These Low-Sugar Cereals Will Still Satisfy Your Fruity Pebbles Cravings

So, you're a self-described cereal lover, but you have no idea where to find healthy, low-sugar cereal options. Sigh. But what about when that post-dinner craving for something crunchy and slurpy sneaks up on you? Well, for one thing it'd be nice to know which cereals won't send your sugar levels through the roof, amirite?

The first thing to note is that while cereal can be consumed at any time of day, excess sugar first thing in the morning is a bad idea, says Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic. “When we start the day with a flurry of excess sugar or refined carbohydrates, we put our body on a sugar and insulin roller coaster,” she notes.

The sugar in cereal will inevitably lead to a blood sugar spike that will then cause a significant drop in energy levels. But, wait—it's not over yet. When your energy plummets after a sugar high, you will inevitably seek out more and more in a search for energy as the day progresses.

If you'd rather *not* stand in line for that particular attraction but still want to enjoy cereal, Kirkpatrick recommends looking for brands that contain less than 5 grams of sugar. “What also matters is where on the ingredient list sugar falls (hint: later is better) and how much fiber is in the cereal,” explains Kirkpatrick, adding that more fiber = slower absorption of sugar, which keeps your blood sugar levels in check.

Another factor to consider when choosing a cereal? Pick one that consists of 100 percent whole grains. While many cereals will tout this information on the front of the box, it’s definitely worth double-checking the ingredients list to confirm it *really* does contain whole grains, says Kirkpatrick.

Don't forget that a bowl of cereal likely comes with a serving of milk, so make sure to also account for any sugar in your preferred beverage, including dairy-free options, like oat, almond, and coconut. An 8-ounce glass of whole cow's milk, for instance, contains 12 grams of sugar, while the same-sized serving of unsweetened almond or coconut milk contains zero grams.

Ready to find some still-delicious, healthier cereals to fuel your bowl-and-spoon affection? Keep these low-sugar cereal options in mind.