The Best Cereals, According to Dietitians

You've probably heard of Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted bread, and this naturally sweet almond cereal is made with the same philosophy of using simple whole grains. Our experts love the wholesome ingredients list and the filling 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving, which will keep you full until lunchtime. "This cereal is dense and hearty and has a great crunch to it," said one tester. Another noted: "It pairs well with nuts and fresh fruit for added sweetness."

Post Grape-Nuts Original is a cereal you either love or learn to love. Made from just whole-grain wheat and barley, it has an unmistakably dense, crunchy texture that holds up in milk and works well as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. One serving contains 7 grams of fiber and 52 grams of whole grains, so if you’re looking to boost your fiber intake, this pick is the way to go. It’s also high in iron and folate and kosher certified. The flavor is subtly nutty with no added sugar, and while it may not be for everyone, we appreciate its simplicity and staying power. Plus, it’s an inexpensive option that’s widely available at most grocery stores, making it easy to find and fit into your budget.

The Real Cereal Company’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps are as simple as it gets: just organic brown rice, nothing else. The flavor is mild and toasty, and the texture is super light and crunchy. One tester said they taste just like a favorite childhood cereal treat.

With 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving, it’s not the most filling cereal on its own, but it works well with yogurt, fruit or a splash of milk for a quick breakfast. We also appreciate the brand’s use of eco-friendly, post-consumer recycled packaging and USDA Organic certification. If you’re looking for a minimalist option with nothing extra, this one delivers.

This gluten-free muesli from Seven Sundays is made with straightforward, organic ingredients, including oats, sorghum, buckwheat, seeds, dried fruit and nuts. It has a naturally mild sweetness from dates and currants, with no added sugar and 8 grams of plant-based protein per serving. The texture is hearty but not heavy, making it a good option for layering into yogurt, soaking overnight or simply mixing with milk or hot water. One Amazon reviewer mentioned they typically skip breakfast but now reach for this daily because it’s quick, easy and adaptable. It’s also certified organic and vegan.

Seven Sundays also won a Good Housekeeping Snack Award for their Honey Almond Little Crispies, a fun, lightly honey-coated popped sorghum snack sprinkled with almonds that’s great for all ages.

Heritage Flakes Cereal stands out with its blend of six ancient grains, including Khorasan wheat, quinoa and millet, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor enhanced by a touch of organic honey and sea salt. It’s certified organic, non-GMO and vegetarian, making it a thoughtful choice for those seeking high-quality ingredients. We appreciate that the flakes stay crisp longer than many cereals, even after sitting in milk, adding to the overall enjoyment. With 23 grams of whole grains, 7 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving, it’s a nourishing way to start the day. Plus, the antioxidants from the ancient grains are a nice bonus.

If you're into hot cereal, Bob's Red Mill 10 Grain is one of those options that actually keeps you full. It's hearty, has a slightly nutty flavor and you can taste the mix of grains. The texture is thicker than instant oats, but in a good way, especially when paired with fruit or a splash of milk. It's packed with fiber and contains 6 grams of protein per serving, making it a good choice if you're trying to stay satisfied throughout the morning. Just know it takes a little longer to cook than typical oatmeal, but it's worth it.

A long-time staple of British breakfasts, this cereal is now available worldwide. It can be enjoyed dry or with milk. Testers report, "I love to eat this cereal dry with a spot of jam, almost as if it were toast."

This pick is heart-healthy and holds up well in a bowl of milk. We appreciate that it's lower in sugar, Non-GMO Project verified and contains an impressive 7 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving. Enjoy it as a quick snack straight from the bowl, or soak overnight for a soft, satisfying start to your day. Mix in fresh berries or a sprinkle of nuts to add a personal touch of flavor and crunch.

This pick is surprisingly solid for a grain-free, no-sugar option. It stays crisp longer than many cereals and doesn’t quickly soften or turn mushy. The flavor is very mild, so it pairs well with add-ins like berries, bananas or nut butter to boost taste and texture. With 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, it’s more filling than it looks. There are several flavors available, including Strawberry and Vanilla Frosted, plus it's great that Three Wishes use natural flavors and vegetable juice for coloring instead of artificial ingredients. If you want to reduce sugar but still enjoy a satisfying cereal, this option might be for you.

Purely Elizabeth’s Original Superfood Instant Oats are a great go-to when you want something quick but still nourishing. The mix of oats, flax, quinoa, chia, hemp and amaranth gives it a heartier texture than typical oatmeal, making it feel more satisfying. And with 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, it keeps you full between meals.

We love the convenience and how easy it is to prep: just add hot water or turn it into overnight oats with milk. It’s also gluten-free, vegan and made with straightforward ingredients. It's perfect for busy mornings when you still want to eat something you can feel good about. Purely Elizabeth makes some higher-protein oatmeal options as well, plus a line of breakfast cereals that are all a good source of fiber.