Complete Breakfast Cereal Guide
Comprehensive analysis of 36405 breakfast cereals from 198 brands. Compare processing levels, understand additives, and find healthier options for your morning bowl.
36405
Products Analyzed
198
Brands
7.5
Avg Processing Score
6.0/10
Avg Nutrition Score
Breakfast Cereals by Processing Level
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed3695
Whole grain cereals with minimal additives. Best choice for health.
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed10918
Basic processing with some added ingredients. Generally acceptable.
Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
Level 3
Highly Processed13358
Multiple additives and processing steps. Limit consumption.
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed8434
Industrial formulations with many additives. Avoid when possible.
Healthiest Breakfast Cereals
These cereals have the lowest processing levels (1-2) and highest nutrition scores. Great choices for a healthy breakfast.
Original Shredded Wheat Bite Size Cereal, Original Shredded Wheat
Best Choice
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:2.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Whole Grain Organic Quick Oats, Whole Grain
Ralston Foods
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Original Instant Oatmeal, Original
Weis by Nature
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Original Oats, Original
Lasco
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Whole Grain Quick Oats
First Street
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Old Fashioned 100% Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Old Fashioned
Se Grocers
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Old Fashioned 100% Whole Grain Oats, Old Fashioned
First Street
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Organic Steel Cut Oats
Great River Organic Milling
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Mulberry & Chia Overnight Oats, Mulberry & Chia
Real Made
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
ProcessedProcessing:4.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Mulberry & Chia Overnight Oats, Mulberry & Chia
Real Made
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
ProcessedProcessing:4.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Whole Grain Wheat Cereal, Whole Grain
Signature Select
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:2.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Platki Owsiane Rolled Oats
Babcia
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:2.5
Nutrition:10.0/10
How to Choose a Healthy Cereal
✓What to Look For
- •Whole grains first: First ingredient should be whole wheat, whole oats, or whole grain corn
- •Short ingredient list: Fewer than 10 ingredients typically means less processing
- •High fiber: At least 3g fiber per serving (5g+ is excellent)
- •Low sugar: Less than 6g per serving (natural sugars from fruit are okay)
- •Minimal sodium: Less than 200mg per serving
✗Red Flags to Avoid
- •Artificial colors: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.
- •High fructose corn syrup (HFCS): Linked to metabolic issues
- •BHT/BHA preservatives: Potential health concerns
- •Hydrogenated oils: Source of trans fats
- •Sugar as first ingredient: More sugar than grains