15 Healthiest Cereals To Eat In 2025
Cereal ranks high on any list of the most popular breakfast foods but it can be a challenge to find the healthiest cereal among a slew of options at your local grocery store. Adored for its ease and convenience, cereal is a go-to breakfast solution for busy people — especially parents getting their kids out the door for school.
However, many cereals contain high sugar content, dyes and added ingredients that you may be looking to avoid. Luckily, finding tasty and healthy cereal is easier than you think. Most health food stores and health food sections at your local grocer now stock various options. You can even find some of the healthiest cereals in the main breakfast and cereal aisle at the supermarket.
So, if you find yourself questioning: "What is the healthiest breakfast cereal?", this list is here to help with 15 of the most healthy cereal options to start your day with.
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The 15 Healthiest Breakfast Cereals To Eat
1. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals
This brand by Food for Life is known for its healthy bread but also carries a line of healthy cereals. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals have a simple flavor that is still tasty and works well with added toppings like fruits or nuts. It notably features sprouted whole grains which are a little easier to digest than regular whole grains and have a bit more nutrition.
You may also be happy to know that this cereal is flourless, vegan and non-GMO. Additionally, it’s high in fiber, with a serving containing about 23% of your daily dietary fiber. This healthy cereal also has eight grams of protein per serving, making it one of the highest protein cereal options on the market. You can increase the total protein content of your breakfast by serving this cereal with milk or a high-protein plant-based milk like soy milk.
2. Nature’s Path Organic Choco Chimps
If you or your kids are chocolate lovers, Nature’s Path Organic Choco Chimps is likely one of the healthiest cereal choices that will appeal to you the most. Made with only organic and natural ingredients, your family can still enjoy chocolatey flavor and crunch in a bowl of cold milk.
This cereal consists of crunchy chocolate cornballs made with fair-trade cocoa. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, organic and non-GMO. Plus, you support animal conservation efforts when you purchase a box of this cereal, which can conveniently be found in most health food sections of the grocery store.
One drawback is that it does contain quite a bit of sugar, with a serving of Choco Chimps containing 12 grams of total sugars, 10 grams of which are added sugars. However, if you or your kids want chocolate cereal, Nature’s Path Organic Choco Chimps is one of the healthiest options at the store.
3. Love Grown Original Power O’s
Another of the healthiest cereals on the market is Love Grown Original Power O’s by Hive Brands. You can conveniently find this brand at stores like Whole Foods and online on Amazon.
This healthy cereal is loved for its lack of added sugars and minimal and unique ingredients like navy beans, garbanzo beans and lentils. It's also popular for being vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO.
In terms of nutrition, a serving has five grams of dietary fiber, only one gram of sugar (0 grams of which is added sugar) and six grams of protein before adding milk. The only drawback is that this serving size features five grams of sodium, but despite that, this healthy cereal can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
4. Post Grape-Nuts Original
Likely one of the best-known options on this list of the healthiest cereals, Post Grape-Nuts packs a lot of nutritional punch into one serving. It’s made with whole grains, is loaded with iron and is Non-GMO Project Verified. As with other cereals considered the healthiest cereals on the market, Grape-Nuts features minimal ingredients. These are whole grain wheat flour, malted barley flour, salt and dried yeast.
One serving of Grape-Nuts provides seven grams of dietary fiber (about 27% of your daily needs), six grams of protein before adding milk and lots of other nutrients, including 80% of your daily vitamin B6. One of the best features of this healthy cereal is that a serving contains an average of 90% of your daily iron, making it an ideal option for those looking to easily boost their iron intake.
The only drawback for some is the added salt, with one serving of Grape-Nuts having 12% of your daily sodium. However, unless you need to drastically reduce sodium intake, this cereal can make up part of a balanced diet.
5. Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans
Post has another cereal that many consider to be one of the healthiest cereals on the market — Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans. Notably, this cereal is quite easy to find in regular grocery stores, making it a convenient choice to start your day with.
This scrumptious cereal is made with sweet dried raisins, sweet dates and crunchy pecans. It also features whole grains but does have a bit of added sugar (four grams per 3/4 cup serving), which will be a drawback for some.
