Breakfast cereals are one of the most popular types of breakfast food out there. Adults love them, and kids do too. They’re convenient, fun, and there are so many different varieties out there that you’ll never get tired of them! Of course, when you’re buying cereals for kids 7 years old and below, it can be a lot more challenging.
Unlike adults, kids have special dietary needs, and you must consider which cereal product to choose carefully. When you visit your local grocery store, you’ll find so many options in the breakfast cereal aisle and choosing just one can be quite a task. Fortunately, there are certain products out there which will be good for your kids. These are the healthier breakfast cereals that kids love because they taste great too!
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Banana Nut Cheerios Cereal
This cereal contains all the wholesome goodness of the well-loved Cheerios cereal, and it’s mixed with the delicious taste of real bananas in every bite! This cereal is number one on our list because it’s a heart-healthy breakfast treat which delivers the needed nutrition coupled with its whole-grain goodness in each bowl you will give your kids.
The Banana Nut Cheerios Cereal is low in fat, and it contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of calcium, and it will also help lower the risk of developing heart disease as the kids grow up. This cereal is also an excellent source of vitamin D and iron which are important for the growth and development of kids.
You can’t go wrong with this one because it’s been a family favorite for the past years and for a good reason! It’s ready-to-eat, and it’s even clinically proven to help lower cholesterol levels. It’s not only for kids… it’s perfect for teens and adults too. Whether you have this for breakfast or a snack, you’re sure to enjoy!
Pros
- Made with whole grains and a real-banana taste.
- Contains vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, and vitamin D.
- Great for kids and the rest of the family too!
Cons
- It’s expensive.
- Some say that it’s too sweet.
Kix Breakfast Cereal, Crispy Corn Puffs Cereal
Here’s another great cereal for you to consider especially if you like corn puffs which are crispy and tasty. With this cereal, you can start your chid’s morning right every time. It’s made with all-natural, simple ingredients which are good for kids and the rest of the family too.
The Kix Breakfast Cereal, Crispy Corn Puffs Cereal is rich in calcium which is important for the health of the teeth and the bones. It also contains fiber which is an essential part of the diet, and it’s also great for the overall health of kids. Finally, it’s also rich in vitamin D which will help their bodies absorb the calcium more effectively.
It’s made with whole grains, and it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, preservatives or colors. It’s perfect for your child’s breakfast, for snack time or anytime at all!
Pros
- Wholesome cereal which contains vitamin D, fiber, and calcium.
- Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack for kids.
- Doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Cons
- Not non-GMO or organic.
- Some say the quality of the cereal isn’t as good as before.
Rice Krispies Toasted Rice Cereal
This cereal that’s made with toasted rice has been a popular choice of families for generations. The Rice Krispies Toasted Rice Cereal is even considered as one of life’s simple (and tasty) pleasures. So why not give your little ones this cereal to make them enjoy breakfast each morning! It’s lightly-sweetened and totally cholesterol free. It’s also a great source of the essential minerals and vitamins.
Pros
- Healthy cereal that’s lightly-sweetened.
- Contains the essential minerals and vitamins.
- Tasty, healthy, and fun to eat.
Cons
- Without milk, it tastes quite bland.
- Doesn’t have a long shelf life.
Cereal-Honey Bunches of Oats Crunchy Honey Roasted
The Cereal-Honey Bunches of Oats Crunchy Honey Roasted is tasty, crispy, and nutritious too. It’s cholesterol-free, and it will provide your child with up to 9 essential minerals and vitamins. This ready-to-eat cereal will give your kids a healthy start when they eat it for breakfast. It’s made with the perfect combination of flakes which are crispy, oat bunches which are crunchy, and just a hint of sweet honey.
Pros
- Healthy cereal which is a perfect combination of crispy and crunchy oats.
- Doesn’t contain any cholesterol or trans fats.
- Heart-healthy breakfast cereal which contains vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- The shelf life isn’t very long.
- Some issues with the received products.
Kashi 7 Whole Grain Puffs Cereal
Treat your little one with this tasty breakfast cereal that’s made with the purest ingredients. It contains sesame seeds, whole grains without the sodium and GMOs. The Kashi 7 Whole Grain Puffs Cereal doesn’t contain sugar, cholesterol, and saturated fats. Consuming this cereal can help lower the risk of developing heart diseases and certain types of cancer.
