Want to Get Your Day Off On the Right Foot? Try These 11 Healthy Breakfast Cereals
The old adage tells us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some may quibble with that statement, few would argue the importance of getting a good start to the day by giving your body some healthy food. Cereal is among the most popular breakfast choices, for good reason. It’s easy to prepare and there is a seemingly endless assortment of cereal options from which to choose. However, not all cereals are created equal. This morning meal staple can run the gamut from all-natural to loaded with undesirable ingredients you may want to avoid.
What to Avoid When Choosing Breakfast Cereals
The biggest culprit that can cause a seemingly healthy cereal to quickly veer into the unhealthy category is added sugar. Many of the popular cereals with “bran” or “fruit” or other nutritious-sounding words in their names are loaded with added sugar. Artificial colors and flavorings are also common. So it’s important to read the labels carefully and study the ingredients list.
Best Healthy Cereal
Barbara’s Shredded Wheat Cereal
It won’t take you long to read the ingredients list on this cereal box—there is just one ingredient: whole grain wheat. There is no saturated fat, no sodium and zero total sugars. You also get 6g of protein and 7g of fiber.
Related: 25 Best Breakfast Pizza Recipes
Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Bran Flakes
This cereal gets its sweetness from Mother Nature—the pure oats are soaked in natural sweeteners that give it a delicious taste with only 3g of sugars. It also has 16g of whole grains, 5g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving.
Nature’s Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes
Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of fiber. This cereal is made from simple, natural ingredients and has a great nutritional profile: 16g of whole grains, 5g of plant protein, 7g of fiber and 5g of total sugars.
Cascadian Farm Purely O’s Cereal
This cereal tastes great but is also good for your health. There’s a short list of mostly organic ingredients. Each serving has 31g of whole grain plus 4g of fiber, 4g of protein and 1g of total sugars.
Related: 12 Breakfast Bars Even Late Sleepers Would Want to Wake Up For
Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal
If you’re familiar with the Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted bread, you won’t be surprised to learn that the brand’s cereals are also made with wholesome, healthy ingredients. This cereal provides plant-based protein and is vegan-friendly. Each serving has 6g of fiber, 8g of protein and 1g of total sugars.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Muesli
Muesli is a healthy base for cereal because it is comprised of whole grains and nuts, meaning it is packed with protein. It is also incredibly versatile, since it can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. This cereal—which can be served hot or cold – is gluten-free and has no cholesterol or sodium, 3g of fiber and 4g of total sugars.
One Degree Sprouted Cacao O’s
One Degree is known for their traceable ingredients, so you can see exactly where the contents of your box of cereal originated. The highlights on this cereal’s ingredients list include whole oats, brown rice, cacao, and organic cane sugar. It has no saturated fat, just 60mg of sodium and 9g of total sugars.
Related: 12 Vegan Breakfast Recipes That Aren't Smoothies or Oatmeal
Kashi GO Cereal Dark Cocoa
This cereal has a uniquely delicious flavor thanks to the rich taste of dark cocoa. It is grain free and packed with fiber. Each serving has 12g of protein, 1g of sugar and 8g of net carbs.
Post Grape-Nuts Flakes
Grape-Nuts have long been a go-to preference for those seeking a healthy cereal option. Made from simple whole grain ingredients—providing 23g of whole grain per serving—this cereal has no saturated fat, 4g of protein and 7g of total sugars.
:ratio KETO* Friendly Cereal Cinnamon Cranberry Almond Crunch
The new :ratio Keto Friendly Crunch line is the brand's first foray into cereals, and they're off to a good start. The cereals are created with a carefully balanced combination of sugars, carbs, proteins, and other critical nutritional elements. This tasty variety has 9g of protein, 9g of net carbs and 3g of sugar per serving.
Purely Elizabeth Honey Peanut Butter with Vitamin D
Part of the Superfood Cereal with Vitamin D line from Purely Elizabeth, this cereal has 6g of fiber per serving and 7g of total sugars. The brand is known for its high-quality, healthy ingredients and these cereals certainly seem to live up to that standard.
Next up, check out these 55 satisfying vegan breakfasts to power your day.
