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 levels of sugar, sodium and added ingredients that you may prefer to avoid. Fortunately, finding tasty and healthy cereal options is easier than you think.

Most health food stores and health food sections at your local grocery store 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 carefully curated list is here to help. We've rounded up the 15 most healthy cereal options to start your day with, all of which are highly nutritious and have minimal or no added sugars, colorings and flavorings.

 Jump to Section

• Is Cereal Healthy?
• How We Choose the Healthiest Cereals
• The 15 Healthiest Breakfast Cereals To Eat
• What Is the Healthiest Cereal To Eat?

Is Cereal Healthy?

Cereals can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. Many of the healthiest cereals contain nutritious whole grains as well as protein, fiber, iron and essential vitamins and minerals. Some nutrient-dense healthy cereals even provide over 50% of your daily intake for iron, fiber and certain vitamins. 

However, it’s important to remember that not all cereals are created equal. Many cereal options at the store include lots of sugar and flavorings, making them a once-in-a-while treat instead of an everyday menu item.

As per Harvard Health Publishing, when choosing a breakfast cereal, you should look for those with whole grains and a high amount of fiber but low amounts of sugar and sodium. You’ll also want to avoid cereals that are very high in calories.

By knowing what ingredients to avoid and ensuring you choose only the healthiest cereals, you can enjoy this convenient breakfast food as part of a healthy diet.

How We Choose the Healthiest Cereals

At Cozymeal, we have extensive food industry experience, including expertise in healthy food. We are also highly concerned with providing only the most accurate, well-researched and detailed information possible to our audience. 

With over 10 years of experience in the culinary world, we’re well aware of the requirements that readers consider when searching for nutritious food options, such as the healthiest breakfast cereal. This knowledge helps in creating healthy product lists that are valuable for readers, offering them exactly the type of products they’re searching for. 

To ensure we recommend a wide variety of options via this healthy breakfast cereal list, our editorial team also undertakes in-depth research, consulting various sources. We also work with nutritionists and team members who have tasted these cereals themselves to curate experience-informed recommendations.

We additionally consult customer feedback online to finalize our suggestions, recommending only products with excellent consumer reviews.

The content also meets the following criteria.

Our guide to the healthiest cereal: 

• Features products that don’t exceed USDA daily nutrition recommendations.
• Has products that appeal to a variety of taste preferences.
• Caters to a wide range of diets, ensuring inclusivity.
• Includes products at various price points, many of which are accessible at grocery stores across the U.S. and sometimes beyond.
• Recommends cereals that receive positive reviews from consumers.

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 that we love. Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereals have a simple flavor that is still tasty, and we find this cereal pairs perfectly with added toppings like healthy 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 healthy cereal for adults is flourless, vegan and non-GMO. Additionally, it’s high in fiber, with a serving containing about 23% of your daily recommended fiber intake.

This healthy cereal additionally has 8 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. 

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Cereal Nutritional Info (per 57-gram serving)

• Calories: 240 
  
• Total Fat: 1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 160 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 35 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 8 grams

2. Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal

If you or your kids are chocolate lovers, Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal is likely one of the healthiest cereal choices that will appeal to you the most. Made with simple, natural ingredients, your family can still enjoy the chocolatey flavor and crunch in a bowl of cold milk.

This healthier cereal consists of crunchy chocolate loops made with real cocoa. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and non-GMO. Each 35-gram serving has only 3 grams of sugar; monk fruit supplies the remaining sweetness, so you keep the chocolate taste without a spike in sugar. 

Make sure to stick to the serving size — oversized bowls will drive up the sugar count. The same portion delivers 8 grams of protein and 80 milligrams of sodium. It's definitely one of the healthier cereals to go for among many sugary options at the store when looking for easy and healthy snacks for kids.

Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal Nutritional Info (per 35-gram serving)

• Calories: 130
  
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 80 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 20 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 3 grams
• Added Sugars: 3grams
• Protein: 8 grams

3. Love Grown Original Power O’s

Another of the healthiest cereals on the market that we can't recommend enough 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 its minimal and unique ingredients like navy beans, garbanzo beans and lentils. It's also popular for being vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO. Plus, many of the ingredients are known to be foods that boost the immune system, making it a great choice during winter when you want to stave off cold and flu bugs.

