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8 best cereals that are actually good for you, according to nutritionists

Healthy breakfast = sorted

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When you're thinking about fixing yourself a healthy breakfast, a bowl of cereal is rarely what comes to mind. Cereal has a pretty bad reputation when it comes to added sugars, sweeteners, salt and carbohydrates, and doesn't exactly score highly on the fibre and protein scale either. Not to mention that popular cereal brands often boast health claims that have very little backing in reality (Special K diet, anyone?).

However, there's been a quiet revolution in the cereal aisle over the past few years, and there are some brilliant new brands cropping up with cereals free from refined sugars and other nasties. There are options made with whole grains for an extra fibre boost, nuts and seeds for some healthy morning fats, and even added protein.

Cereals like these make great busy morning breakfasts and are generally just great to keep in the cupboard for emergency snacks. So, with this in mind, we called on some brilliant expert nutritionists to recommend their favourite healthy cereals.

So what are the best cereals that are *actually* healthy?

The nutritionists overwhelmingly agreed that a low-sugar option was the best for getting your morning off to a healthy start.

'The morning is a really vulnerable time for your blood sugar so the lower in sugars and higher in protein the better,' says Michaella Mazzoni, nutritionist and specialist in female health, chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.

Cereals containing added fibre, healthy fats and plant diversity are a bonus, says Marilia Chamon, nutritionist and founder of Gutfulness Nutrition. 'Ingredients such as gluten-free oats, almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds provide a mix of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, while [cereal ingredients such as] chicory root act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria,' she says.

Keep scrolling for the best breakfast cereal to buy on your next food shop...

Meet the experts: Michaella Mazzoni is a registered nutritionist specialising in female health, chronic pain and autoimmune diseases. Marilia Chamon is a registered nutritionist, leading London gut health specialist and founder of Gutfulness Nutrition. Sophie Trotman is a registered nutritionist and workplace wellbeing expert. Emily Kier is a registered nutritionist who specialises in sports nutrition, and is one-half of Twice The Health on Instagram. Clarissa Lenherr is a Harley Street-based registered nutritionist specialising in gut health and IBS.

8 healthy cereals, approved by nutritionists

1

The Paleo Foods Co Low Sugar Grain-Free Granola

The Paleo Foods Co Low Sugar Grain-Free Granola
£4 at Ocado

‘I love the Paleo Foods Low Sugar Grain-Free Granola as it has a great combination of plenty of nuts and seeds which keeps you full and energised, and is a good one for those on lower carbohydrate diets,’ says Lenherr.

‘One serving provides 6.5g of fibre per bowl and 6g of protein, which is much higher than traditional cereals, which helps keep you full and satiated.

‘Although it is low in sugars, 1.8g per 40g serving, it still tastes sweet thanks to the inclusion of chicory root fibre, which provides sweetness and fibre, without added sugars.’

Per 40g serving

Calories249kcal
Carbohydrates6.1g
Fibre6.5g
Protein6g
2

Mornflake Mornflake Superfast Oats

Mornflake Superfast Oats

‘I like the Mornflake Creamy Superfast Oats,’ says Emily Kier, sports nutritionist and one-half of Twice The Health on Instagram. ‘Not only do they taste great, they're also a sustainable choice since they generate energy using their own wind turbine and solar panels.

‘Lots of cereals often have sweeteners or cane sugar added, which isn't always a problem, but people don't often know how much they’re actually consuming.

‘I like to add sultanas, nuts, raisins, chia seeds and flaxseeds to my oats – and sometimes honey if I want to. This way you're totally aware of how much sugar you're consuming,' she adds.

‘Other than excess sugar, another problem with a lot of 'healthy' cereals is that they're expensive and they often have chicory root fibre added. There's nothing wrong with this, but some people do struggle with digestive issues – since chicory root is very high in fibre.’