Despite the added sugar, many still consider this a healthy cereal as one serving contains 12 vitamins and minerals, plus four grams of dietary fiber, 60% of your daily iron and four grams of protein before milk is added.
6. Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes
Another popular cereal by Nature’s Path that’s also considered on of the healthiest cereals is Organic Heritage Flakes. These crunchy flakes are packed with whole ancient grains, adding fiber and nutrients to your first meal of the day.
A serving of this healthy cereal includes five grams of plant-based protein and seven grams of fiber. This cereal is additionally very low in fat, contains only 160 calories per serving and goes well with toppings like berries or bananas to make it an extra nutritious healthy snack.
Do note that this cereal has added sugar, with all five grams of sugar in a 40-gram serving being added sugar. Each serving also contains 170 mg of sodium (around 7% of your daily intake).
7. General Mills Original Cheerios
Everyone knows General Mills for America’s favorite tiny O’s! General Mills Cheerios are not just well known, they’re also one of the healthiest cereals on the market. Cheerios are loved as a heart-healthy, low-cholesterol breakfast option made with 100% whole-grain oats as the primary ingredient.
This cereal is also gluten-free and one serving includes four grams of dietary fiber and five grams of protein. Unfortunately, Cheerios contain added sugars. However, one serving contains just one gram of added sugar and two grams of total sugar, so this remains a great choice for those looking for a healthy cereal to start the day.
8. Nature’s Path Organic Superfood Breakfast Topper Cereal
While not a full breakfast cereal, Nature's Path Organic Chia, Buckwheat and Hemp Superfood Topper Cereal is an excellent choice if you’re looking to add an extra boost of nutrition to your morning meal.
As the name suggests, this topper features only chia seeds, hemp seeds and buckwheat groats. It can be enjoyed on top of another cereal or as a topper or mix-in for other breakfast foods like healthy Greek yogurt, smoothies or overnight oats.
In terms of nutrition, a serving of this healthy cereal topper includes six grams of plant-based protein and four grams of fiber and is a great source of ALA omega-3s. You can also get a cranberry vanilla version which has all the goodness of the original with the addition of dried cranberries (made with cranberries, cane sugar and sunflower oil), almonds and vanilla flavor.
9. General Mills Total
One of the first fortified cereals available in the United States, General Mills Total has maintained its place as one of the healthiest cereals in the grocery store. This whole grain flakes cereal features 11 vitamins and minerals, no colors from artificial sources and no artificial flavors.
This satisfying choice also helps with meeting a variety of your daily nutritional requirements. A serving features about 14% of your daily dietary fiber and 100% of your necessary daily iron, along with meeting 100% of your daily need for vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. If you’re looking to meet your dietary requirements in the easiest way possible, adding a bowl of Total to your daily menu is an excellent way to go!
10. Bob’s Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli
Bob’s Red Mill is known for its healthy baking ingredients but also has lots of healthy cereal options. One of the most popular and healthiest cereals this brand carries is the Paleo-Style Museli.
Not only is this healthy cereal grain-free but it also features ingredients packed with healthy oils and plant-based protein like sunflower and pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, almonds and cashews. Dried fruits, including currents, blueberries and cranberries are also added. While these add a bit of extra nutrition, they also slightly increase the sugar content of this cereal.
Overall, a serving of Bob’s Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli offers three grams of protein, four grams of dietary fiber and three grams of sugar, one gram of which is added sugar. A serving also includes just nine grams of carbohydrates, a positive for those on a low-carb diet.
11. General Mills Wheaties
If you’re searching for a high-protein breakfast cereal, General Mills Wheaties are one of the best choices. In fact, it’s known as the ‘Breakfast of Champions’ due to its low-calorie count, low sugar content, high fiber and high protein levels and the brand frequently works with professional athletes in its promotions.
This toasted whole wheat flake cereal can be purchased plain, but if you want the highest protein option, go for Wheaties Protein in honey pecan or maple almond. One serving of original Wheaties contains only three grams of proteins, but the Wheaties Protein line contains a whopping 21 to 22 grams of protein per serving.
All varieties provide four to six grams of dietary fiber, plus vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Despite Wheaties and Wheaties Protein containing four to six grams of sugar per serving, starting your day with this healthy cereal is the perfect option if you want a simple ingredient breakfast cereal with lots of added nutrients.