Pros
- Whole-grain puffs which are nutritious and delicious.
- Sodium-free and non-GMO.
- May help prevent certain diseases.
Cons
- Some say the cereal has a bland taste.
- Not very crunchy.
Lucky Charms Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal
The Lucky Charms Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereal is great for those who love marshmallows and are always on the go. This means that it’s perfect for kids! You can give this cereal to your kids on its own, or you can use it as an ingredient for different recipes. Some of the healthy ingredients in this cereal include spice extracts, natural flavors, and vegetable juice. It’s a delicious, gluten-free choice which your little one will love.
Pros
- The toasted and frosted oat cereals come with marshmallows in fun shapes.
- Gluten-free cereal that’s made with whole grains.
- Perfect for breakfast and a filling snack too.
Cons
- Contains trisodium phosphate which a lot of parents don’t appreciate.
- May cause constipation in some kids.
Love Grown Kids Cereal, Fruity Sea Stars
This fun and flavorful cereal will make your child’s breakfast a lot more interesting. There are different varieties to choose from, so you can even ask your little one to choose his favorite. The Love Grown Kids Cereal, Fruity Sea Stars are corn-free, wheat-free, and full of crunch and flavor. It’s made with a powerful blend of garbanzo, lentil, and navy beans which will fuel your child for the rest of the day.
Pros
- Made with ingredients that are power-packed to give your child enough energy throughout the day.
- Contains healthy ingredients such as lentil, garbanzo, and navy beans.
- Tasty, healthy cereal which is full of crunch and flavor.
Cons
- Some say the cereal is dry.
- Some customers don’t appreciate the taste.
Envirokidz Organic Gluten-Free Cereal, Cinnamon Jungle Munch
Just by the name, you’ll know that the Envirokidz Organic Gluten-Free Cereal, Cinnamon Jungle Munch is a healthy breakfast option. It doesn’t contain any artificial pesticides, herbicides, flavors, and colors. This is a gluten-free cereal which is great for kids and the other members of the family too. It’s tasty, kosher, non-GMO, and vegetarian. This makes it an excellent choice for everyone.
Pros
- A kosher and vegetarian cereal that’s made with all-natural ingredients.
- Non-GMO and free of wheat and gluten.
- Available in 7 different flavors.
Cons
- Some say the cereal is too sweet.
- The cereal is quite hard.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Breakfast Cereal
Here’s another cereal you can give to your kids to start their morning right. The Cinnamon Toast Crunch Breakfast Cereal contains real cinnamon in every bite. The crispy, rice and whole wheat cereal is an excellent source of the essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. It doesn’t contain any synthetic colors or flavors which are derived from artificial sources. Your child will surely enjoy this cereal for breakfast or as a filling snack!
Pros
- Contains rice cereal, whole wheat, and real cinnamon sugar.
- Kids love this cereal for breakfast and for snack time.
- Tasty, crispy cereal is full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Cons
- It gets soggy quickly.
- Some issues with how the product was delivered.
Kellogg’s Froot Loops Breakfast Cereal with Marshmallows
Finally, we have this fun, healthy, and tasty cereal. The Kellogg’s Froot Loops Breakfast Cereal with Marshmallows is another favorite, especially for kids. It’s colorful, and it even comes with marshmallows with fruity shapes. This cereal is a great source of up to 8 minerals and vitamins. It will provide the energy your child needs to get through their active day. It’s great to eat any time and any place!
Pros
- Multi-grained cereal which comes with marshmallow bits mixed in.
- Contains the essential minerals and vitamins for your kids.
- Doesn’t contain cholesterol and it’s also low in fats.
Cons
- Some don’t appreciate the taste of the cereal.
- Some claim it’s too sweet.
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Who Needs Breakfast Cereals for Kids?
Some kids are so difficult to feed especially during the morning. And if you live in a home with busy mornings, then you need to find a great breakfast cereal that’s tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare. There are so many different cereal products out there which means you have a lot to choose from.
