The Top 14 Nutritious Cereals for a Healthy Start to Your Day

The 14 Healthiest Cereals You Can Eat

At Healthline, we’re all about bringing you cereal choices we truly believe in for your well-being. When you shop through our links, we might earn a small commission, but our promise remains the same: thorough research and honest recommendations. We take the time to confirm that each brand meets strict safety and quality standards, so you can start your day with confidence.

Our Careful Cereal Vetting Process

Have you ever wondered how we pick the best cereals? We dive deep into each product by:

• Checking the ingredient list to avoid any potentially harmful additives.
• Verifying that any health claims agree with current scientific research.
• Reviewing the brand’s reputation to ensure they follow industry best practices.

We do all the legwork so you can enjoy a nutritious breakfast worry-free!

A Quick Look at 14 Nutrient-Rich Cereals

Cereal is an easy and beloved breakfast option, but many store-bought choices are packed with sugar and refined ingredients. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy alternatives—whether you’re into making your own mix or picking up trusted brands at the store.

1. Oats: A timeless whole grain, oats deliver plenty of fiber and essential minerals. Enjoy them boiled with water or milk, topped with fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pro tip: Try making overnight oats for a hassle-free morning meal!
2. DIY Muesli: Mix rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to create a wholesome cereal. Unlike its baked cousin, granola, muesli is eaten raw, giving you full control over added sugars and oils.
3. Homemade Granola: When you make granola at home, you can skip the extra sugars found in store versions. Combine rolled oats, nuts, and dried fruits, then bake until crunchy. Just be mindful of the calorie count—enjoy in moderation!
4. DIY Cinnamon Crunch Cereal: Many commercial cinnamon cereals come with too much sugar. Instead, try mixing flaxseed, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and a touch of coconut oil for a lower-carb, satisfying crunch.
5. Grape Nuts: Made with just a few simple ingredients like whole grain wheat flour, Grape Nuts is rich in fiber and key minerals. Feeling adventurous? You can even try a version made with almond and coconut flours.
6. Bob’s Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli: This grain-free, gluten-free muesli uses coconut, nuts, and dried fruits to offer a high-fiber, protein-packed start to your day.
7. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals: Sprouted grains are easier to digest and boost nutrient absorption. These cereals are loaded with fiber, protein, and even potassium to support heart health.
8. Nature’s Path Organics Superfood Cereals: With super ingredients like chia seeds, buckwheat, and hemp seeds, this cereal not only fuels you with fiber and protein but also supports brain health with a boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
9. Barbara’s Shredded Wheat: Made solely from 100% whole wheat, this cereal is a rare find with no added sugars. Its simple, wholesome design provides plenty of fiber with every bite.
10. Arrowhead Mills Spelt Flakes: Crafted from a few organic ingredients without refined sugars, these flakes offer a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
11. Cauliflower “Oatmeal”: Looking for a lower-carb alternative? Swap traditional oats for riced cauliflower cooked with your favorite milk substitute, then add your favorite toppings. It’s a clever way to enjoy a nutrient boost without the extra carbs!
12. DIY Peanut Butter Puffs: Try making your own cereal treats with almond flour, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and coconut oil. These puffs are full of protein and healthy fats—just watch the portions as almond flour can be calorie-rich.
13. Love Grown Original Power O’s: Simple ingredients like brown rice and garbanzo beans come together in these O’s, providing a good balance of fiber and protein without added sugars.
14. DIY Flax Chia Cereal: Mix flax meal, chia seeds, coconut oil, and a dash of cinnamon to create squares of nutrient-dense cereal. This version is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and helps keep you feeling full longer.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring—or unhealthy! While many cereals are often packed with sugars and refined grains, making smart choices or even crafting your own mix means you can enjoy a tasty, nutritious start to your day. What’s your go-to morning cereal, and how do you like to customize it for that extra healthy twist?