10 Healthiest Breakfast Cereals

When I posted 10 Breakfast Cereals to Avoid I seemed to have suffered a sugar flashback; and the 1970s-swank, Henry Mancini jingle for Pink Panther Flakes has been stuck in my head ever since. The fuchsia frosted flakes were painfully pink and shamefully sweet, and thankfully, haven’t been seen for several decades–but what an enduring testament to marketing for kids and the girl-pleasing power of pink sugar! Today’s sock-it-to-you-with-the-sweet cereals aren’t much better, as evidenced by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity’s report on cereal nutrition–but at least some healthier options do exist.

Reading the report’s list of most nutritious cereals, I didn’t expect to find products made by the same companies responsible for some of the shady cereals which ranked as most egregious, but sure enough, there they were. Which goes to show that some of these companies are indeed making healthier options, they’re just not pushing them as diligently. Cereal companies spend more money than any other packaged food category in marketing their products to children ($229 million in 2006), which is why we may be more familiar with Post Fruity Pebbles, one of the worst offenders, than Post Shredded Wheat Spoon Size Wheat ‘n Bran, one of the best cereal choices.

Although within each brand there is a wide range, Kashi ranks as the best brand overall in terms of ingredients, according to the report. If you don’t see a cereal you eat in this list (number 1 being the healthiest), you can check the Rudd Center’s database.

10. Nature’s Path: Synergy 8 Whole Grains
Nutritional Score: 78
Artificial Sweeteners: No
Artificial Food Dyes: No
Sugar Content: 13%
Fiber Content: 17%
Sodium (Mg per 100g): 0

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Mercedes P.

11:45PM PDT on May 23, 2012

Great info, though I really don't like cereals and never buy them.

send a green star

Carol B.

6:53AM PDT on May 22, 2012

Breakfast is only a part of the daily menu. Choosing a "good" breakfast depends upon the health issues of the person getting that breakfast. The rest of the day's meals and snacks need also to chosen with care to balance things out throughout the day.

Rachel M.

5:59PM PDT on May 21, 2012

Not entirely sure I'm buying this list

Gwynethrose F.

10:33AM PDT on May 21, 2012

Okay...in this article, it states that Kashi cereals are healthy..yet in another article, it states that Kashi cereals have GMO's...so, which is it?

Jennifer P.

2:37AM PDT on May 19, 2012

Not a big cereal person, but simple Puffed Rice is a memory of my grandparents house - of course, I added a little sugar, but I was seven.

I think Pink Panther cereal (a bit before my time) was the same formula as Strawberry Shortcake cereal (c.1982). Yummy yummy pink milk!!

Please make a non wheat-based list! I'm not allergic, but I'd still like to have variety and options, especially to discuss with my allergic friends.

Terry V.

4:58PM PDT on May 16, 2012

shredded wheat makes a great snack food too

Donna H.

6:15AM PDT on May 14, 2012

Thanks for the info.

Edel C.

10:15PM PDT on May 13, 2012

They ALL contain wheat. Considering the number of coeliacs and wheat-sensitive people in the world, it seems an awfully one-sided list. I think I'll stick to my two-egg omlette, thanks.

Susanne R.

1:19AM PDT on Apr 18, 2012

Good to know! Thank you for sharing that information!

Mara C.

4:55PM PDT on Apr 14, 2012

I love shredded wheat when it gets super soggy ;D