In terms of nutrition, a serving has 5 grams of dietary fiber, only 1 gram of sugar (0 grams of which is added sugar) and 6 grams of protein before adding milk. The only drawback is that this serving size features 5 grams of sodium, but despite that, this healthy cereal can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Love Grown Original Power O’s Nutritional Info (per 40-gram serving)

• Calories: 130
  
• Total Fat: 1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 115 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 28 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

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 7 grams of dietary fiber (about 27% of your daily needs), 6 grams of protein before adding milk and lots of other nutrients, including 80% of your daily vitamin B6. This is also the best healthy cereal to eat if you want to increase your iron intake, as one serving contains an average of 90% of your daily iron requirement.

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 healthy cereal for adults can make up part of a balanced diet.

Post Grape-Nuts Original Nutritional Info (per 58-gram serving)

• Calories: 200
  
• Total Fat: 1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 280 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 47 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Total Sugars: 5 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

5. Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans

Post has another cereal that we have to include on this list of the healthiest cereals on the market — Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans. Notably, this healthy cereal for breakfast is quite easy to find in regular grocery stores, making it a convenient choice to start your day with. 

This scrumptious cereal that's healthy is made with sweet dried raisins, sweet dates and crunchy pecans. It also features whole grains but does have a bit of added sugar (4 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 4 grams of dietary fiber, 60% of your daily iron and 4 grams of protein before milk is added.

Post Great Grains Raisins, Dates and Pecans Nutritional Info (per 54-gram serving)

• Calories: 200
  
• Total Fat: 4 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 140 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 40 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Total Sugars: 13 grams
• Added Sugars: 4 grams
• Protein: 4 grams

6. Weetabix Original Whole Grain Biscuits

A popular healthy cereal you may have grown up eating is Weetabix Original. These wheat biscuits are packed with wholegrain wheat, adding fiber and nutrients to your first meal of the day. 

A two biscuit serving of this healthy cereal includes 4.5 grams of plant-based protein and 3.8 grams of fiber. This cereal is additionally very low in fat at 0.8g, and contains 136 calories per serving. We find that this blank canvas-style cereal goes well with toppings like berries or bananas to make it an extra nutritious, healthy snack.

Do note that this healthy breakfast cereal has added sugar, with 1.7 grams of sugar in a two biscuit serving (37.5 grams) being added sugar. Each serving also contains 0.1 gram of salt. Weetabix also fortifies each biscuit with niacin, iron, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamin (vitamin B1) and folic acid.

Weetabix Original Whole Grain Biscuits Nutritional Info (per 37.5-gram serving)

• Calories: 136
  
• Total Fat: 0.8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
• Sodium: 40 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 26 grams
• Fiber: 3.8 grams
• Total Sugars: 1.7 grams
• Added Sugars: 1.7 grams
• Protein: 4.5 grams

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 healthy breakfast cereal is also gluten-free, and one serving includes 4 grams of dietary fiber and 5 grams of protein. Unfortunately, Cheerios contain added sugars. However, one serving contains just 1 gram of added sugar and 2 grams of total sugar, so this remains a great choice for those looking for a healthy cereal to start the day.

General Mills Original Cheerios Nutritional Info (per 39-gram serving)

• Calories: 140
  
• Total Fat: 2.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
• Sodium: 190 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 29 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Total Sugars: 2 grams
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 5 grams

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. We love that 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 6 grams of plant-based protein and 4 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 superfood version with the addition of dried cranberries (made with cranberries, cane sugar and sunflower oil), almonds and vanilla flavor.

Nature’s Path Organic Superfood Breakfast Topper Cereal Nutritional Info (per 30-gram serving)

• Calories: 140
  
• Total Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 14 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Total Sugars: 3 grams
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 6 grams

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 this healthy cereal for breakfast to your menu is an excellent way to go!

