Most 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 Most Processed Breakfast Cereal Brands
Brands ranked by highest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| 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 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Most 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
Least Processed Breakfast Cereal Brands
For comparison — brands with the lowest average processing scores.
| 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 |
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
What makes kids cereals so processed?
Kids cereals combine extrusion processing with high sugar content (10-15g per serving), artificial colors, artificial flavors, and BHT preservative — stacking multiple processing indicators.
Are granola cereals less processed?
Not always. Many granola products add significant sugar, oils, and flavorings. Some commercial granolas score higher than plain puffed cereals despite their "health food" image.
Why do healthy-looking cereals score poorly?
Marketing does not equal minimal processing. Cereals with claims like "whole grain" or "heart healthy" often still contain multiple industrial additives, hydrogenated oils, or high 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.