Breakfast is the first meal of the day and should not be missed. It provides us the energy and nutrition to be active throughout the day. The best cereals for kids are made to be good sources of nutrition while still being easy to prepare and serve. Cereals go well with all sorts of other foods. You may mix cereals with milk, fruits, chocolates, and more to create a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Cereals also come in a variety of flavors, which keep children interested in eating them. Let’s take you through the best cereals you can bring home for your children.
9 Best Breakfast Cereals For Kids In 2022
1. Best Sugar-Frosted: Kellogg’s Breakfast Cereal Frosted Mini-Wheats
This popular breakfast cereal is known for being covered in frosting. A regular bowl of these Frosted Mini-Wheats contains five grams of fiber. The frosting contains sugar, but the cereal is fortified with minerals and vitamins and is low in sodium. Team it up with fresh yogurt and fruits to make it a complete breakfast for your child. Here’s a detailed review video of the product to help you decide. Pros
Crunchy, bite-sized, and ready-to-eat Made of 100% whole grain No artificial colors or preservatives No high fructose corn syrup
Cons
Might be too sweet for some
2. Best Gluten-Free: Nature’s Path Millet Rice Sweetened with Fruit Juice
This vegan cereal is certified USDA organic and is devoid of GMO. Every bowl is said to offer 30g of whole grains. It has adequate fiber, no artificial colors, and is low in sugar–it has been sweetened using natural fruit juice. This breakfast cereal does not contain wheat and is gluten-free, thus making it a good choice for children who are allergic to wheat. The outer box of the breakfast cereal is made from packaging that uses fewer raw materials when compared to conventional cardboard cereal boxes. Pros
Tastes sweet and tangy Great texture No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Ideal for healthy daytime snacking
Cons
Quantity might be slightly low May have an unpleasant aftertaste
3. Best Vegan: Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola, Pumpkin Cinnamon
The key ingredients of this granola breakfast cereal for children are quinoa, millet, and chia seeds. It is gluten-free, vegan, and does not contain GMO ingredients. It is sweetened with coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. Also, the granola is baked in coconut oil that contains medium-chain fatty acids that get easily converted into energy rather than being stored as fat. Pros
Does not contain artificial flavors Available in two flavors Each ingredient adds nutritional value Suitable for keto, vegan, and paleo diets
Cons
Cinnamon flavor might not be prominent Chia seed flavor might taste a little unpleasant for some
4. Best Non-GMO: Arrowhead Mills Organic Gluten-Free Cereal, Maple Buckwheat Flakes
This buckwheat cereal is made of organic ingredients and is high in fiber. A single serving is said to contain 33g of whole grains. It derives its sweet taste from sugar and maple syrup. Thecereal is gluten-free, crunchy, and tasty, just the way children like their breakfast. If you want to know more about this product, here’s a video worth watching. Pros
Non-GMO Simple to prepare Grown without synthetic pesticides Good source of vitamin C
Cons
Might be too crunchy for some Quantity may not be sufficient
5. Best USDA-Certified: Nature’s Path EnviroKidz Koala Crisp Chocolate Cereal
Even the fussiest of eaters might find it difficult to refuse this tempting crisp chocolate cereal. The organic cereal is certified by the USDA and is free of gluten, GMO, and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It tastes best with some warm milk. So, save it for those days when your child refuses to eat in the morning and you have no option but to lure them into having breakfast. Pros
Made of rich cocoa and crispy brown rice puffs Thick, crunchy, and sweet Ideal snack for between meals Pairs well with milk
Cons
Might be a bit bland for some May not have enough fiber
6. Best Protein-Rich: Kashi GO Honey Almond Flax Crunch Breakfast Cereal
A single serving of this cereal offers nine grams of protein and eight grams of fiber. The crunchy multigrain cereal contains almonds, whole flax seeds, and oats and is free of GMO grains. Serve the cereal with milk, and your child will have a hearty breakfast. Pros
Perfect for healthy on-the-go snacking Available in a variety of flavors Great way to incorporate flaxseed into your diet Contain omega-3
Cons
Quantity might be slightly low
7. Best Kosher-Certified: Arrowhead Mills Puffed Rice Cereal
This cereal is suitable for children who are advised a gluten-free diet. Made from puffed, whole grain brown rice, a single serving contains 60 calories and no added sugar and salt. It is crunchy and tasty. This rice breakfast cereal for children is certified Kosher and does not contain trans-fats. It can be enjoyed with milk or eaten as a regular snack. Pros
No added salt High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals Generous quantity Toasty and crunchy
Cons
Quantity might be slightly low
8. Best Single Ingredient: Nature’s Path Kamut Khorasan Wheat Puffs Cereal
Wheat puffs are crunchy, tasty, and healthy. This breakfast cereal contains only one ingredient, whole Kamut Khorasan wheat. It is sugar-free, vegan, and organic. You may add milk and fruits to the cereal to make it a complete breakfast for your child. Pros
Eco-friendly bags No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives Wholesome mid-day snack Suitable for those with sensitive stomach
Cons
Might contain some husk
9. Best Low-Fat: Barbara’s Bakery Puffins Cereal
This high-fiber breakfast cereal is made from corn and oats. A single serving contains five grams of fiber. It is low in sodium, fat, and sugar and does not contain GMO ingredients. It may be a good option for children with food allergies. You can serve the cereal with milk, banana, and brown sugar to make it a tasty breakfast. Pros
Available in many flavors Can be used for other snack recipes Does not taste too sweet Sweetened with molasses
Cons
Might be too crunchy for some
Packaged Cereals vis-à-vis Homemade Breakfast
Dr. Robert Murray of the American Academy of Pediatrics says, “Ideally, the first meal of the day should include a mix of servings chosen from a few of the five food groups (fruits, veggies, grains, dairy, and quality proteins), each high in nutritional value. Carbohydrates provide fuel, while proteins and fats provide energy and satiety over time (1).” A traditional American breakfast of eggs, yogurt, fruit smoothie, and whole-grain toast can provide most of the nutrients your child needs. But what do you do when you have an important meeting to attend and are already running late? There are times when it is not possible to prepare an elaborate breakfast for your child. It is during such moments that packaged cereals come to the rescue. Breakfast cereals are quick to make and easy to eat. However, they are often high in sugar content (2) (3) and low in fiber, which is not an ideal breakfast option for kids. But some brands offer cereals made from whole grains and low sugar content. Though these cereals are not a replacement to a regular homemade breakfast, they can be an occasional option for a quick breakfast for the child. Jenni Hackworth, a nutritionist, states “I always have cereals in the house to snack on or eat with yogurt. It is a great addition to any breakfast and gives children the energy they need to start their school day.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
After careful analysis and research, Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, has listed the best breakfast cereals for children that every parent should know about. She has browsed multiple websites and products and considered user feedback to ensure high-quality, nutritious cereals for your child. These cereals come in various flavors and types to suit your child’s needs. Vibha has also included a buying guide to help you find the right product.
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