Breakfast cereals are a convenient menu option that is both filling and quick. However, they are notorious for being packed with excessive amounts of sugar. For those of you who are looking to monitor your sugar levels, there has been a rise in cereals for different dietary restrictions, resulting in many accessible and delicious sugar-free options.
We looked into all the sugar-free cereals the internet has to offer and rank the Shredded Wheat Original Cereal from Post at number one. It is a classic taste that people love, and for those sensitive to the taste or texture of sugar alternatives, this is a widely loved sugar-free option. We have also included a buying guide, reviewed by a registered dietitian, with many tips to help you decide on a sugar-free cereal that suits your diet. Make sure to check out the rest of our list for some other delicious sugarless options.
Quick List - Top Sugar-Free Cereals
Andrea Marincovich (aka The Realistic Dietitian), is a registered dietitian and macros nutrition expert. She helps individuals reach their weight, body composition, and specific health goals through nutrition. Andrea specializes in altering diets in order to meet the needs of each client, such as: macro-centered, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, renal, cardiovascular, IBS/IBD, and GERD diets.
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If you’re looking for a good sugar-free cereal, you may want to get one that is healthy all-around and great-tasting. Even though there are endless options, finding the best cereal for you isn’t as hard as it seems! We put together this buying guide to simplify your shopping experience.
First, it’s important to clarify the difference between "sugar-free" and "no sugar added." According to FDA guidelines, a food can be considered sugar-free if it has less than half a gram of sugar in total. No added sugar, however, means that while no additional sugar was added to the product, it might still contain naturally occurring sugars.
That being said, there are many sugar alternatives that you can look for. Stevia, a natural sweetener made from stevia plants, is sugar-free and doesn’t increase your blood sugar level, making it a safe alternative for those with diabetes. It is nearly zero-calorie and tastes sweeter than natural sugar.
Alternatively, there are sugar alcohols, which include erythritol, xylitol, and mannitol. Erythritol is a low-carb sugar alcohol, which makes it a popular option for low-carb keto cereals. Sugar alcohols are not as sweet as table sugar and may raise your blood glucose, so make sure to consume them in moderation.
Stevia and sugar alcohols can be harder to digest than natural sugar and may cause bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. If you're experiencing these issues, please make sure to check in with a doctor or nutritionist. Ultimately, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional when looking to change up your diet.
If you’re looking to cut out sugar from your diet, sugar-free cereal can be a great breakfast alternative. Considering other nutritional aspects, such as carbohydrates and sodium, is especially important if you are eating sugar-free cereal to combat diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
While natural sugars such as honey and dried fruit are delicious and may be better for you than processed sugar, it's best to stay away from any type of sweetened cereals if you need to look after your blood sugar or heart health.
The healthiest cereals will have a simple list of ingredients full of fiber, protein, and whole grains. Whole grains are a great ingredient to look out for because they're a good source of fiber, whereas refined grains are stripped of germ and bran, removing many nutrients.
For a box of holistically healthy breakfast cereal, aim to have at least four grams of fiber and three grams of protein per serving. This way, you will stay fuller for longer. If you're looking out for your health, many sugar-free kinds of cereal can still be high in carbs or fat, so consider looking for low-carb sugar-free cereal.
Just because a cereal is sugar-free, doesn’t mean it is healthy or suitable for certain dietary restrictions. There are different options that are vegan-friendly, keto-friendly, or gluten-free.
It is quite common for cereals to be made of milk-based proteins. Avoid any cereal that has milk protein isolate or whey. Some known protein alternatives include chickpeas, pea protein, nuts, and soy. They are just as tasty and you won’t need to sacrifice your diet!
Cereals are notoriously carb-heavy, so finding keto-friendly cereal can seem daunting. However, many brands are striving to become inclusive of all diets and release different products. Before buying a cereal, check the nutrition label and check for the amount of carbs. You can find cereals with as little as 10 grams of carbs.
Although many kinds of cereal tend to have wheat or barley gluten, there are also several gluten-free and grain-free options. For those with extreme sensitivity to gluten, make sure the cereal you purchase has no chance of cross-contamination during production.
Cereals that are at risk of cross-contamination with allergens will have a warning on the box or the website, so just make sure to take a second glance before putting it in your cart. You can also take the extra step and call the manufacturer to ensure the cereal is safe for your consumption.
This may sound obvious, but don’t settle for cereals that don’t match your taste standards! There are many different types of sugar-free cereals, and settling for an option you don’t particularly enjoy may make you averse to eating breakfast and create one more thing to dread in the morning.
Some of the most popular sugar-free cereal types include rice puffs, shredded wheat, and muesli, and come in flavors like chocolate and cinnamon. Another way to enjoy your cereal is to have fun with your breakfast! You can add your favorite sugar-free ingredients to enhance your flavor experience.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Post Shredded Wheat | ![]() | A Classic and Comforting Favorite | |
2 | Arrowhead Mills Puffed Kamut | ![]() | Puffed Wheat and Nothing Else | |
3 | Great Value O's Oat Cereal | ![]() | Vitamin-Heavy Cheerios Replacement for All Ages | |
4 | Low Karb NuTrail Keto Cacao Nut | ![]() | Keto-Friendly Cereal and Granola | |
5 | Ezekiel 4:9 Golden Flax | ![]() | Cereal With No Shortage of Sprouted Grains | |
6 | Nature's Path Organic Rice Puffs Cereal | ![]() | A Whole-Grain Version of Rice Krispies | |
7 | MyCerealMix Sugar Free Granola - Vanilla Almond | ![]() | SUGAR-FREE Granola Infused with Natural Vanilla and Nutty Almond Crunch | |
8 | Three Wishes Unsweetened Grain Free Cereal | ![]() | Stay Fueled With This Protein-Rich and Nutrient-Dense Option | |
9 | Catalina Crunch Dark Chocolate Keto Cereal | ![]() | Dark Chocolate Keto-Friendly Squares | |
10 | Magic Spoon 4 Flavor Variety Pack | ![]() | For Those Who Miss Fun Breakfast Cereals |
If you are one who enjoys a simple ingredient list, this is about as simple as you can get - it only consists of whole grain wheat. This shredded wheat cereal comes in large biscuits with a soft texture. It's also a wealthy source of fiber, with six grams per serving.
