Least Processed Breakfast Cereal Brands
Most breakfast cereals undergo extrusion processing — a high-temperature, high-pressure industrial method that transforms grain slurries into shapes like Os, flakes, and puffs. This process destroys natural vitamins, requiring synthetic fortification afterward. Plain cereals with minimal added sugar score significantly lower.
Breakfast Cereal at a Glance
15 Least Processed Breakfast Cereal Brands
Brands ranked by lowest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loretta | 9 | 1.0 9.7 | 0 | 9 |
| 2 | War eagle mill | 6 | 1.0 7.1 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Mckaskle family farm | 5 | 1.0 8.5 | 0 | 5 |
| 4 | Avelina | 6 | 1.0 9.3 | 0 | 6 |
| 5 | Now | 8 | 1.0 8.8 | 0 | 8 |
| 6 | Congaree and penn | 8 | 1.0 7.1 | 0 | 8 |
| 7 | Farina mills | 8 | 1.0 8.8 | 0 | 8 |
| 8 | Phoebe | 12 | 1.0 9.0 | 0 | 12 |
| 9 | Sweet natural trading co. | 5 | 1.0 5.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 10 | Pocono | 5 | 1.0 7.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 11 | Michelle farms | 5 | 1.0 10.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 12 | Flahavans | 14 | 1.1 8.4 | 0 | 14 |
| 13 | Eden | 19 | 1.2 7.9 | 0 | 19 |
| 14 | Clearly | 15 | 1.3 9.7 | 0 | 15 |
| 15 | Old wessex, ltd. | 27 | 1.4 7.0 | 0 | 22 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Least Processed
Least Processed Breakfast Cereal Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Breakfast Cereal Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Check sugar per serving — under 6g indicates less processing; 10g+ is a red flag
- 2Avoid cereals with artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
- 3BHT (preservative) in the packaging liner is common but adds to processing classification
- 4"Fortified with vitamins" often means natural nutrients were destroyed during extrusion
Most Processed Breakfast Cereal Brands
For comparison — brands with the highest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshmallow fruity pebbles | 10 | 25.2 1.2 | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | Dunkin | 15 | 23.2 2.3 | 15 | 0 |
| 3 | Nutri-grain | 5 | 21.2 3.8 | 5 | 0 |
| 4 | Count chocula | 5 | 21.0 5.6 | 5 | 0 |
| 5 | Jumbo snax | 5 | 19.3 4.1 | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Little debbie | 13 | 19.3 3.4 | 13 | 0 |
| 7 | Boo berry | 6 | 19.2 6.5 | 6 | 0 |
| 8 | Peeps | 13 | 18.8 3.7 | 13 | 0 |
| 9 | Fruity pebbles | 69 | 18.3 1.8 | 69 | 0 |
| 10 | Nutter butter | 5 | 18.3 0.9 | 5 | 0 |
| 11 | Nilla | 13 | 17.9 1.6 | 13 | 0 |
| 12 | Franken berry | 9 | 17.7 6.1 | 9 | 0 |
| 13 | Granvita | 13 | 17.0 6.9 | 10 | 0 |
| 14 | The elf on the shelf | 7 | 16.6 2.8 | 7 | 0 |
| 15 | Ricolino | 7 | 16.4 2.6 | 7 | 0 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any breakfast cereals minimally processed?
Very few. Cereals like plain steel-cut oats or puffed rice with no added sugar can score Level 1-2. Most commercial cereals are Level 3-4 due to extrusion processing and added sugars.
What is cereal extrusion?
Extrusion is the industrial process that creates cereal shapes. Grain flour is mixed with water, heated to 300°F+ under pressure, and forced through shaped dies. This destroys natural vitamins and requires synthetic fortification.
Which cereals have the least sugar?
Original Cheerios (1g), plain Grape-Nuts (5g), and plain Shredded Wheat (0g) lead in low sugar. Our rankings factor in all ingredients, not just sugar content.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.