Think about what’s important to you to make your choice easier. You may have to go through some different breakfast cereals before you find one that you (and your child) like. Don’t worry though, trying out different products is half the fun. And if your kid loves cereal, then all the better!
What are the Benefits of Eating Breakfast Cereals for Kids?
Breakfast cereals are very popular food items and for a good reason. They’ve been around for a long time and are well-loved by people of all ages. But did you know that these cereals have a lot of great benefits too? Aside from making it easier for you to feed your child in the morning, you can also enjoy other advantages.
For one, breakfast cereals for kids can promote their overall health especially if you choose the right product. Cereals can help reduce the risk factors for diseases which may lead to obesity and other common health issues. If you choose a healthy cereal, it will help your child adopt healthier eating habits especially in the morning.
Generally, cereals are low in fats and cholesterol. This makes them a great option for breakfast. These products are also nutrient-dense as they contain the essential minerals and vitamins. And if you pick cereal that’s made with whole grains, this would also come with its health benefits!
Another great benefit of breakfast cereals is that there are so many different choices available. This means that if your child doesn’t like the one you choose, then you can easily look for another product. That’s why it’s also important to know the factors which you must consider before you start looking around.
Giving your child cereals for breakfast can help improve their nutrient intake. This is especially true when your child eats the cereal along with milk which contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Cereals are easy to prepare and affordable too which means that you won’t have to spend too much time and effort in preparing them.
Children who eat cereals are also more likely to become more well-rounded. Kids who consume a healthy breakfast each morning are less likely to become obese or overweight compared to those who either skip breakfast or consume unhealthy foods. Also, eating a healthy cereal for breakfast can prepare your child for the rest of the day.
Cereals can help improve memory, psycho-social functions, and mood. This means that your child will be able to perform better in school. You may notice an improved attendance, better grades, and a happier child in general. Remember that breakfast is important to your child must never skip it. Fortunately, breakfast cereals are convenient food options.
Finally, cereals are tasty which is why kids and adults love them! So, when choosing a cereal product, remember that the taste matters. After looking at the nutrition information, also check if your child will like the taste of the cereal. Do this, so you’re sure that your child will enjoy his breakfast each morning.
What are Breakfast Cereals for Kids?
Most Americans are familiar with cereals especially those made by the big brands. They have either tried the cereals at home, or they have seen the products being advertised in commercials on television. In fact, you can find cereals just about everywhere!
Because of the familiarity and fun which surrounds cereals, it’s quite easy to convince children to consume these treats. This is a great thing especially for families who have busy mornings every day. Nowadays, many parents don’t have the time to prepare an elaborate breakfast for their kids and be able to prepare them for school as well.
No matter how popular cereals are though, you should still consider which product to choose before making the purchase. This is especially true if you want your child to consume a cereal that’s healthy aside from being appealing to your child’s taste buds.
Many breakfast bowls of cereal available on the market do contain the essential minerals, and vitamins children need. They can also help with the nutrient intake of kids especially if you find one which contains the right amount of fiber and other nutrients. Also, make sure that the cereal you choose doesn’t contain any unhealthy ingredients which might cause harm to your child.
When giving your child breakfast cereals, also make sure to give them the right amount. Just like other kinds of food items, cereals are best when given in moderation. Remember, too much of a good thing will also be bad for your child. This is especially true if you’ve chosen cereal which contains a lot of sugar.
No matter which breakfast cereal you choose though, make sure that your child enjoys eating it. In fact, you can also purchase a few healthy choices to give your child variation. Do this so your child will be excited each morning not knowing which cereal he will be eating for breakfast.
What Safety Issues Should You be Aware of for Breakfast Cereals for Kids?
When you go to the supermarket and check the breakfast cereal aisle, you’ll see that it’s full of different choices. They come from different brands from the popular ones to those which aren’t as known or are new. So how do you choose just one breakfast cereal out of the hundreds of choices to give to your child?
If you want to find the best (and healthiest) cereal out there, the key is to read the nutrition facts. Never rely on the brightly-colored information printed on the boxes as this information just highlights what the manufacturers want you to see. You should also know how to safely choose the cereal, so you don’t end up giving your child something unhealthy.
