Don't always believe the hype on cereal boxes. We set the nutrition facts straight and found the healthiest (and unhealthiest) cereals at the supermarket.
The 5 Healthiest Cereals You Can Eat (Plus, 5 You Should Avoid!)
Updated on Nov. 09, 2023
In general, to choose a healthy cereal, you’ll to do a little investigating on the food label. Don’t always believe the hype on cereal boxes. Get those nutrition facts. What should you look for? First, check out the fiber content. Your goal should be at least 4 grams of fiber in a serving. Second, the less added sugar, the better. So, aim for less than 8 total grams to keep added sugar at a minimum. Third, go for whole grain ingredients. We’ve done a little investigating ourselves to find the most healthy cereals on the market.
The 5 Healthiest Cereals
Shredded Wheat
Those classic big biscuits have graced breakfast bowls for decades. With an impressive 6 grams of fiber and a super short list of ingredients (wheat and one preservative), shredded wheat is a super healthy cereal. Top it with fresh or frozen berries for an extra boost of antioxidants and fiber. Filling, simple and delicious. Find more healthy breakfasts here.
Oatmeal
It’s true that the soluble fiber in oatmeal assists in lowering cholesterol levels. Another beautiful fact about oatmeal is that it’s a blank canvas. Try a bowl of steel-cut oats with crunchy walnuts and dried cranberries or a savory version of quick oats with spices and avocado; the options really are endless. Try these Grandma-approved oatmeal recipes.
Barbara’s High Fiber Cereal
As a northern California company that started small over 40 years ago, Barbara’s is committed to simple and wholesome ingredients. The High Fiber Medley provides an incredible 14 grams of fiber per serving, with 5 grams of protein. A variety of whole grains–including oats, wheat and corn–combine into a crunchy and nutritious morning meal.
Cheerios
Skip the flavored varieties and stick to the classic O’s loved by all ages. Cheerios contain only 100 calories per serving and 3 grams of fiber. Bonus–this healthy cereal is a great source of several vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and folic acid. Super versatile, Cheerios can be used in snack mixes, granola bar recipes or snacks for your toddler straight out of the package.
Fiber One
One of the highest fiber cereals you can find, Fiber One offers 14 grams in just a ½-cup serving. It’s slightly sweetened with sucralose, so none of that yucky high fructose corn syrup. Fiber One recipes for muffins, bars, breads and snack mixes are abundant. As a breakfast cereal, it’ll keep you full for hours.
The 5 Cereals You May Want to Avoid
Sugary cereals laden with marshmallows and chocolate are obviously poor choices. But, these are sneakier–they sound great, but really aren’t so hot if you’re looking for the most nutritious bowl. Save these cereals for a once-in-a-while breakfasts.
Granola
Sure, there are healthy versions out there, but diligence in label reading is a must. Avoid the ultra-sweet clusters, which tend to be high in fat and sugar. Excessive amounts of nuts, dried fruits and seeds amp up the calorie level. A little of these gems are wonderful, but too much of a good thing is real. Don’t use up all of your calories in your first meal of the day. Try making your own (it’s easy)!
Cracklin’ Oat Bran
The name sounds like a super heart-healthy cereal, right? Look closely: One serving has 4 grams of saturated fat (as much as a teaspoon of butter) and 19 grams of sugar (that’s nearly 4 teaspoons)!
Sugary Raisin Bran
Unfortunately, several raisin bran manufacturers coat their raisins in sugar, bursting the limit for a breakfast cereal. If you like the high fiber, naturally-sweet flavor of raisins in your cereal, add natural raisins to your cereal yourself. You’ll save lots of calories from excess sugar and still reap the fiber benefits of the dried fruit.
Kellogg’s Smart Start
Despite its intelligent sounding name, it’s not a smart choice at all. With 14 grams of sugar in a serving, the antioxidants and protein it touts on the box just aren’t worth it.