While some reviewers feel the biscuits are too big for their liking, most people absolutely love the cereal and particularly enjoy how the cereal's simplicity allows it to be paired with many different toppings.
This no-sugar, no-salt, low-fat cereal is organic and free from GMOs. At 60 calories per serving, it's also a reliable option for the calorie-conscious. Though the only ingredient in this cereal is puffed whole-grain wheat, it certainly does not lack in flavor.
Many reviewers feel this cereal is exactly what they needed. They love how much flavor there is in one natural ingredient and express that it keeps them from overeating.
As a plentiful source of fiber, iron, and many other vitamins and minerals, this is a great breakfast option for households with people of all ages. The plain nature of this cereal allows you to add anything you like when preparing it. This cereal is oat-based, but not wheat-free.
As an unsweetened cereal, some buyers seem to find the flavor to be bland. However, many fans say they taste exactly the same as Cheerios with zero sugar. A couple of people even like sharing this cereal with their pets!
This cereal can be prepared in a variety of ways, giving you options for keto-friendly snacks, desserts, and breakfasts. It is lightly sweetened and has a natural flavor from cacao powder. This is a delicious sugarless alternative for serial chocolate cereal lovers!
A few reviewers thought it was too flavorless, but for the most part, the response towards this cereal is overwhelmingly positive. People especially love the texture and taste and think this is the perfect sugary cereal replacement. Many people also claim there is no sweetener-induced aftertaste.
With a diverse variety of different sprouted grains, you can get your daily serving of grains in one meal! This is especially important for those who need more fiber in their diets. On top of being sugar-free, this cereal is also kosher-certified, organic, and vegan.
There are a few people who found the cereal is too bland for their taste. The majority, however, are especially excited about how simple yet filling this cereal is due to its high fiber content. Many people find themselves continuing to purchase this cereal for years!
Using whole grains instead of processed grains, this cereal maintains all the health benefits of brown rice. With only 50 calories per serving, this is a light and delicious alternative for rice cereal lovers. It's also completely free of fat and sodium yet still has two grams of protein.
A few people don't like that it turns soggy quickly in milk. Nevertheless, many people feel this is a healthy cereal that fits their needs. They say it has a toasted flavor and like how it's low in salt, too.
MyCerealMix Sugar-Free Granola - Vanilla Almond offers a guilt-free breakfast or snack option with a delightful blend of whole grain oats, almonds, and seeds. Sweetened naturally with allulose and monk fruit extract, this granola is gluten-free, sodium-free, and soy-free, catering to diverse dietary needs. The inclusion of organic flax seeds and nutrient-packed pumpkin and sunflower seeds adds a crunchy texture and boosts nutritional value, making it a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, each batch is crafted to deliver a pure, natural taste experience. Ideal for pairing with yogurt, milk, or enjoyed straight from the bag, MyCerealMix Granola is a wholesome choice for those seeking a flavorful, sugar-free breakfast or snack that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Getting your day started with loads of protein and nutrients is easy with this cereal. You can take in up to 10 percent of your daily calcium and iron needs with just one serving! The ingredients are dairy-free and grain-free, but the facility is not completely allergen-free, so it's best to call the manufacturers if you have serious allergies.
For a few buyers, the chickpea flavor seems to be too strong. The vast majority of buyers are particularly fond of the clean ingredient list and say this cereal helps curb cravings.
This cereal is keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free, and 100 percent vegan, which makes this is a viable option for people of various dietary restrictions. The dark chocolate flavor is also achieved through natural ingredients only. It also makes for a great midday snack due to its resealable top.
Some reviewers find the stevia-induced aftertaste to be too strong. But, many reviewers are fans of this cereal for its crunchiness and find that it stays crunchy even in milk. Some even say the chocolate reminds them of Oreos!
This cereal sets out to help make sugar-free cereals fun. This variety pack comes in different flavors popular among children's cereals: chocolate, frosted, peanut butter and fruity. This cereal is keto-friendly and has a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving.
There are a few reviewers who feel the cereal has a bit of a gummy texture. However, for many, this is a satisfying sugary cereal alternative that is hard to beat with all its health benefits.
Living sugar-free has never been so easy! There are sugarless alternatives to all your favorite foods and condiments. If you want to cut down on your sugar intake but still enjoy yourself, check out some of our favorite sugar-free foods.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Post|Shredded Wheat
No. 2: Arrowhead Mills|Puffed Kamut
No. 3: Great Value|O's Oat Cereal
No. 4: Low Karb|NuTrail Keto Cacao Nut
No. 5: Ezekiel 4:9|Golden Flax
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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