General Mills Total Nutritional Info (per 40-gram serving)

• Calories: 140
  
• Total Fat: 1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 190 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 33 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Added Sugars: 5 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

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, plus some of the healthiest nuts like macadamia nuts, almonds and cashews. Dried fruits, including currants, 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 supplies 3 grams protein, 4 grams dietary fiber and 3 grams sugar, 1 gram of which is added. It contains just 9 grams carbohydrates, which suits low-carb plans, but the 7 grams saturated fat — largely from coconut flakes — can be a heart-health drawback.

Bob’s Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli Nutritional Info (per 24-gram serving)

• Calories: 140
  
• Total Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 9 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Total Sugars: 3 grams
• Added Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 3 grams

11. General Mills Wheaties Protein

If you’re searching for a high-protein breakfast cereal, General Mills Wheaties is 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 3 grams of protein, but the Wheaties Protein line contains a whopping 21 to 22 grams of protein per serving.

The drawback is sodium: 220 to 230 milligrams per serving is moderate to high for a healthiest cereal. If the protein boost matters, balance the rest of the day with lower-sodium foods.

All varieties provide 4 to 6 grams of dietary fiber, plus vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Despite Wheaties and Wheaties Protein containing 4 to 6 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.

General Mills Wheaties Protein Nutritional Info (per 38-gram serving)

• Calories: 270 to 280
  
• Total Fat: 10 to 12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4 grams
• Sodium: 220 to 230 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 28 grams
• Fiber: 5 to 6 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Added Sugars: 5 grams
• Protein: 21 to 22 grams

12. Arrowhead Mills Puffed Corn

Arrowhead Mills Puffed Corn is a non-GMO cereal made with puffed wholegrain yellow corn. With just one ingredient, it has no added sugar or salt and is naturally fat free and sodium free.

A 3/4-cup (14-gram) serving supplies 60 calories, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 3 grams of protein and 0 grams of saturated fat.

You will find cereals with more protein, fiber or micronutrients, yet Arrowhead Mills Puffed Corn remains a favorite for anyone who wants a light, gluten-free base to pair with fruit, nuts or yogurt.

Arrowhead Mills Puffed Corn Nutritional Info (per 14-gram serving)

• Calories: 60
  
• Total Fat: 0.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 11 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

13. FiberOne Original Bran

Fiber One Original Bran consistently ranks among the healthiest cereal options on grocery shelves. Made from wholegrain wheat and corn bran, it offers a naturally nutty crunch that fits easily into busy mornings while supporting heart health.

A 2/3 cup serving supplies 18 grams of fiber, about 65% of the daily value, so it keeps you satisfied long after breakfast and promotes regular digestion. Despite that hefty fiber load, the cereal is lean, delivering just 90 calories, 1 gram of total fat, zero saturated fat and no added sugar.

You also pick up 3 grams of protein plus iron, folic acid and calcium, nutrients many Americans fall short on. Thanks to its mild flavor, Fiber One Original Bran works well as a stand-alone bowl with milk or as a base you can dress up with fruit, nuts or seeds for extra color and crunch.

FiberOne Original Bran Nutritional Info (per 40-gram serving)

• Calories: 90
  
• Total Fat: 1 gram
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Sodium: 140 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 33 grams
• Fiber: 18 grams
• Total Sugars: <1g gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

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.

Just remember that the nutritional profile of this healthy breakfast will depend on the liquid you use to make it, the serving size and any added ingredients. So be sure to follow a recipe that aligns with your health goals and dietary needs.

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 nutrient-rich oats, along with protein-filled nuts and fiber-packed dried fruits (keeping in mind these contain more sugar than fresh fruits). Making cereal at home also allows you to tailor it to specific dietary needs, such as creating a gluten-free granola or boosting the fiber and protein content with seeds, whole grains or legumes.

What Is The Healthiest Cereal To Eat?

Having discovered some of the healthiest cereals on the market, you may be wondering which of these 15 choices is the most healthy cereal to eat. 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 that's healthy from this list, you can guarantee a nutritious and delicious first meal of the day! 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.