Breakfast Cereal for Kids: Ten Healthy Choices

Breakfast is the most important meal for your child, especially school age children. They need that boost in the morning in order to help them stay focused and to keep their brains functioning efficiently in a learning environment. But just any old bowl of breakfast cereal won't do. You need to choose the healthiest breakfast cereals possible that your child will eat because, let's face it, unless they like the taste they won't eat it. You don't have to have a degree in nutrition to be able to choose the best breakfast cereals for your child but you do need to be careful and to shop smart. Be careful not to assume that just because a cereal claims to be healthy, that it actually is and shop smart by reading nutritional content labels. The breakfast cereal you serve your child should be low in sugar and contain whole or multi grains for staying power. The following cereals have 0 - 5 grams of sugar per serving and are made with multi or whole grains and kids like them.

Post Multigrain Alpha Bits

The label states 1 grams of sugar per serving so this cereal is very low in sugar. Kids love the sweet taste and its low sugar and multigrain ingredients will help them stay focused until lunch.

General Mills Cheerios

The "original" or regular cheerios contain only 1 gram of sugar per serving and is a good source of whole grains. This cereal will stick with your child so their tummy won't be rumbling 10 minutes after the first bell rings. Kids love cheerios. It has a great whole grain taste and you can sweeten it up a little with fresh bananas or strawberries.

General Mills Kix

Kids really do love these little puffy balls. Only 3 grams of sugar per serving and a source of whole grains. I loved kix. My kids loved kix. Your kid will love Kix too.

Kellogg's Rice Krispies

Okay, this cereal is not a source of whole or multi grains because it is made from rice but you can't discard good ol' Rice Krispies. This cereal is low in sugar, however, with only 4 grams per serving and I have never known a kid who wouldn't eat Rice Krispies. You may need to add a sprinkle of sugar but adding a touch of sugar won't hurt and you kids will eat it. Beside, that snap, crackle and pop is always a hit with kids.

General Mills Chex

Original chex contains 5 grams of sugar per serving. Some varieties are multigrain, some are whole grain but they all taste great. A bowl of Chex with fresh berries or bananas appeals to most kids and makes a good breakfast.

The next batch of cereals contain 6 - 12 grams of sugar per serving so they are second choices to the cereals listed above but still acceptable for your child's breakfast.

Post Honey Bunches of Oats

This cereal has 6 grams of sugar per serving. Also contains whole grains. It has a sweet taste and a crunchy texture so kids like it.

Kashi Medley

This cereal contains 8 grams of sugar per serving and is also made with whole grains. IT lives up to its name Medley with a mix of raisins, apples, granola, flakes and puffs. Older kids will like all the fruit and different textures.

Healthy Choice Brown Sugar Squares

What's not to like about brown sugar? 9 grams of sugar per serving and the benefits of whole and multi grains. Again, this cereal may be a bigger hit with older kids.

General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios

This cereal has always been one of my family's favorites. It does have a bit more sugar per serving at 10 grams but you can't beat the taste and the whole grain benefits. Taste even better with fresh sliced bananas.

Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats

Frosted mini wheats have long been a breakfast table staple. Again, probably favored more by older kids it has a touch of sweetness and lots of whole grains with 12 grams of sugar per serving.

As a mother I certainly know how finicky kids can be, especially about breakfast, but it is the most important meal so it is important to find the healthiest cereal that your child will eat. Just be careful about all the marketing hype and be sure and read the nutritional content labels.