These 10 Healthy Cereals Topped Our Blind Taste Test

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While some days start out with a killer healthy breakfast—an avo egg toast, fully-loaded breakfast burrito, protein-packed smoothie, you name it—there are some mornings where you can barely find the time to get dressed, let alone cook a whole feast. Enter, cereal.

But, is cereal even healthy? Sadly, most of the nostalgic cereals from your childhood are not. Many contain little fiber and lots of sugar (not to mention a laundry list of super-processed ingredients). Back in the day, opting for a healthy cereal meant resorting to something that was bland and tasteless.

Fortunately, the cereal aisle has gotten a major makeover in the last decade. Now, there are so many better-for-you options that actually taste good—whether you're looking for a low-carb cereal or low-sugar cereal. Overwhelmed? The Women's Health Test Kitchen conducted a taste test to find the healthier options worth adding to your (online) cart.

How We Tested: The Women's Health Test Kitchen and staff consulted with nutritionists and evaluated the nutrition labels of nearly 100 cereals, then tasted dozens in a blinded taste test to find the most delicious (nutritious!) ones.

Before unveiling the winners, let's take a minute to define "healthy." In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed an update to its guidelines as to what it considers healthy, requiring cereals to contain 3/4 ounces of whole grains and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 2.5 grams of added sugars per serving.

By factoring those recommendations, as well as suggestions from nutritionists, the WH Test Kitchen came up with the following healthy cereal buying guidelines:

• Choose cereals made with whole grains: Whole grains are nutritional powerhouses, so it's ideal to find one listed in the first slot of that ingredient list. Look for whole-grain oats, quinoa, sorghum, brown rice, amaranth, wheat, and millet.

• Aim for more than 3 grams of fiber: Fiber not only helps you stay full until lunch, but also keeps you regular—so you can feel properly satiated but not stuck. Plus, fiber may work to control blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.

• Try for less than 8 grams of sugar: Sugar—in any of its forms (cane sugar, maple syrup, honey, etc.)—shouldn't be at the top of the ingredient list. That said, sugar adds flavor, so don't feel like you have to deprive yourself completely.

• Opt for brands free of junk: Many cereals are highly processed, using chemical preservatives and additives, such as food dyes and hydrogenated oils. Prioritize boxes with a short, clean ingredient list and you should be good to go.

Ready to dig in? Nutritious, delicious options, coming right up.

Multigrain Spoonfuls Cereal

After trying this medley of oats, whole wheat and corn flour, the majority of tasters agreed that this cereal is worth spending money on. One reviewer raved about the crisp cereal's fun shapes, while others commented on how much they appreciated the sweetness level.

Per 1 cup serving (40 g): 140 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g sat fat), 31 g carbs, 210 mg sodium, 7 g sugar (7 g added sugar), 5 g fiber, 5 g protein

RELATED: The Best Healthy Cereals To Stock Up On If You're Trying to Lose Weight

Honey Peanut Butter Superfood Cereal

Though this cereal skews a bit sweeter, its texture and flavors stood out to tasters. Chances are you'll always find a box stashed in the Test Kitchen somewhere. The team is obsessed. (FWIW: Tasters dug the brand's Vanilla Blueberry Almond option, too.)

Per 2/3 cup serving (55 g): 230 calories, 8 g fat (4 g sat fat), 35 g carbs, 95 mg sodium, 7 g sugar (6 g added sugar), 6 g fiber, 5 g protein

Original Cheerios

This brand has been a staple on shelves for decades and for good reason—the classic cereal is made with 100% whole-grain oats and has a crunchy (but not too crunchy) texture. Plus, tasters enjoyed its "nice subtle sweetness" and "real wheat-y flavor."

Per 1 1/2 cup serving (39 g): 140 calories, 2.5 g fat (0.5 g sat fat), 29 g carbs, 190 mg sodium, 2 g sugar (1 g added sugar), 4 g fiber, 5 g protein

RELATED: You *Have* To Try These Five-Ingredient Cereal Bars

Real Cocoa Cereal

While diving into a bowlful of rich, chocolate cereal first thing in the a.m. sounds decadent, this grain-free, paleo-friendly option is actually pretty wholesome. Tasters dug its dark chocolate notes. I personally love snacking on this one; it makes for a nice midday treat. (Totally worth buying in bulk!)

Per 1 cup serving (40 g): 170 calories, 6 g fat (4 g sat fat), 27 g carbs, 30 mg sodium, 5 g sugar (1 g added sugar), 1 g fiber, 5 g protein

RELATED: The 15 Best Vegan Cereals To Stock Your Pantry

Mixed Berry Cereal

Rather than refined sugars, maple syrup or honey, this cereal is sweetened with fruit (read: date powder, dried blueberries and dried strawberries). As a result, each bowl of flakes packs a ton of deliciousness.

Per 1 1/2 cup serving (61 g): 270 calories, 8 g fat (3.5 g sat fat), 44 g carbs, 390 mg sodium, 6 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 6 g fiber, 5 g protein

Unsweetened Grain-Free Cereal

Featuring a blend of chickpea flour, tapioca and pea protein, this no-sugar-added cereal scored high for its crunchy-yet-airy texture. Throw a handful of berries into the bowl, along with milk, for a quick-hit of fiber and sweetness.

Per 1 cup serving (35 g): 120 calories, 2 g fat (0 g sat fat), 17 g carbs, 130 mg sodium, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 3 g fiber, 8 g protein

RELATED: The 20 Best Keto Cereals You'll Actually Want To Eat Every Day, According to RDs

Organic Puffed Kamut Cereal

If you're looking for a li'l snap and crackle in your cereal bowl, add a bag of this to your cart. Made with whole-grain kamut—and only kamut (read: no added sugar, salt or additives)—each bite delivers a light puffed texture and slightly nutty flavor.

Per 3/4 cup serving (15 g): 60 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat fat), 11 g carbs, 0 g sodium, 1 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 1 g fiber, 2 g protein

Cinnamon Cereal

Here's a healthier option for anyone craving a bit of cinnamon and crunch for breakfast. One taster raved, "I love the subtle cinnamon flavor and the fact that each bite is sweet with a tiny hint of salt at the end."

Per 3/4 cup serving (30 g): 100 calories, 1.5 g fat (1 g sat fat), 24 g carbs, 65 g sodium, 6 g sugar (4 g added sugar), 4 g fiber, 2 g protein

RELATED: The 12 Best Gluten-Free Cereals, According to Nutritionists

Super Fruity Cereal

Unlike other fruity cereals out there, these loops aren't made with any artificial dyes but rather real fruit—in the form of cherry and strawberry powders, plus lemon and orange extracts. And the vibrant pink hue? That's from beet powder.

Per 1 cup serving (40 g): 160 calories, 5 g fat (3 g sat fat), 24 g carbs, 40 g sodium, 7 g sugar (5 g added sugar), 3 g fiber, 5 g protein

Cinnamon Almond Crunch Granola

Sweetened with monk fruit, these grain-free clusters contain sunflower seeds, almonds and chia seeds, adding a good dose of crunch (and nutrients!) to your bowl.

Per 1/3 cup serving (30 g): 160 calories, 15 g fat (9 g sat fat), 10 g carbs, 65 g sodium, 1 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 3 g fiber, 3 g protein

RELATED: The 14 Healthiest Granola Brands, According to Nutritionists

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