The 10 Least Healthy Breakfast Cereals & The 10 Healthiest
Which Cereals Fuel Your Day Properly?
Most of us know only too well that the vast majority of breakfast cereals on the market are really just sugar bombs, but it may still surprise you to know just how unhealthy many of them are. On the other hand, there exist genuinely healthy cereals, full of fiber and nutrients that support your health and keep you fueled and energized. Here are the 10 most unhealthy breakfast cereals and the 10 healthiest.
1. Froot Loops
Froot Loops contain artificial food dyes, which have been linked to cancer and neurobehavioral issues in children. What's more, they're an ultra-processed food packed with sugar.
2. Frosted Flakes
Frosted Flakes are one of the least healthy breakfast options due to their extremely high sugar and corn syrup content. They're also ultra-processed, lack fiber, and contain artificial dyes.
3. Apple Jacks
While Apple Jacks contain whole grains, they're still astronomically high in sugar, making them one of the least healthy breakfast cereals available. They also contain artificial flavors and dyes.
4. Lucky Charms
Any cereal that contains marshmallows can't be healthy. Lucky Charms contains slightly more fiber than some of the other cereals on this side of our list, but the sugar-to-fiber ratio is still out of whack.
5. Reese’s Puffs
Reese’s Puffs are an ultra-processed food with an excessive amount of added sugar. It contains ingredients like corn syrup, caramel coloring, and hydrogenated oils, which have been linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
6. Cap’n Crunch
Nothing as cloyingly sweet-tasting as Cap’n Crunch could possibly have any redeeming nutritional qualities. Almost half of the calories in a single serving come from sugar, and it also contains synthetic food dyes and preservatives.
7. Honey Smacks
Honey Smacks are astonishingly sugary, with around half of the cereal's weight being sugar. It also contains palm oil, which is an unhealthy fat, and is a highly processed food.
8. Fruity Pebbles
There's a whopping 12 grams of sugar for a cup serving of Fruit Pebbles. It also uses synthetic dyes, preservatives, and contains no dietary fiber.
9. Trix
Trix shouldn't even be for kids, given how unhealthy it is. Almost one-third of cereal's weight is sugar, and it contains ultra-processed ingredients.
10. Cocoa Pebbles
Cocoa Pebbles take the crown for the junkiest of junky cereals. They contain over 60 percent more sugar than the average cold cereal, are ultra-processed, and contain synthetic preservatives and additives.
Now that we've covered the least healthy breakfast cereals you can buy, let's go over the ones that are actually a healthy choice.
1. Kellogg's All-Bran
Kellogg's All-Bran cereal offers a truly smart way to start your day. It's packed with fiber, which promotes digestive health and weight management, contains B vitamins, iron, and vitamin D.
2. Nature's Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran
Another healthy breakfast choice, Nature's Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran, is a great source of whole grains and Omega-3 fatty acids. It's also free from artificial flavors and preservatives and is certified organic.
3. Bob's Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli
Bob's Red Mill Paleo-Style Muesli is packed with whole grains, fiber, and nuts, which can help stabilize blood sugar. It's also naturally sweetened by dried fruits like dates and raisins.
4. Kashi Go
Kashi Go is a healthy cereal option that's more widely available than some of the others on this list. It's high in fiber, protein, and whole grains, and low in sugar.
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5. Alpen Muesli
Alpen Muesli, particularly the "no added sugar" variety, is considered a healthy breakfast choice because it's made with whole grains, nuts, fruits, and seeds. It contains fiber, whole grains, healthy fats, and no artificial ingredients.
6. Barbara’s Original Puffins
Barbara’s Original Puffins is a great, healthier breakfast option for children. It contains added sugars, but only a moderate amount, and it's high in fiber and whole grains.
7. Cascadian Farm Mixed Berry Cereal
Cascadian Farm Mixed Berry Cereal, especially the "no added sugar" variety, is incredibly high in fiber, whole grains, B vitamins, and iron. Even the variety that contains sugar only has one gram per serving, so it's still a healthy choice.
8. Barbara's Shredded Wheat Cereal
Barbara's Shredded Wheat Cereal is a 100 percent whole grain cereal, which means it's high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains no added sugar or salt.
9. Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola Cereal
Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola Cereal is one of the healthier cereals available due to its use of high-quality ingredients. It's nutrient-dense, high in fiber, whole grains, and contains unrefined, natural sweeteners instead of regular sugar or corn syrup.
10. Post Grape-Nuts
Post Grape-Nuts is one of the healthiest cereals you can buy. It's whole grain, high-fiber, cholesterol and sugar-free, and rich in iron and folate, essential nutrients for your overall health.
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