These Are the 7 Healthiest Cereal Brands, According to a Dietitian
Breakfast cereals made with whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruits have a hefty amount of nutrients to offer.
First off, let’s bust one of the biggest food myths around: Cereal can absolutely be part of a healthy breakfast — and healthy cereal brands are easier to find than you may think — it’s all about choosing the right ones. Cereals made with whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruits have a hefty amount of nutrients to offer. When combined with some icy milk (of your choice) and topped with fresh fruit, you can unlock even more opportunities to deliver a meal or snack with plenty of nutrition that is also easy, affordable and convenient.
Don’t be afraid of convenience, either. A nutritious cereal can be one of the quickest breakfast options around. The best choice is one you enjoy, fits your nutrition needs and helps you start the day feeling satisfied and energized. If you're in the market for some healthy breakfast cereal brands, check out the seven stunners below.
Cereal Nutrition Pointers
One thing first! When evaluating a healthy cereal option, look for highs and lows. High amounts of fiber and protein in cereal will make it more satisfying. Cereals are often fortified with several micronutrients and can be an easy and affordable way to get more iron, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals you might not be getting enough of. Look for lower amounts of added sugar and sodium too. While some sugar and salt can help make cereal taste great, they can pile up fast, especially for cereal-lovers trying to manage diabetes. Lastly, while you scan those labels, pay attention to servings sizes. Cereals can range from 1/4 cup to 1 3/4 cups depending on the variety, and some of the healthiest options may have a slightly higher calorie count; consider all the nutrition the cereal has to offer and determine the appropriate amount of cereal for you.
The 7 Healthiest Breakfast Cereal Brands You Can Buy
Stock up on these seven cereals to add some healthy additions to your pantry.
With so many yummy flavors to choose from, picking just one Three Wishes cereal to try might be impossible. The brand specializes in gluten-free cereals made from chickpea, tapioca and pea protein. Most varieties have about 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber in a 1 cup serving, for only 130 calories and 3 grams of added sugar.
Any true cereal lover will tell you Grape-Nuts are extremely underappreciated. This classic whole-grain wheat cereal has an unmistakable crunch, no added sugar and 7 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup. Grape-Nuts are a lovely edition to yogurt or cottage cheese bowls and can take your overnight oats to the next level, offering a burst of nutty flavor and a fiber boost.
Whether you snack on it by the handful or enjoy it with your favorite milk, Catalina Crunch is another cereal spun from plant-based nutrients. A bowl has plenty of fiber and protein — 6 and 11 grams, respectively. Made with no added sugar, the cereal also uses a mix of Stevia and monk fruit extract to provide sweetness. We'd like to give a special shout-out to creative flavors like Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Strudel.
Honey Bunches of Oats might just be the most unexpected cereal on our hit list. This long-standing favorite is the perfect choice when you are craving something sweet but also want to feel satisfied after you eat it. Made with plenty of whole-grains, plus nicely fortified with iron, 1 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats has 160 calories and only 8 grams of added sugar (that’s about 2 teaspoons). Add some low-fat milk for extra protein and some high-fiber berries on top, and you have one delish, hunger-fighting bowl of cereal.
Kashi knows how to pack substance and flavor into each bite of cereal. Made with organic, whole-grain ingredients, flavors like Cinnamon Harvest Shredded Wheat Squares or KashiGo Peanut Butter Crunch Clusters, these cereals rack up protein and fiber nearing or at double digits, while keeping the sodium and sugar conservative.
Seven Sundays is another smaller cereal brand with so much to love. The brand offers cereal that makes you feel special when you eat it. Whether you choose to fill your bowl with Little Crispies or some cocoa or honey-spiked Os, you will find a cereal with a well-crafted texture that's made with whole-grains and just a touch of honey and coconut sugar.
One of the most extensive lines of healthy cereal, Nature’s Path has options for adults and kids alike. From low-sugar and high-fiber Heritage Flakes to the oh-so cravable and kid-friendly Panda Puffs, these organic cereals have become a mainstay at most large grocery chains, so they are always easy to find. One cup of heritage flakes contains 160 calories, 5 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber; additionally, it is sweetened with barely malt extract and honey, making it a blank canvas for any of your favorite fruits, nuts and seeds.
Related Content:
