Eating a sweet and delicious cereal bowl in the morning is something most of us start the day with and something that feels like a great routine to start things off on the right foot.
However, you must be aware that most brands of cereal are not actually good for your health in the slightest.
Don’t worry! This does not mean you have to completely change your daily morning routine and give up on this treat.
Instead, it is recommended that you pick a healthier cereal brand to enjoy instead!
This way, you can still fuel up quickly whenever you’re in a rush and feel satisfied while also not ruining your health.
After all, cereal is super convenient, so it is worth the research in order to ensure that you don’t have to cut it out of your life to remain healthy.
Some brands of cereal are really bad for you, containing a lot of Sugar that will lead to sugar crashes later on in the day, which is the opposite of what you want when eating breakfast in the morning.
Other brands are marketed as healthy but are rather misleading.
With that being said, this guide is here to help you recognize cereal brands that are actually good options.
Not only that, but a list of some of the best healthy cereal brands is also provided later on so you will get many delicious and nutritious options all in the same place, without having to hunt for them all over the internet.
Whether you are a fan of rice crisps, oats, fruity flavors or of chocolate, rest assured that there is something for you as well!
But before that, here are a few things you should know about cereal!
First of all, you may be wondering whether or not it is possible to still drop the pounds if you like to start the day off with a bowl of cereal.
Well, as mentioned before, if you pick a healthy brand, that goal remains in the realm of possibility as long as you don’t eat it in excess, of course.
A good tip is to choose something that tastes good to you and that you will actually want to eat but which also provides your body with a lot of nutrients it needs, including various vitamins, Protein, fiber, and minerals.
Protein in particular, is really helpful if you are looking to lose some weight due to the fact that it is able to keep you full for longer.
Now that we’ve established what your cereal should contain, what ingredients should you avoid?
As mentioned previously, the number one enemy of your health but which is very much present in excess in most cereal boxes is sugar!
In fact, many popular cereal brands have hidden sugars, mentioning them under a different name on the nutritional labels.
Some examples you should watch out for are: high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, sucrose, evaporated cane juice, and barley malt.
Of course, a small amount of sugar is not the end of the world, but it is recommended that you keep it under 6-8 Grams per serving.
Unfortunately, when it comes to cereal, finding options that meet this requirement is a nightmare which is why you could look for some upsides, such as added protein and fiber that could make up for all that added sugar.
A third ingredient you should stay away from if you are planning on living a long and healthy life is artificial food dye!
This is because they might contain contaminants, which are cancer causing substances.
So what is the healthiest type of cereal you could eat?
Typically, you can’t go wrong with whole grains.
The reason why they are such a big deal is that they can help decrease cardiovascular problems as well as cancer risks by no less than 9 percent!
Another sign that a cereal brand is healthy is if it’s low in sugar and also full of fiber.
The latter not only helps with maintaining a healthy weight but it does wonders for your gut health as well.
Since you literally start the day off with a bowl of cereal, it makes sense that you’d want it to do wonders for your body.
Other things you should consider when looking for the healthiest option:
– It should have no more than 150-200 calories per serving.
– At least 4-5 grams of fiber with each serving.
– 3 or more grams of protein per serving.
– No dried fruit should be added.
– No soy protein or soy protein isolate should be added.
– The first few ingredients mentioned on the label should be “Whole grain,” “bran” or “whole wheat.”
– Make sure there are no obscure, unknown ingredients you can’t even pronounce on the label.
– Ideally, all primary ingredients should be organic since most non-organic cereals contain glyphosate.
– No artificial colors or flavors.
Is there cereal that contains no sugar?
As mentioned before, you can find quite a few great brands that contain a low amount of sugar, but what if you are planning on cutting sugar out completely?
You’ll be pleased to know that there are still a few options for you, including rolled oats or plain oatmeal, Nature’s Path Organic Puffed Kamut, Three Wishes Grain-Free Unsweetened Cereal, Uncle Sam Toasted Whole Wheat Berry, One Degree Foods Organic Sprouted O’s and Flakes and Flaxseed.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the least healthy cereal you could go for is most of Kellogg’s breakfast cereal made for kids, such as Golden Grahams, Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, and others like them.
The main reason why they are so very unhealthy is that they are really high in sugar which causes those sugar crashes we all dread in the middle of the day when we can’t be productive anymore and desperately need a nap.
Not only that, but they are also low in fiber and packed with artificial dyes and flavoring.
As a rule of thumb, any cereal that contains over 8-9 grams of sugar per serving as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives is really bad for you.
Of course, you could look for the opposite characteristics, and it will lead you to a healthier option but the one thing you can be sure it’s healthy no matter what is oatmeal!
In other words, when in doubt, go for some organic, gluten free rolled oats and you won’t regret it!
Not only is oatmeal the healthiest option out there, but you can pretty much add anything you love to it and it will taste amazing!
But what about granola? Isn’t it supposed to be super healthy?
Usually, granola, while often marketed as a healthy, quick option for the first meal of the day, still contains way too many calories and too much sugar for such a small serving.
What you could do, however, is make granola at home since you can control the amount of sugar and fat you add to it instead.
There are many low-calorie granola recipes out there, so it could even be a fun experiment, trying to make the best granola ever to suit your taste perfectly while also being healthy and nutritious.
But if you feel like you can’t be bothered or don’t have that much time to spend in the kitchen and would very much like to opt for a store-bought option, apply the same rules we have established for when you’re looking to buy any other type of cereal – make sure it’s low in sugar and high in fiber at the very minimum.
The difference is the small portions that allow you to go overboard even with the healthiest of granola brands so be careful with the amount you consume.
To be safe, ensure that you’re not eating more than one portion per day.
Now that you may know more about cereal and can make an informed decision, here are some of the best healthy brands of cereal out there, in no particular order and with links to where you can order as much as you want for your pantry!
- Alpen Muesli No Sugar Added
The Alpen Muesli No Sugar Added is a Swiss-style muesli that is able to take “breakfast to new heights” due to the super simple ingredient list.
All it contains is whole grain oats, raisins, whole grain wheat and hazelnuts – and that is all!
Simple, delicious and nutritious!
As for the nutrients, one 2/3 cup serving contains 210 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 20 mg of sodium, 7 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and no sugar!
- KIND Almond Butter Whole Grain Clusters
The KIND Almond Butter Whole Grain Clusters granola packs a lot of great flavor but it is also good for you and isn’t that what everyone wants?
This is because it contains no less than 10 grams of protein and is even gluten free.
All these cinnamon and nut flavored clusters need to make your morning is some milk and you’re already starting your day on top thanks to such a satisfactory breakfast.
More precisely, one serving contains 240 calories, 6 grams of fat, 135 mg of sodium, 38 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 7 grams of added sugar and 10 grams of protein.
- Uncle Sam Toasted Whole Wheat Berry Flakes
The Uncle Sam Toasted Whole Wheat Berry Flakes is something you may not have tried before, which is exciting in and of itself!
But what makes this option one of the most delicious and healthiest out there is that it contains 10 grams of fiber as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that will help you start the day right.
One 3/4 cup serving contains 220 calories, 140 mg sodium, 43 g carb, 6 g fat, 10 g fiber, 8 grams of protein and most importantly, zero sugar!
- Love Grown Power O’s
Love Grown Power O’s are these delicious crunchy puffs made out of navy lentil and garbanzo beans which means they are filled with plant-based protein that is super good for your body and health in general!
Furthermore, you’ll be pleased to learn that there is no added sugar in this product and you also won’t have to worry about it tasting like beans because that is definitely not the case.
They are corn and gluten free and are also available in chocolate and cinnamon flavors as well.
One 1/4 cup serving contains 130 cal, 115 mg sodium, 28g carb, 1g fat, 5 g fiber, 6 grams of protein and no added sugar.
- Back to Nature Gluten Free Granola
The Back to Nature Gluten Free Granola is plant based as well as gluten free and contains no hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup!
The ingredient list is really short as well and you will be pleased to find out that you can get around 7 grams of fiber every time you have a serving.
More precisely, one 1/2 cup serving contains 5 g of fat, 200 calories, 20 mg sodium, 37 g carb, 10 g of added sugar, 7 grams of fiber and 5 of protein!
While you may be worried about the added sugar, everything else this brand of cereal has to offer more than makes up for it so it can still be considered a healthy option for your morning routine.
- Forager Organic Grain-free Os
The Forager Organic Grain-free Os are crunchy and made with cassava flour and navy beans which means they are packed with plant-based protein and fiber!
Not only that but it comes in quite a few different flavor variations including cinnamon, chocolate and even plain so you can pick the one you like most!
Plus, those flavors will certainly remind you of your childhood days.
If you would like to add some more flavor to it, you are free to throw in some berries or a sliced banana.
As for the nutrients it provides, one cup serving contains no more than 110 calories, 1 gram of fat, 5 mg of sodium, 26 grams of carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g of added sugar and 4 grams of protein.
- Nature’s Path Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch
The “Nature’s Path Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch” is like raisin bran upgrade thanks to the flax plus version from this brand.
It is not only organic but it is also packed with delicious and protein-rich pumpkin seeds.
Furthermore, it has no more than 7 grams of added sugar per one cup serving.
The flax seeds provide a nutritional boost as well due to the healthy ALA Omega-3s in them.
One cup serving contains 230 calories, 5 g of fat, 160 mg of sodium, 44 g of carbs, 8 g of fiber and 6 g of protein.
- Barbara’s Puffins Honey Rice
Barbara’s Puffins Honey Rice is a great option for those who prefer a gluten-free cereal.
Not only that but it is also Non-GMO and made with whole grain brown rice. Oh, and it also contains zero artificial ingredients!
It just doesn’t get healthier than this!
One 3/4 cup serving has 120 calories, 3 g of fiber, 6 g of sugar, and 2 g of protein.
- Love Grown Original Power O’s
Love Grown Original Power O’s is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and is made out of lentils and beans.
One cup serving contains 130 calories, 4 g of fiber, 2 g of sugar and 6 g of protein.
- Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Original
The “Ezekiel 4:9 Organic Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal” is USDA organic and made out of legumes, sprouted live grains and contains no flour!
If you are looking for a super healthy and unique option, this might just be the one for you.
However, just keep in mind that it is a little bland so if you are not a fan of that, it works great mixed with another cereal 50-50.
This could actually lead to some great taste mix and matching as this brand also features other flavors such as Almond and Golden Flax, to just name a couple.
As for what it has to offer, the recommended 1/2 cup serving features only 190 calories, 6 g of fiber, 8 g of protein and no sugar.
- Purely Elizabeth Granola
The Purely Elizabeth Granola is USDA organic, non-GMO and made with chia, amaranth and quinoa.
If you are looking for a low sugar way to get your favorite granola every day, this is a really healthy cereal option that you will definitely enjoy.
One 1/3 cup serving features 140 calories, 2 g of fiber, 6 g of sugar and 3 g of protein.
- Nature’s Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran
Nature’s Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran may be a little higher in calories but if you are a big fan of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, which has a lot of sugar (18 grams per serving) you might really benefit from replacing it with this alternative!
This is because it contains significantly less sugar, 10.4 grams (only 4.8 of it being added sugar) as well as 168 calories per the one cup serving.
It also has 7.2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.
- Bear Naked Fit Vanilla Almond Crunch Granola
The Bear Naked Fit Vanilla Almond Crunch Granola are super crunchy clusters with whole grain oats and delicious almonds.
They are also non-GMO!
One 1/4 cup serving has no more than 120 calories 2 g of fiber, 3 g of sugar and 3 g of protein.
If you are looking for a low sugar and low calorie granola, this is a great choice!
- KIND Granola Oats & Honey
Furthermore, you’ll also be happy to hear that it is non-GMP, gluten free and tastes great as a topping for a Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl.
One serving of 1/3 of a cup gives you no more than 120 calories, 2 g of fiber, 5 g of sugar and 2 g of protein.
- Forager Grain-Free Cereal
The Forager Grain-Free Cereal is one of the best healthy cereals on the market!
This is because it is 100 percent organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, paleo, vegan and vegetarian friendly and low in sugar. Basically, no matter your diet, you can not only eat this but will get a lot of benefits out of doing so.
The ingredients listed are also super clean, some of them being cassava root and navy beans, both of which are good for you.
It comes in three different flavors – plain, chocolate and cinnamon, the latter of which tastes a lot like a healthier version of cinnamon toast crunch!
One cup serving of this has only 110 calories, 4 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fiber 4 of protein!
- One Degree Foods Organic Sprouted O’s
The One Degree Foods Organic Sprouted O’s is a whole-grain cereal and probably the healthiest alternative to Cheerios!
It is completely organic, non-GMO and vegan.
As the name suggests, it is made with sprouted whole oat flour and sprouted chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans.
This is pretty great due to the fact that sprouting unlocks stored vitamins and minerals naturally, making it easier to digest.
One serving of 3/4 cup has no more than 110 calories 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.
- McCann’s Irish Steel Cut Oats
McCann’s Irish Steel Cut Oats contains a lot of vitamins, fiber and minerals, all necessary for a healthy and productive life.
Eating a diet rich in whole grains and other plants can significantly reduce your risk of a great number of illnesses out there which means oats make for a super versatile meal.
Aside from that it is perfect for the busiest of people as it is able to provide you with a hot breakfast in just minutes.
And that’s not even all! To make it even more convenient, they actually come in microwavable cups!
- KASHI by Kids Super Loops
The KASHI by Kids Super Loops make the list, surprisingly enough.
As delicious as they are, they actually only have 8 grams of added sugar for each 1 cup serving.
Not only that but they are also a great source of fiber, they are USDA Organic and even come in a chocolate variety!
One cup of this cereal will provide you with 140 calories, 2 g of fat, 135 mg of sodium, 30 g of carbs, 3 g of fiber, 8 g of added sugar and 4 g of protein.
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- Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola
Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola is one of the most nutritious as well as delicious granola on the market!
Every bite is full of flavor, allowing you to enjoy the feeling fall brings all year round thanks to the pumpkin goodness!
In fact, Purely Elizabeth offers a great line of different granola flavors all of which are low in added sugar.
This one, in particular, only has 5 grams of added sugar, 140 calories, 6 g of fat, 135 mg sodium, 17 g of carb, 2 of g fiber, 5 g of added sugar and 3 g of protein per serving.
- Cheerios Original
That’s right! Cheerios Original is pretty healthy since it is made from 100 percent whole grain oats and only has 2 grams of added sugar!
With that being said, one 1/2 cup serving contains 140 calories, 190 mg of sodium, 29 g of carbs, 4 g of fiber, 2 g of added sugar and 5 g of protein!
- Quaker Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares
The Quaker Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares are pretty much just like oatmeal but in cereal form!
Each serving contains 46 grams of whole grains which will take care of no less than 96 percent of your minimum whole grain needs!
One cup serving of this delicious breakfast food contains 210 calories, 3 g of fat, 190 mg of sodium, 44 g of carbs, 5 g of fiber, 9 g of added sugar and 6 g of protein.
- HighKey Protein Cereal
The HighKey Protein Cereal is very flavorful, tasting just like a bowl of cocoa pebbles all the while being gluten and grain free!
Thanks to the erythritol and monk fruit it tastes really suit without the need for any added sugar.
Furthermore, it contains no less than 10 grams of protein for each half cup serving.
You will also be pleased to learn that it comes in frosted, fruity and cinnamon flavors.
One 1/2 cup serving has 90 calories, 5 g of fat, 25 mg of sodium, 11 g of carbs, 3 g of fiber and 10 g of protein.
- Purely Elizabeth Superfood Oatmeal
Purely Elizabeth Superfood Oatmeal is a vegan and gluten free breakfast food.
