I think we can all agree that cereal is not just for kids and especially not just for breakfast. And whether you eat cereal with milk, dry, or as an ice cream topping (we don't judge), there are endless choices. That's why we've rounded up the 20 best cereals that continue to reign supreme as the breakfast of champions.
So, if you're a lover of classic bran flakes, or you'd rather opt for the sweetest, wackiest flavor combinations imaginable, the breakfast cereal aisle has a little something for everyone — and so does this list.
Something about that first bite of Froot Loops is so crunchy, sweet, and satisfying that — if you're anything like us, at least — you'll tear through a whole bowl in record time just to have a second helping.
This classic isn't called the breakfast of champions for nothing. Wheaties contains no artificial flavors or colors, is a good source of fiber, and provides substantial nutrients so you can fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee.
If you're looking for a twist on an all-time favorite, this is IT. Kellogg's really outdid themselves with this sugary, sweet gem. Frosted Krispies feature the classic puffed rice in bite size form. YUM.
This delicious honey flavored cereal is a perfect option for those with certain diet restrictions. Vegan, grain-free, and kosher, this cereal is packed with protein and makes for an excellent way to fuel up for the day. The honey flavor is indeed free of honey so that those with vegan diets can fully enjoy!
If we've learned anything from our childhood, it was that Frosted Flakes are most certainly not just your average run-of-the-mill corn flakes. Oven-toasted and frosted to perfection, these Tony the Tiger-approved corn flakes are so good, they're gr-r-reat.
This cereal has a little bit of everything. Almonds, granola clusters, and crispy flakes fill every delicious spoonful. Honey Bunches of Oats packs 10 grams of whole grains per serving, as well as nine essential vitamins and minerals.
If you are a chocolate lover, there is no question that this is your absolute favorite breakfast cereal of all time. Cocoa Puffs start out with a super crunchy puffed texture that slowly morphs into soft flavor sponges as the milk sets in.
Another crowd-pleaser, Cinnamon Toast Crunch wins the all-important award for most delicious leftover cereal milk at the bottom of the bowl. These crunchy little squares also taste delicious crumbled into pastry crusts or used as a topping in other baked goods.
Made with eight crunchy layers of whole grains with a thin layer of frosting, Mini Wheats are actually loaded with 9 grams of fiber per serving to keep you fuller longer.
Plus, there's that magical texture moment when the frosting begins to melt off into the milk and time stands still.
Something about Kix takes us back to watching cartoons on a Saturday morning. This delicious cereal is sweet, simple, and wholesome — and it's a good source of calcium and vitamin D.
Feelin' a little nostalgic? This cereal is a must.
A perfect balance between texture and flavor, the crystallized flavor dots wrapped around each neon orange and green ring adds a surprising amount of apple-cinnamon sweetness and crunch to each bite of Apple Jacks.
Another tried-and-true cereal, Cheerios are a classic choice that hold the unique distinction of being just as delicious eaten dry versus submerged in milk. We like Multi Grain Cheerios for a more nutritious and gluten-free start to your day.
Original Cap'n Crunch is downright delicious and can hold its own in the cereal aisle, but in our opinion, Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries is even better. The sweetened corn and oat berry shapes add fruity flavor to the mix, making each bite a little more interesting than its original parent flavor.
With 13 grams of whole grains and 6 grams of fiber per serving, Kashi GO makes for a super nutritious start to your day. Plus, the Peanut Butter flavor is packed with protein.
Another sugary sweet dessert-for-breakfast-style treat, Cookie Crisp is the obvious choice for all you cookie monsters out there. The modern recipe is fortified with more vitamins and minerals than the original ingredient list, making this at least a semi-nutritious option for little ones.
Made with real peanut butter and without any artificial colors or flavors, Barbara's Peanut Butter Puffins are free of the most common food allergens for school-safe snacking.
Need a little color in your breakfast cereal? We suggest Fruity Pebbles. This sweet rainbow treat is great alone, but even better as a topping to vanilla ice cream.
Classic Raisin Bran is a cereal created with a nod to the basic pleasure of textural contrasts. Chewy sweetened raisins mingle with the crunchy crisp of whole grain wheat and bran flakes for a satisfying and layered bite.
Danielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, andDelish. Prior to joining BestProducts.com in 2016, she was slinging fancy cocktails in Brooklyn, reporting on the best bars and restaurants in the country for Food & Wine magazine, and drinking all the whiskey New York has to offer. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find her catching the end of happy hour at her favorite bars in New York or dreaming up pretty new drink recipes.
Taylor is a freelance commerce editor for Hearst’s Enthusiast Group. She works with content for Best Products, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling. Taylor has her Master’s in Journalism from Quinnipiac University, where she found love for the editorial world through her internship at Flaunt Magazine. You can find the Boston-based editor getting lost in books or on hiking trails, curating playlists based on mood, and scouring the city for vintage treasures.