There are a lot of healthy cereal options, and there are the obvious not so healthy sugar-coated cereals. However, there are some cereals that appear to be “healthy” but in actuality contain very little nutritional value.
What to Look for in a Cereal?
- Sugar: Choose cereals that do not have sugar or corn syrup listed as the first ingredient.
- Whole Grains: Choose cereals that have whole grain listed in the first few ingredients.
- Fiber and Protein: On the nutrition label look for at least 2 grams of both fiber and protein for every 100 Calories of cereal.
Recommended Cereals:
Wheaties (Original)
Total
Raisin Bran
Kix
Cheerios
Frosted Mini Wheats
All-Bran
Smart Start
Kashi (all varieties)
Honey Bunches of Oats
Bottom Line: Before choosing a cereal, read the ingredients to
make sure it is a nutritious choice.
© Randy Bird, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS and Randy Bird Sports Nutrition, 2010.
Randy Bird Sports Nutrition 
Randy, how can one know the nutritional value of homemade cereal? The plastic box used for storage has no sticker on the side,… ha, ha.
My wife makes granola for me — rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, coconut, wheat germ, brown sugar, touch of vanilla, touch of oil and water — then bake, cool, put raisins and dates on the top — store in the stickerless (no nutrition sticker) plastic container. I may have left out something.
What’s your take? Good, not good, mediocre, could be better with ( ), …
I measure out 1 1/2 cups, add 1 1/2 cups of water, cook in microwave for 6 minutes at power setting 7, then eat with milk and banana.
Roger,
I think that is an excellent cereal choice!!! You have high quality carbohydrates with protein and healthy fat. It is a very balanced breakfast! Tell your wife she is doing an excellent job!!