The cups are filled with delicious and nutritious ingredients such as quinoa, chia seeds and hemp seeds.
To make it even yummier, you could always add a scoop of nut butter and some cinnamon but if that’s too much of a bother, it also comes in apple cinnamon and is just as healthy!
One cup serving has 230 calories, 7 g of fat, 60 mg of sodium, 36 g of carb, 6 g of fiber, 3 g of added sugar and 7 g of protein.
- Nature’s Path Qi’a Cocoa Coconut Superflakes
Nature’s Path Qi’a Cocoa Coconut Superflakes is a crunchy breakfast food made out of sprouted grains.
It is gluten free and filled with nutritious plant based ingredients.
Furthermore, each serving contains no less than 6 grams of protein and another 6 grams of fiber!
The other nutritional values are: 240 calories, 7 grams of fat, 100 mg of sodium, 39 g of carbs, and 6 g of sugar.
- Nature’s Path Maple Pecan Crunch Cereal
Nature’s Path Maple Pecan Crunch Cereal manages to still taste decadent thanks to the real maple syrup added to this flax cereal.
However, rest assured that there is nothing unhealthy about 25 grams of whole grains and 5 grams of fiber!
In addition to that, it is USDA Organic and non-GMO Project verified as well!
One cup serving contains 240 calories, 210 mg of sodium, 41 g of carbs, 5 g of fiber, 9 g of added sugar and 7 g of protein.
- Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins
Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins are sprinkled-cinnamon corn puffs that many children adore!
However, that is not to say you can’t indulge in them if you are an adult.
The crunch and flavor of these corn puffs are really great and you will be pleased to learn that they only contain 6 grams of sugar!
If you feel like you need some extra protein in the morning, make sure to add your favorite seeds or nuts to the bowl and problem solved!
A one cup serving of this contains 130 calories, only 1 gram of fat, 190 mg of sodium, 32 g of carbs, 6 g of fiber, 6 g of added sugar and 3 g of protein.
- Cascadian Farm Vanilla Chia Crunch
A ¼ cup of Cascadian Farm Vanilla Chia Crunch provides you with no less than 28 grams of whole grain and 5 grams of fiber!
Not only that but there isn’t too much sugar in it that it’s bad for you either so this cereal definitely counts as a healthy option!
Furthermore, for a boost of protein and fiber, it also contains chia seeds.
And to top it all off, it has a really nice vanilla flavor!
A 1/4 cup serving contains 270 calories, 4 grams of fat, 120 mg of sodium, 52 g of carbs, 5 g of fiber, 10 g of added sugar and 6 g of protein.
- Bob’s Red Mill Classic Gluten-Free Oatmeal
Bob’s Red Mill Classic Gluten-Free Oatmeal is great for those who are always in a rush in the morning.
This is because it is all ready and perfectly proportioned in a to-go cup containing gluten free rolled oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds as well as a little sea salt to enhance the flavor!
It is a great 2-minute hot meal you can totally eat plain or add some antioxidant-rich blueberries, depending on your taste.
One container has 210 calories, 5 g of fat, 160 mg of sodium, 33 g of carb, 7 g of fiber, 7 g of protein and no added sugar!
- Nature’s Path Organic Puffed Kamut
Nature’s Path Organic Puffed Kamut contains one single ingredient, which is perfect if you are planning on taking care of your health!
The ingredient is organic whole grain Kamut Khorasan wheat and the product itself does not contain any artificial flavoring, colors or preservatives.
It is also certified USDA organic, non-GMO and vegan friendly.
One cup of this has only 50 calories as well as 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and no added sugar!
- Three Wishes Unsweetened Protein Cereal
Three Wishes Unsweetened Protein Cereal is vegan, grain free, has no sugar, is gluten free, paleo friendly and high in protein!
In fact, there are only 4 simple ingredients: tapioca, chickpeas, pea protein and salt!
Furthermore, it is a breakfast food high in both fiber and protein and low in carbs.
More precisely, one cup contains 146 calories, 3 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of protein!
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