If you know how to count the calories of the cereal, then do it. You can also check the cereal’s serving size. Generally, your child should already feel full after eating about a cup of the cereal. This is a good serving size. Another thing to remember is to be cautious when picking cereals with granola. A lot of people assume that this food item is healthy.
However, some granola products contain a lot of calories, fats, and sugar. If your child likes granola, then you can purchase some but don’t use it too frequently. You can use the granola as a condiment to pair with a healthier breakfast cereal which doesn’t contain much sugar.
Finally, consider the hot as well as the cold cereals. Either of these can be considered as healthy breakfast options. You can even buy one of each and mix it up, so your child doesn’t get tired of eating the same cereal every day. Then make sure to pair the cereal with milk to add some protein and other nutrients are making the meal a whole lot healthier.
A Brief History of Breakfast Cereals for Kids
As we’ve mentioned earlier, breakfast cereals are very popular food items. People of different ages eat them every day. And therefore, manufacturers keep on coming up with different products to please the customers. But do you know where and when cereals came out? Let’s talk about a brief history for you to appreciate them more.
Nowadays, a lot of people all over the world enjoy munching on a bowl of their favorite cereal paired with milk. But there was a time in the past when people didn’t like cereal. And this was because it was significantly different than the cereals we love today. In the past, cereals had a heavy consistency, they were difficult to chew, and they didn’t taste good at all!
Late in the 1800s, most people in America enjoyed a breakfast of potatoes, meat, eggs, and bread. But such breakfasts were quite heavy and calorie-laden. That also caused some problems such as constipation. Such breakfasts also took a long time to prepare because they had different components. Because of this, people wanted a change in their morning meals which then prompted the start of a new fad.
A health craze among the wealthy and middle-class Americans started. During that time, there was a place called The Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan which was a health resort. There, people tried innovative health fads to start a healthier lifestyle.
A man named Dr. John Harvey Kellogg was the head of this health resort. Among all the activities and regimens, he also came up with nutritious diets for the customers. One of Dr. Kellogg’s goals was to come up with a way for the customers to adopt healthier breakfast habits.
He served the guests a healthy type of breakfast cereal which wasn’t very appetizing. It was heavy, grainy, and it was like consuming raw oatmeal. But one day in the year 1894, Dr. Kellogg’s brother, Will Keith Kellogg, got interrupted as he was cooking a batch of wheat.
When he got back to the kitchen, he saw that the wheat was already stale and dried out. Since they didn’t want to waste any food, the brothers attempted to convert the wheat disaster into a dough. They did this by forcing the paste-like mixture through rollers. But rather than sheets of dough, the wheat mixture turned into flakes!
The brothers then decided to toast the flakes to make them easier to chew. By accident, they had invented wheat flakes, and this became the very first breakfast cereal. Of course, the people at the resort loved this new food item. The light, toasted flakes were a tasty alternative to the grains they had been eating previously.
And when the guests went back home, they even contacted the resort as they wanted to purchase more of the cereal. Just like that, the Kellogg brothers had an in-demand cereal business to deal with! From then on, they continued to create and experiment with different cereals.
In 1906, the Kellogg Company was created. Since then, other companies and manufacturers started making their cereals in different forms, types, and flavors. And until now, new cereals are being created, and people all over the world love them!
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
The Sugar Content of the Breakfast Cereal for Kids
This is the first factor you should consider especially if you want to pick the healthier breakfast cereals for kids. Just because the cereals are for kids, some manufacturers include a lot of sweeteners and artificial flavorings to make them more appealing. Unfortunately, these components do nothing for the health of kids.
Sugar is one of the most common ingredients used in cereals which is considered as unhealthy. So always check the label of the cereal especially the nutrition information. Try to go for products which don’t contain too much sugar per serving. Also, you can opt for the cereals which have natural sweeteners instead of the artificial ones.
Of course, when it comes to breakfast cereals for kids, they might not want to eat those products which don’t contain any sugar at all because of the bland taste. So, for a healthy twist, try adding a bit of honey or even some sugar at home rather than buying cereal with the sugar already incorporated into it.
You can also look for breakfast cereals which contain low amounts of sugar. It’s best if the sugar content of the product is only in the single digits, at least up to 8 grams. This is important since consuming foods which contain high-fructose corn syrup can make the kids crave for more sweets.