Per 40g serving

Calories147kcal
Carbohydrates23.2g
Fibre4.6g
Protein4.6g
3

Spoon Cereals The Low Sugar Protein One Granola

Spoon Cereals The Low Sugar Protein One Granola

‘The morning is a really vulnerable time for your blood sugar so the lower in sugars and higher in protein the better,’ says Mazzoni.

‘Ideally under 5g of sugar per serve of cereal. It's hard to find a balance between low processed/high protein/low sugar.

‘A little trick I like to do is adding in a small handful of nuts/seeds to increase the protein content.’

Per 40g serving

Calories161kcal
Carbohydrates18g
Fibre6.2g
Protein4.8g
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4

Alara Alara Organic Fruits & Seeds Muesli

Alara Organic Fruits & Seeds Muesli

‘This organic muesli contains no added sugar, and is made up of ingredients that pack a real nutritional punch,’ says Trotman.

‘The seeds provide protein that helps to keep blood sugar balanced and make the muesli more satiating, reducing the chance of snacking shortly after the meal.’

Per 100g serving

Calories407kcal
Carbohydrates63g
Fibre10g
Protein11g
5

Keto Hana Keto HanaCoconut & Almond Granola

Keto HanaCoconut & Almond Granola
Credit: Keto Hana

‘Keto Hana is a fantastic choice for those following a low-carb diet and looking to maintain gut health. It is low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats from coconut and almonds, which support sustained energy levels and satiety,’ says Chamon.

‘This granola is also high in fibre, which aids in digestive health and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Keto Hana granolas are also free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners.’

Per 30g serving

Calories178kcal
Carbohydrates5g
Fibre2.8g
Protein4.3g
6

Rollagranola Healthy Hazelnut Oat Granola

Rollagranola Healthy Hazelnut Oat Granola

‘Another great option is the RollaGranola Healthy Hazelnut Oat Granola. I like that they use jumbo oats rather than flakes or porridge oats, as they keep you fuller for longer,’ says Lenherr.

‘The sweetness comes from natural sources such as dates, and the use of cinnamon and desiccated coconut provides natural sweetness without using actual sugar sources.

‘Each 40g serving provides 5g of protein and 4.5g of fibre. I also like that they use avocado oil over seed oils.’

Per 40g serving

Calories183kcal
Carbohydrates15g
Fibre4.41g
Protein5g
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7

Deliciously Ella Low Sugar Granola

Deliciously Ella Low Sugar Granola

‘The Strawberry & Almond Low Sugar Granola from Deliciously Ella is a great option for those wanting to reduce their sugar intake,’ says Chamon.

‘This granola is naturally low in sugar and high in fibre, which supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and nurturing a healthy gut microbiome.

‘Ingredients such as gluten-free oats, almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds provide a mix of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, while chicory root acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

‘Most supermarket granolas have a minimum of 15g of sugar per 100g, while this one has only 2.8g,’ she says.

Per 45g serving

Calories192kcal
Carbohydrates24g
Fibre7.2g
Protein5.1g
8

Bio&Me Granola Super Seedy & Nutty Gut-Loving Prebiotic

Bio&Me Granola Super Seedy & Nutty Gut-Loving Prebiotic

‘Each Bio&Me granola contains 12+ different types of plants, and this plant diversity is very beneficial for gut health,’ says Trotman.

‘It's low in sugar and is made with extra virgin olive oil, which is rare. Pair this alongside some Greek yoghurt and berries and you're good to go!’

Per 60g serving

Calories241kcal
Carbohydrates28.8g
Fibre9.0g
Protein6.6g

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Headshot of Louella Berryman
Louella Berryman

Louella is our food and drink writer, covering everything from how to host the perfect pasta party to the latest research on fermented foods and gut health. She's worked in almost every part of the food and hospitality industry, from serving plates and pouring wine to recipe developing and cooking behind the scenes to create beautifully photographed food for magazines. Outside of the office, you can usually find Louella performing very badly in pub quizzes or shaking up a margarita or two.

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