So, remember, don’t believe the hype on the front of the box. Take time to read the nutrition label and ingredients to find the smartest cereal choices out there. And don’t forget to use low-fat or fat-free milk over your cereal and top it off with some fresh berries for even more nutrition.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Cereal Isn't Just for Breakfast
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookie BarsPeanut Butter Cornflake Bars were one of my favorite treats when I was a little girl. They are very versatile. A friend likes to spread a cup of melted chocolate chips over the top. Be sure to let the chocolate set before cutting into these simply delicious bars. —Laura Campbell, Lisbon, Maine
Easy Crunch Berry PieThis is a fresh, simple approach to making a company-worthy pie. The playful Cap’n Crunch cereal crust is fun to bite into, and it’s the perfect complement to a mixed berry no-bake filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cereal & Milk Ice Cream SandwichesI got this recipe from a friend when we were exchanging sourdough recipes a few years ago. These soft sourdough biscuits are best enjoyed straight from the oven. — Stephanie Church, Delaware, Ohio
Caliente Christmas Cheese CrispsTo fire up the crowd, I pack these homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and French-fried onion rings. Dunk them in picante sauce. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Ranger CookiesThese golden brown ranger cookies are crispy on the outside and cakelike on the inside. Their tasty blend of oats, rice cereal, coconut and brown sugar have made them one of our favorite cookie recipes. You won't be able to eat just one. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Fried Ice CreamMake this Mexican restaurant-style dessert at home! Drizzle hot fudge or caramel on top of this crunchy, creamy frozen treat. —Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Puppy ChowThis easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate BillionairesEveryone raves about these chocolate and caramel candies. I received the recipe from a friend while living in Texas. When we moved, I made sure this recipe made the trip with me! —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt ParfaitsFor a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids.—Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
Baked Ranch ChickenA crunchy coating of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese adds delectable flavor to this zesty ranch chicken. The golden, crispy chicken is a mainstay dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Chicken KievFrom holiday dinners to potluck suppers, this is one of my favorite meals. Folks love the mildly seasoned chicken roll-ups. —Karin Erickson, Burney, California
Nutty Rice Krispie CookiesMy mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they're super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida
S'mores BarsOne night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Fruity Pebbles CheesecakeThis luscious dessert combines classic cheesecake with the nostalgia of a beloved cereal. Fruity Pebbles grace both the crust and the creamy, fruity filling, plus add a colorful, confetti-like pop on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ice Cream Cone TreatsI came up with this recipe as a way for my grandkids to enjoy Rice Krispies treats without getting sticky hands. You can also pack the cereal mixture into paper cups and insert a wooden pop stick to create pops. —Mabel Nolan, Vancouver, Washington
White Chocolate Chex MixYou won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Peanut Butter Cereal TreatsKids will love these colorful, crunchy bars. They’re a fun twist on the traditional marshmallow crispy treats…and because they’re so easy, older kids could whip up a batch on their own! —Christie Porter, Shipshewana, Indiana
Cornflake-Coated Crispy BaconI've loved my aunt's crispy-coated bacon ever since I was a child. Now I've shared the super simple recipe with my own children. We still enjoy a big panful every Christmas morning—and on many other days throughout the year! —Brenda Severson, Norman, Oklahoma
Frozen Banana Cereal PopsWhen we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Christmas Crunch CandyTreat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it's loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy BallsThese simple and tasty peanut butter Rice Krispie balls only require five ingredients.
Chocolate Malt Crispy BarsThese chunky, chewy squares are a feast for the eyes. Malted milk flavor coats this treat from top to bottom. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Crispy Pretzel BarsI often make a big batch of these peanut butter-flavored cereal bars on days that I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Kids especially love them, so they're great for picnics, potlucks and school bake sales. —Jane Thompson, Eureka, Illinois
Funeral PotatoesOn holidays, a friend serves these creamy, cheesy potatoes when we gather together to celebrate with lifelong friends and grown children. —Carol Blue, Barnesville, Pennsylvania
Air-Fryer Fish and ChipsLooking for easy air-fryer recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Cottage PotatoesI often make this crunchy and colorful potato dish for our family reunions. It's my cousin's recipe, and we always know we'll never have any leftovers. —Mary C. Sholtis, Ashtabula, Ohio
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar GlazeThese smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
French Toast SticksFrench toast sticks are the perfect kid-friendly, make-ahead breakfast. Simply prep the sticks and freeze them, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Fudge Sundae PieMy son always asks for this guilt-free frozen yogurt pie for his birthday. Complete with peanut butter, fudge topping and nuts, it tastes ice cream parlor–good … but it's healthier. —Margaret Hanson-Maddox, Montpelier, Indiana
Cauliflower CasseroleRelish the goodness of homemade Cauliflower Casserole with this effortless and flavorful recipe. This dish combines easy preparation with delicious comfort, perfect for family meals or any special event.
Chocolate Almond DropsSo much rich, chocolaty flavor, so little time! My trufflelike cookies are deceptively easy to make and look so elegant on a party tray. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
No-Bake Cookie Butter BlossomsChewy and sweet, these easy treats mix Rice Krispies, cookie spread and chocolate kisses in an unforgettable spin on an old favorite. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie TreatsYou can make a batch of chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats in a matter of minutes with just a bit of mixing, melting, and spreading, and then some hands-off chilling in the fridge.
Recipes with Cereal FAQ
What can I make with cereal?
You can use cereal to make everything from snack mixes and no-bake bars to casseroles and savory coatings. It’s a surprisingly versatile ingredient that adds texture and crunch to a wide variety of dishes. You can also fold it into energy bites, blend it with butter to make crusts for frozen desserts or stir it into homemade granola for added body and bite.
How can I use cereal to make family-friendly cereal snacks?
To make family-friendly cereal snacks, combine cereal with simple pantry staples like nut butter, marshmallows or dried fruit. This quick snack mix is perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacking or weekend movie nights. You can also roll the mixture into balls, shape it into bars or press it to create clusters. For extra fun, dip your cereal creation in melted chocolate and then roll it in nuts or sprinkles.
What creative cereal recipes can I make for dessert?
Creative cereal desserts range from basic bars to pies, parfaits, cookies and bite-sized treats. You can use cereal instead of graham crackers to form pie crusts, layer it into parfait cups or even press it into truffles or bonbons. Try pairing crisp rice cereal with cookie butter, chocolate and spices to create a no-bake mixture. For an easy handheld dessert, try shaping that mixture into small balls and dipping them in melted chocolate (similar to the Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls in the collection above).
How do I store desserts using cereal?
Store cereal-based desserts in an airtight container at room temperature. Consider using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Most cereal desserts will last for up to four days on the counter or up to three months in the freezer.