Sugar comes in many forms whether obvious or subtle. So, when checking the ingredients of the cereals, keep in mind that some types of sugars aren’t very recognizable. These include corn syrup, monosaccharide, fructose, glucose, and more. The lesser-known sweeteners are malt syrup, rice syrup, barley malt, cane sugar, and others.
The sugar content of the breakfast cereal can also come from the included fruits. For instance, the raisins in a raisin bran cereal. Also, the bananas and other fruits in cereals which contain them. Of course, the natural fruit sugars are better than the refined sugars health-wise. That is if the sugar is sourced from real fruits.
The Fiber Content of the Breakfast Cereal for Kids
This is the second ingredient you need to consider when searching for a breakfast cereal for your child. It’s best to go for the products which are high in fiber as this is a great component of the overall health of kids (and adults too). A tasty bowl of breakfast cereal is a great way to add fiber to your little one’s daily diet.
You may choose cereals which contain dietary or soluble fiber. It doesn’t matter if it contains fiber. The more fiber the cereal contains, the longer your child will feel full after consuming it. This means that a high-fiber cereal won’t make your child go hungry after just a short amount of time.
When it comes to cereals, the fiber commonly comes in the form of whole grains. This is the form of fiber which has a lot of health benefits. So, it’s best to choose cereals with whole grains instead of those which contain soy fiber, corn fiber or oat fiber.
Other Ingredients of the Breakfast Cereal for Kids
The sugar and fiber content are the most important ingredients to look out for when choosing a cereal for your kids. But you should also find out the other ingredients to make sure that the product doesn’t contain any components which may be harmful. Make it a practice to carefully read the nutrition facts of the food products you buy.
If you want to be able to choose a healthy breakfast cereal, then you should choose one which contains healthy ingredients. Compare the sugar, fiber, salt, fat content, and more of the different products. Read the labels even if the cereal says “healthy” or “all-natural” on the box.
For the healthier options, for the breakfast cereals which contain whole grains. These are very important especially in the prevention of different health issues such as obesity, heart disease, constipation, and more. Wheat, oat, granola, and bran cereals usually contain more whole grains, and thus, more fiber. They also contain other healthy ingredients compared to the over-processed products.
Next, check if the cereal is fortified with additional minerals, vitamins, and nutrients. A lot of healthy breakfast cereals contain these components which makes them an essential part of your child’s breakfast. Fortified breakfast cereals contain the essential nutrients which are listed in the nutrition facts. You can also look for important ingredients such as folate, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, and more.
Your Child’s Preferences
Here’s an important factor to consider. Although you want to pick the healthiest option, it’s also important that your little one likes the cereal. Otherwise, he won’t eat it, and you might end up wasting your money. Yes, health is important but so is the taste of the cereal.
Fortunately, there are many products out there which you can consider. Just because they’re flavored, it doesn’t mean that they’re unhealthy. Check what ingredients were used to flavor the cereal. If the flavors were sourced from natural ingredients, then all the better. But try to avoid those products which contain artificial flavors, colors, and additives if you want to give your child a healthy cereal for breakfast.
Organic or Not?
This may not be a very important factor for some parents, but organic food items are becoming more and more popular. Of course, choosing an organic breakfast cereal isn’t a must. In fact, when it comes to breakfast cereals, organic ones aren’t necessarily superior. It’s more of your preference as well as your child’s.
If you want your little one to consume food items which are only organic, then you can go for the organic cereals. But it’s not necessary for the nutrition of your kids. You can even go with the generic brands which can be as healthy and as tasty as the more expensive, branded cereals.
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Conclusion
Breakfast cereal is part of our lives. Adults love them, and so do kids. But when choosing a cereal for kids, there’s more to think about and consider. Of course, you need to choose healthier options which don’t contain much sugar, sodium, and other unhealthy ingredients. Fortunately, you’re now armed with the information you need to make a better choice.
When you think about it, choosing cereal for kids is not as difficult a task as a lot of people see. That is if you know what to look for and what to avoid. It’s also helpful to know the best products available out there, so you don’t have to go through hundreds of cereal products just to find one which is healthy and delicious.
