[Round Up] My Favorite Breakfast Cereals
Many breakfast cereals are packed with ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, artificial dyes, chemical preservatives, and artificial flavors. Many conventional options often include many ingredients that autistic children may be sensitive to including wheat, dairy, soy, and corn. In addition, breakfast cereal is often lacking fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a food that can quickly spike blood sugars and offer low nutritive value.
Recent studies have also shown that many children’s cereals contain glyphosate, the cancer-causing ingredient in the herbicide Roundup. [Article]
Cereals do offer a great crunch that many kids with autism or Sensory Processing Disorder crave! While most conventional cereals are not ideal for the reasons mentioned above, there are cereals that are a better option and include fiber and protein, and eliminate unwanted ingredients like artifical dyes, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Most of the “better” cereal options will be found at natural food stores like Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and Sprouts, but I have seen some available at Target!
Note that breakfast cereals that say they are gluten and dairy free can still be packed with added sugars and unwanted ingredients. Always read the ingredients label to make the best choice for your family! If your child loves cereal, serve it alongside a source of protein and fat to help keep them fuller longer, regulate blood sugars, and provide a well-rounded nutritious breakfast.
Some of Our Favorites
Made from navy beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and brown rice
One serving offers about 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein
Check out their kid’s line, regular line, and grain-free line
If your child loves Honey Nut Cheerio’s, try their Grain-Free Honey Nut Cereal
Personally, I love their Cinnamon Lion Hearts and Comet Crispies
Made from chickpea, pea protein, and tapioca
One serving is about 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber
Thrive Market has a few flavors, but to see their collective line, see their website
Made from sprouted whole grain oats and garbanzo beans
One serving typically provides 3g protein and 2g fiber
If your child loves Cheerio’s, try their Sprouted Oat O’s or Sprouted Cacao O’s
Note: Some products above are linked to items at Thrive Market for your convenience. Sign up with this link to get 30% off your first order.
A note on ingredient quality: If possible, choose products with ingredients that are primarily organic and non-GMO. Stores such as Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and other health food stores can help finding higher-quality products and ingredients. If access to higher quality products isn't an option for you, choose the best option that is available to you locally.