12. One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Ancient Maize Flakes
One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Ancient Maize Flakes is a non-GMO, non-hybridized cereal with maize that is sprouted to enhance vitamin and mineral content. It features simple ingredients along with the sprouted maize, like organic amaranth and coconut palm sugar (a low-glycemic sweetener).
Along with having a minimal ingredients list, this healthy cereal includes three grams of both dietary fiber and protein as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium. While you will find healthy cereals with more protein, fiber or minerals and nutrients than this option, Sprouted Ancient Maize Flakes are a favorite for those looking for a light and gluten-free cereal to serve with other ingredients, such as fruits, nuts or yogurt.
13. Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls Original
Another healthy cereal brought to you by Post Consumer Brands, Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls Original is a tasty option loved by adults and kids alike. Made with oats, wheat and corn, this cereal is a heart-healthy option for busy mornings. It’s also non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, and made with whole grains, making it an excellent source of fiber.
Along with five grams of fiber, each serving also contains five grams of protein and some iron, potassium and calcium. However, this cereal does contain seven grams of added sugar per serving, which may be a drawback to some.
If you have kids and like the sound of this cereal, you may also want to check out Post’s Puffins Original Cereal. This product features very similar ingredients to Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls but comes with an extra gram of fiber per serving and a cute puffin design on the box.
14. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest cereal choices even if some don’t consider it “cereal” in the traditional sense. When pondering: “What is the healthiest breakfast cereal?” you can’t go wrong with a hot bowl of oats!
What’s great about oatmeal is that it can be customized in many ways, with different flavors, mix-ins and toppings, including those that add extra nutrition like fruits or nuts. There are also a few ways to serve it, including hot from the stove, as overnight oats or as a baked oatmeal dish.
Oats are also high in antioxidants, have a good amount of fiber and are great at keeping you full until your next meal. Whether serving oatmeal with fruit toppings, whipping up a seasonal pumpkin oatmeal or trying a baked apple oatmeal as a treat, oatmeal is a healthy breakfast that almost everyone will enjoy.
15. DIY Granola
If you want to stay on top of the ingredients in your breakfast cereal, you can’t go wrong with homemade granola. Making the healthiest granola at home is also simple and fun to do!
This DIY healthiest cereal includes healthy oats, plus sweeteners of your choice, such as agave, maple syrup or coconut sugar. You can also mix in protein-filled nuts and dried fruits (remembering these have a bit more sugar than fresh fruits). Making healthy cereal at home additionally allows you to create something that works for various dietary needs, such as making a gluten-free granola.
What Is The Healthiest Cereal?
Having discovered some of the healthiest cereals on the market, you may be wondering which of these 15 choices is the healthiest. Ultimately, the healthiest option will depend on exactly what you're looking for from the cereal, such as a high-protein option, a cereal with minimal ingredients or something with no added sugars.
Overall, options like oatmeal or homemade granola are some of the healthiest choices as they are packed with nutrients and you can control what goes into the dish. Minimal ingredient options with no added sugar, such as Nature's Path Organic Chia, Buckwheat and Hemp Superfood Topper Cereal or Love Grown Original Power O’s, are also recommended for a nutritious breakfast with simple ingredients.
Those after a high-protein breakfast will want to turn to products like Wheaties Protein or Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals. Additionally, General Mills Total or Grape-Nuts Original are top choices for those looking for an iron-rich cereal.
No matter which of these cereals you go for, you’ll get a good helping of dietary fiber, plus other minerals and nutrients for an overall tasty breakfast that can be customized with fresh fruits, Greek yogurt, milk or plant-based milk and any other healthy ingredients you enjoy.
Starting your day off on a healthy note with a nutritious breakfast shouldn’t be underestimated. Cereal is not only a quick and easy food to go for, but you can also find lots of nutritious varieties on the market, packed with vitamins, minerals and other dietary essentials.
If you’ve been wondering: “What is the healthiest cereal to eat?” this list should have given you a good idea of some of the best products at the store. By selecting a cereal from this list, you can guarantee a healthy and delicious first meal of the day!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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