Complete Breakfast Cereal Guide
Comprehensive analysis of 200 breakfast cereals from 68 brands. Compare processing levels, understand additives, and find healthier options for your morning bowl.
200
Products Analyzed
68
Brands
1.0
Avg Processing Score
7.9/10
Avg Nutrition Score
Breakfast Cereals by Processing Level
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally Processed200
Whole grain cereals with minimal additives. Best choice for health.
Processing Level: 2 out of 4 - Processed
Level 2
Processed0
Basic processing with some added ingredients. Generally acceptable.
Processing Level: 3 out of 4 - Highly Processed
Level 3
Highly Processed0
Multiple additives and processing steps. Limit consumption.
Processing Level: 4 out of 4 - Ultra-Processed
Level 4
Ultra-Processed0
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.
Old Fashioned Oats
Southern Home
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Whole Grain Old Fashioned Oats, Whole Grain
Hy-vee
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Rolled Quick Oats
Brookshire's
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Whole Grain Steel Cut Oats, Whole Grain
Hy-vee
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Old-fashioned Whole Grain Oats
Brookshire's
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Quick One Minute Oatmeal 100% Whole Grain Oat Cereal
Signature Select
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Whole Grain Quick Oats, Whole Grain
Hy-vee
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Old Fashioned 100% Whole Grain Cereal Oats, Old Fashioned Whole Grain
Big Y
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Original Quick Oats
Southern Home
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Old Fashioned 100% Whole Grain Cereal Oats, Old Fashioned Whole Grain
Big Y
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
100% Whole Grain Cereal Quick Oats
Big Y
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
Nutrition:10.0/10
Organic Rolled Oats Whole Grain
Bob's Red Mill
Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed
Level 1
Minimally ProcessedProcessing:1.0
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