I’ve noticed that many popular breakfast cereals claim to be healthy but are often loaded with tons of added sugar and little nutritional value. It can be confusing trying to figure out which ones actually offer a balanced start to the day and which are mostly just empty calories.
The truth is, some cereals are basically just sugar and air, providing very little nourishment despite their appealing packaging. I’m going to share seven cereal brands that fit this description so you can make more informed choices at the grocery store.
Froot Loops
I’ve always noticed how colorful and fun Froot Loops look in the box. But when I checked the nutrition, I found almost half the cereal’s weight is sugar. Just one serving has about 12 grams of sugar, which is a lot for breakfast.
It’s easy to eat more than the suggested serving, so sugar adds up quickly. Froot Loops also include artificial colors and flavors, making it more of a sweet treat than a healthy choice. If you want something tasty but less sugary, it’s worth exploring other options about Froot Loops ingredients.
Cap’n Crunch
I’ve always had a soft spot for Cap’n Crunch, but it’s hard to ignore how much sugar is packed into each serving. The classic cereal has a sweet crunch that feels more like a treat than breakfast.
Crunch Berries, a popular spin-off, adds fruity flavor but cranks up the sugar even more. It’s fun to eat, but definitely not the healthiest option. You can read more on Cap’n Crunch’s sugary profile here.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
I’ve always enjoyed Cinnamon Toast Crunch for its sweet cinnamon flavor and crispy texture. It’s lightweight, almost like eating a mix of sugar and air, which makes it easy to snack on nonstop.
The sugar coating gives it a strong sweetness, but it’s balanced by the crunch of the whole grain squares. If you’re watching sugar intake, this one might not be the best choice, even if it tastes great. You can learn more about its popularity and variations here.
Lucky Charms
I’ve always found Lucky Charms to be fun because of the colorful marshmallows. But honestly, it’s more of a sweet treat than a healthy breakfast.
The sugar content is pretty high, which makes it tough to call it a good start to the day. Still, it’s made with whole grain oats and has some vitamins, so it’s not all bad.
If you’re after a quick, sugary cereal to enjoy occasionally, Lucky Charms fits the bill. Just don’t rely on it as a daily choice. For more details on Lucky Charms, you can check out Lucky Charms cereal information.
Reese’s Puffs
I find Reese’s Puffs to be a fun mix of chocolate and peanut butter flavors. They definitely taste more like a sweet treat than a traditional cereal.
The cereal contains about 12 grams of sugar per serving, so it’s pretty high in sugar. That’s why I think of it as more of a dessert cereal.
They’re made from corn puffs, but the process involves high heat and pressure, which isn’t the most natural way to make cereal. If you enjoy sweet cereals, Reese’s Puffs hit the spot, but they’re not the healthiest choice.
You can learn more about Reese’s Puffs cereal here.
Cocoa Pebbles
I’ve always found Cocoa Pebbles hard to resist. The chocolate flavor is really intense, almost like a dessert you can eat for breakfast.
The cereal’s crunch is satisfying at first but quickly softens in milk, turning into a sweet, chocolatey mix. It feels light, but it has quite a bit of sugar—about 10 grams per serving.
Despite the fun packaging and great taste, it’s definitely more sugar and air than a nutritious choice. You can learn more about the cereal’s flavor and history at the Pebbles cereal website.
Apple Jacks
I’ve always liked Apple Jacks for their sweet, cinnamon-apple flavor. But lately, it feels like they pack more sugar than actual cereal.
They’ve tried to cut down on sugar and add whole grains, but the sweetness is still hard to miss. It’s like eating candy for breakfast sometimes.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, Apple Jacks might not be the best pick despite their fruity taste. You can read more about its sugar content and changes here.
