Skip to content

Top Navigation

Shape Shape
  • Fitness
  • Health and Wellness
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Fashion and Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • News and Trends
  • About SHAPE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Log Out
Login
Pin FB

Explore Shape

Shape Shape
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best Inner-Thigh Exercises of All Time

      The Best Inner-Thigh Exercises of All Time

      16 trainer approved thigh exercises Read More
    • Why You're Gaining Weight While Working Out and Eating Well

      Why You're Gaining Weight While Working Out and Eating Well

      Gaining weight while working out is totally normal. Here's what you need to know about that number on the scale post-sweat sesh. Read More
    • Ultimate Guide to Strength Training for Beginners

      Ultimate Guide to Strength Training for Beginners

      This total-body beginner weight lifting routine is the easiest way to ease into strength training as a newbie. Read More
  • Fitness

    Fitness

    See All Fitness
    Here's What a Perfectly Balanced Weekly Workout Schedule Looks Like

    Here's What a Perfectly Balanced Weekly Workout Schedule Looks Like

    Follow this expert-backed gym regimen to give your results a major boost.
    • Workouts
    • Cardio
    • Strength Training
    • Bodyweight Training
    • Yoga
    • Exercise Recovery
    • Low Impact
    • Race Training
    • Workout Trends
    • Motivation
  • Health and Wellness

    Health and Wellness

    See All Health and Wellness
    The Best Foods for Hair Growth, According to Dietitians

    The Best Foods for Hair Growth, According to Dietitians

    While your diet is only one factor to determine how fast your hair grows, there are certain foods that experts say can speed up the process. Learn how to support your stands from the inside out.
    • Sleep
    • Sleep
    • Mental Health
    • Healthy IRL
  • Food & Nutrition

    Food & Nutrition

    See All Food & Nutrition
    Is It Better to Drink a Protein Shake Before or After a Workout?

    Is It Better to Drink a Protein Shake Before or After a Workout?

    Protein is essential for building bigger and stronger muscles, but the timing of your intake depends on your own nutritional needs.
    • Meal Ideas
    • Low Calorie Diet
    • Healthy Snacks
    • Diets
    • Healthy Breakfast
    • Vegetarian, Vegan, and Plant Based Diets
  • Fashion and Beauty

    Fashion and Beauty

    What Happens When You Stop Wearing a Bra?

    What Happens When You Stop Wearing a Bra?

    There's nothing quite like taking your bra off at the end of the day, but does not wearing a bra altogether cause sagging? Here's what the experts have to say.
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
    • Apparel and Gear
    • Skin Care
    • Workout Clothes
    • Beauty Files
    • Workout Gear
    • Body Care
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    The Complete Guide to Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings

    The Complete Guide to Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings

    From fiery, competitive Aries to empathic, psychic Pisces, here's your complete guide to all 12 zodiac signs dates and their meanings.
    • Astrology
    • Relationships
    • Travel and Retreats
  • News and Trends

    News and Trends

    See All News and Trends
    • Celebrity News
    • Celebrity Workouts
  • About SHAPE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Log Out
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Shape.com
  2. Food & Nutrition
  3. Meal Ideas
  4. The Best Healthy Cereal Options Out There

The Best Healthy Cereal Options Out There

Photo of Elizabeth Bacharach
By Elizabeth Bacharach Updated May 16, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
These Are the Best Healthy Cereal Options Out There , Pouring Milk Into A Bowl With Cornflakes Cereals. Cereals And Milk Isolated On A Blue Background
Credit: Getty Images

While they might not have technicolor marshmallows or copious amounts of cinnamon, these healthy cereal brands are just as sweet — and far more nutritious.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

The Health Benefits of Cereal

These Are the Best Healthy Cereal Options Out There , Pouring Milk Into A Bowl With Cornflakes Cereals. Cereals And Milk Isolated On A Blue Background
Credit: Getty Images

Good news for cereal eaters: Eating enough whole grains and cereal fibers may reduce your risk of early death, mostly due to a lowered chance of developing illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disease, according to a 2015 study in BMC Medicine. The ideal number? The research suggests that people eating 1,800 calories should aim for about 53 grams of whole grains a day. 

But don't start filling your cart with every box on the shelf. The emphasis here is on "whole" — grains without the word "whole" listed in front have been processed and thus, lost most of their disease-fighting nutrients, as Shape previously reported. Plus, most varieties are covered in sugar, defeating the purpose of eating cereal for a healthy breakfast.  

And folks that are gluten- and grain-free are in luck: There are plenty of healthy cereals for you, too. Just be sure to also steer clear of those with too much sugar and opt for picks packed with nutrient-rich ingredients (think: protein, fiber, and antioxidants).

Ahead, 10 of the best healthy cereals (including plenty of delicious whole grain cereal picks) to fill up your morning —and, okay, sometimes dinner — bowl. 

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

General Mills Cheerios

General Mills Cheerios
Credit: General Mills

Think General Mills Cheerios are just for children? Think again. These classic o's are made from whole grain oats, which contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that a 2015 study found to help slow digestion, increase satiety, and suppress appetite. In other words, a bowl of this whole grain cereal will keep you full for hours (or at least until lunchtime comes a-knocking). And while there is some added sugar in these crunchy circles, it only stacks up to about 2 grams a bowl. 

2 of 11

3 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Kashi GO Original Cereal

Kashi GoLean Original Breakfast Cereal

When it comes to healthy cereal brands, look no further than Kashi, which boasts a bounty of good-for-you breakfast options. Kashi's healthiest creation, however, is the protein-packed GO Original Cereal. With 11 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per serving, this slightly-sweetened whole grain cereal features a mix of whole grain puffs, fiber twigs, and soy protein grahams that offers almost half of your daily recommended serving of fiber and nearly 20 percent of your daily protein needs. Meaning, eating a bowl of this best cereal in the a.m. will make you feel like you've already accomplished a ton for the day — and all before sitting down at your desk.

