a dried ground beef cereal for the person who loves slurping up jerky-flavored milk,” she remarks. “Please get this product off the market.”
According to Meaties’ website, the cereal is flavored with natural ingredients to try to mask the ground beef taste.
However, the strange main ingredient isn’t the only thing raising red flags for the TikToker. She attaches another picture of the nutrition facts.
What’s Wrong With The Ground Beef Cereal Nutrition Facts?
“Your nutrition facts panel is 100% made with AI,” she claims. “The entire structure of this nutrition facts panel is incorrect.”
She points out that “cholesterol” is spelled incorrectly, and the label does not include trans fats or vitamin D. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), brands must include trans fats and vitamin D levels on the nutrition label, even if the amount is zero.
“I’m also pretty convinced that the serving size is wrong,” she continues.
Hydroxide also notices that the ingredients aren’t listed in an obvious chronological order, which is also a requirement. The label also doesn’t include an allergy warning, despite including roasted peanuts as a main ingredient.
“There is no may contain statement,” Hydroxide notes. “Meaties, at this point I think you have about 30 minutes.”
What Do Shoppers Think of Meaties?
Members of the r/FundieSnarkUncensored subreddit reacted to an influencer’s Instagram Story recommending the protein-packed beef cereal.
“Dog food, ma’am. You’re looking for dog food. (Dog food is just dry meat cereal.)” one remarked.
Another suggested, “Products like this are so weird to me because if your diet doesn’t allow cereal just… eat something else?”
“You’ve heard of Wheaties, well now say hello to Meaties!! Made with only the best meat scraps no one else wants!” a third said sarcastically.
Others comment under Hydroxide’s viral video, pointing out that the fiber in mainstream wheat cereal is also important for a healthy diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, some high-protein diets like the carnivore diet carry the risk of low fiber intake. This can lead to major problems in the bathroom, such as constipation and loose stools.
“The proteinification of everything is getting out of hand,” a viewer wrote. Another agreed, adding, “We have got to stop the ‘putting protein in every’ epidemic.”
A second remarked, “Who gon be the fiber?”
“The protein craze is insane cause we all forgot f—— fiber,” another added.
@hydroxide Meat cereal ….for the lovers of jerky flavored milk and dog kibble #foodscience #foodscientist #meat #beef #cereal #product #cpg
BroBible reached out to Hydroxide via email and TikTok direct message and to Meaties via email for further comment. We will update the story when they reply.