Cereal is one of the most common breakfast foods in the United States. With a consistent, long-term popularity streak and a rise in profits during the pandemic, cereal has earned its place as a staple of the early morning meal. Cereal appeals to all ages, from kids looking for a morning treat with fun cartoon mascots to adults grabbing a handful out of the box for a snack.

If you need some breakfast options for yourself or your family, here are the best cereals to try as you browse the cereal aisle.

1. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes

Start off your day with a breakfast everyone loves! Kellogg's Corn Flakes cereal is the original and best cereal made by Kellogg, one of the best cereal brands. Every bite of these crispy, golden flakes is just as delicious as the first. Loaded with iron and nine more essential vitamins and minerals, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Cereal is a great way to get your family’s day off to a fun and nutritious start. Top your bowl with brown sugar to add some sweetness.

Shop now: Kellogg’s Corn Flakes

2. General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch

One of the best tasting cereals, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, is made with whole grains for a well-rounded breakfast that all members of the family will love. Enjoy Cinnamon Toast Crunch with milk (don't forget to drink the Cinnamilk at the bottom of your bowl!), on its own or in a homemade snack mix.

Shop now: General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch

3. General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros

The iconic cinnamon-sugar treat of churros has taken over breakfast bowls with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros. An epic twist on your favorite sugary cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros features fun churro-shaped cereal pieces blasted with the epic cinnamon and sugar combination we call Cinnadust. It’s all the fun and excitement of churros in a box and ready for breakfast. You’ll also find Cinnamon French Toast Crunch nearby on the shelf.

Shop now: General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros

4. General Mills Cookie Crisp

Cookie Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookie Flavored Cereal is packed with nutrients and contains complete grains, which can help fuel your morning. Goodness first. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup. This cereal contains 10 grams of whole grain per serving; at least 48 grams are recommended daily. This whole-grain cereal is made by using all three parts of the grain.

Shop now: General Mills Cookie Crisp

5. General Mills Cocoa Puffs 

Go cuckoo for chocolatey milk! Cocoa Puffs Cereal is naturally flavored frosted corn puffs that leave your milk chocolatey and rich. There are no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup. Cocoa Puffs are one of the best tasting cereals.

Shop now: General Mills Cocoa Puffs

6. Kellogg’s Original Froot Loops 

Packed with delicious fruity taste, fruity aroma, and bright colors, these crispy loops with fruity flavors help bring energy and smiles to busy mornings.

To find a box, always look for Toucan Sam on the front of the package; this feathered friend has been the Fruit Loops mascot since 1963.

Shop now: Kellogg’s Original Froot Loops

7. Kellogg’s Original Frosted Flakes 

Frosted Flakes are great with milk, milk alternatives, or on their own! Add strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a heartier breakfast, or add Frosted Flakes to your cookies or rice krispies treats for a marvelous dessert.

Treat your family to GR-R-REAT-tasting, crunchy flakes of corn sprinkled with sweet frosting, perfect for both kids and adults.

Shop now: Kellogg’s Original Frosted Flakes

8. Cap’n Crunch 

Sweet and golden, with a crunch you’ll love, nothing competes with the original Cap’n Crunch. Grab a bowl of cereal or cup for an easy snack bursting with the taste of fun that goes great with couch time, anytime. Snag a box and go to town — your mouth will love you for it. Get your crunch on today.

Shop now: Cap’n Crunch

9. Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds

This cereal is a top choice if you love honey, oats, and almonds (or a blend of all three). Post’s product is a healthy cereal option: It’s cholesterol-free, low in saturated fats, and a source of whole grain fibers. Get crunchy oat brunches with the perfect amount of honey and almonds. Happy and heart-healthy.

Shop now:Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds

10. General Mills Reese’s Peanut Butter Sweet & Crunchy Corn Puffs

Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs are crunchy corn puffs made with 11 grams of whole grain per serving and no high fructose corn syrup. Enjoy the delicious combination of real Reese’s peanut butter and Hershey’s cocoa with milk, milk alternative, or by itself for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Reese’s Peanut Butter Puffs Cereal doesn’t contain artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources.

Shop now:General Mills Reese’s Peanut Butter Sweet & Crunchy Corn Puffs

11. General Mills Gluten-Free Honey Nut Cheerios

Honey Nut Cheerios is a gluten-free winner and one of the best-selling cereals in North America. Great on their own or mixed with other cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios are made with whole grain oats and real honey. And they’re gluten-free and low in fat.

Shop now: General Mills Gluten-Free Honey Nut Cheerios

12. Post Fruity Pebbles

For half a century, Fruity Pebbles has been a family favorite. Naturally gluten-free, Fruity Pebbles is a crispy rice cereal with a delicious fruity flavor enriched with 11 essential vitamins and minerals. Have them with milk or add them to your snack mixes, rice krispies treats, and baked goods. Perfect for kids and kids-at-heart alike!

Shop now: Post Fruity Pebbles Cereal

FAQs on the best cereals of all time

Which is the best breakfast cereal in the world?

This depends greatly on personal preferences, your thoughts on healthy eating, the price of the product, and the taste.

If your metric for the best breakfast cereal is profit, then the clear winner is General Mills Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios. The parent company pulled in a 4% increase in earnings as of the last report.

What are the best cereals for you?

If the metric for best is based on health, the healthiest option from our list is Honey Nut Cheerios, as it has a gluten-free base and moderate amounts of added sugar. Additional healthy cereal options include Raisin Bran, Quaker Oats, and Special K. You could also add multigrain granola to your bowl of cereal for a hearty start to the day.

But the best cereal for you? That’ll depend on your tastes. Do you want fruity, chocolatey, or cinnamon flavors? All the cereals we listed taste great, and additional options include Crunch Berries, Lucky Charms, Apple Jacks, and Trix.

Which cereal is #1?

The long-standing champion holding the #1 spot is General Mills’ Cheerios. Their iconic O-ring shape has filled many breakfast bowls over the years — and the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction keep delivering. General Mills has savvy marketing practices and affordable prices, making Cheerios one of the most popular cereals and an easy cereal choice to start the day.  

If you’re looking for more breakfast options, browse Gopuff’s online grocery store and have your cereal delivered to your door.