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Three Wishes Honey Grain-Free Cereal

Three Wishes Honey Grain-Free Cereal

Just because you're gluten- or grain-free doesn't mean you can't enjoy some of the best healthy cereals, too. Made of chickpea flour, pea protein, and tapioca, Three Wishes Honey Grain-Free Cereal offers 8 grams of protein per (wheat-free!) serving. And while every spoonful is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, you're only slurping up about 3 grams of sugar. 

4 of 11

5 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Nature's Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes

Natures Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes

Organic wheat, oat bran, and flax flakes team up to create a delightfully crunchy breakfast that's sure to help you start the day off on the right foot. After all, a bowl of Nature's Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes has 16 grams of whole grains, 5 grams of plant protein, 7 grams of fiber, and lots of omega-3 fatty acids. Fun fact: Omega-3 fatty acids have been directly linked to decreasing anxiety, among delivering other perks too. (See more: 9 Foods That Can Help Ease Anxiety)

5 of 11

6 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Golden Flax

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Golden Flax
Credit: Ezekiel

One of the least processed options on this list, Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Golden Flax packs several whole grains — wheat, sprouted barley, sprouted millet, and sprouted spelt — into each box. Not only will these ingredients fill you up and promote a healthy digestive system, but some (see: ancient grain millet) are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. What's more, this whole grain cereal also boasts 8 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar in each 1/2 cup serving. 

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Post Grape-Nuts

<p>Like a fine wine, Grape-Nuts get better with age. Since 1897, this whole grain cereal has continued to be a breakfast staple in countless kitchens across America &mdash; and for good reason. Not only does it feature &mdash; you guessed it &mdash; whole grain wheat flour (aka an all-star a.m. ingredient), but it also offers a slew of vitamins and minerals. And while grape lovers might be disappointed by the somewhat misleading name, it's hard not to appreciate that the healthy cereal also makes for an A+ yogurt topping.</p>

Like a fine wine, Grape-Nuts get better with age. Since 1897, this whole grain cereal has continued to be a breakfast staple in countless kitchens across America — and for good reason. Not only does it feature — you guessed it — whole grain wheat flour (aka an all-star a.m. ingredient), but it also offers a slew of vitamins and minerals. And while grape lovers might be disappointed by the somewhat misleading name, it's hard not to appreciate that the healthy cereal also makes for an A+ yogurt topping.

7 of 11

8 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Kellogg's Special K Protein

<p>Not only is Special K Protein a great source of whole grains, but this bowl also boasts a whopping 15 grams of protein &mdash; without even factoring in the milk. It is, however, a bit on the higher end when it comes to sugar (8 grams per serving). So, if you're looking to curb your intake of the sweet stuff, this might not be the absolute best healthy cereal for you. </p>

Not only is Special K Protein a great source of whole grains, but this bowl also boasts a whopping 15 grams of protein — without even factoring in the milk. It is, however, a bit on the higher end when it comes to sugar (8 grams per serving). So, if you're looking to curb your intake of the sweet stuff, this might not be the absolute best healthy cereal for you. 

8 of 11

9 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Magic Spoon Frosted Cereal

magic-spoon

If you're following a low-carb diet, you might be wondering, "what is the healthiest cereal for me?" Meet: Magic Spoon Frosted Cereal, a grain-free pick packed (and I mean packed) with protein. One cup of the healthy cereal brand's frosted variety has 13 grams of protein, 4 grams of net carbs, and 0 (!!) grams of sugar. (Related: Celebs Are Loving Magic Spoon, the New High-Protein Cereal Brand) 

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Alpen No Sugar Added Muesli

Alpen No Sugar Added
Credit: Alpen

Alpen No Sugar Added Museli contains rolled oats, whole grain wheat flakes, hazelnuts, almonds, and raisins for a sweet-and-crunchy breakfast. As its name implies, this whole grain cereal is also free of added sugars, so you can feel especially good about downing a bowl before heading off to work. And while it boasts 8 grams of protein per serving, you can take each spoonful to the next level by mixing it with Greek yogurt. 

10 of 11

11 of 11

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cascadian Farm Hearty Morning

cascadia-farms-healthy-cereal-whole-grains
Credit: Amazon

By now you (hopefully!) realize that there's no one "best healthy cereal." But Cascadian Farm Hearty Morning, a nutrient-rich pick, comes close. With whole grain wheat flakes, granola clusters made from whole grain oats, and crunchy bran, this healthy breakfast cereal is practically overflowing with whole grains — 30 grams per serving, to be exact. It's also full of fiber, so you can rest easy at night knowing a satiating (digestive-helping!) breakfast is waiting for you come morning. 

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Elizabeth Bacharach

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11 The Health Benefits of Cereal
    2 of 11 General Mills Cheerios
    3 of 11 Kashi GO Original Cereal
    4 of 11 Three Wishes Honey Grain-Free Cereal
    5 of 11 Nature's Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes
    6 of 11 Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Golden Flax
    7 of 11 Post Grape-Nuts
    8 of 11 Kellogg's Special K Protein
    9 of 11 Magic Spoon Frosted Cereal
    10 of 11 Alpen No Sugar Added Muesli
    11 of 11 Cascadian Farm Hearty Morning

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Shape

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithShape is part of the Instyle Beauty Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Shape. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.shape.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Healthy Cereal Options Out There
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.