Cereal has long been a staple of the British breakfast table, fuelling countless mornings with its comforting crunch. Cereal gives you a quick and satisfying start to the day.
From classic choices like Cornflakes and Weetabix to modern granolas and porridge blends, cereal offers a quick, versatile, and satisfying start to the day.
But what if you’re ready to go beyond the basics? To elevate your breakfast experience, the world of artisanal cereals awaits.
These carefully made blends combine high-quality ingredients and exciting flavours, and often a healthy twist, proving that breakfast can be as indulgent as it is nutritious.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best British cereal brands that are redefining the morning meal. For the healthy taste of granola, the warm comfort of porridge, or something different, you will find it here.
How is cereal made?
From soil to spoon, the journey of cereal begins with planting wheat, barley, maize, or oats in the autumn. By summer, farmers will be ready to harvest the crops.
Local mills receive them. There, they are ground into grains. These grains form the base of our favourite cereals.
Are cereals healthy?
Before you drop that spoon, remember this: there is a significant difference between sugary puffed wheat and hearty porridge oats. The latter is a whole grain packed with beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that supports heart health. Plus, unless you add it yourself, there’s no hidden salt or sugar. If you’re craving a touch of sweetness, top your bowl with chopped banana, honey, or berries.
Muesli fans, rejoice – so long as you opt for a sugar-free version! A good muesli blend contains oats, seeds, and nuts, and dried fruit adds natural sweetness.
For a healthier breakfast, pick plain wholegrain cereals. You can add your own toppings instead of using pre-flavoured ones.
Which breakfast cereal is lowest in sugar?
We know the goal – avoid excess sugar and load up on fibre and protein. A great way to start is by adding nuts, seeds, natural Greek yoghurt, or nut butter to your breakfast. But which cereals actually contain the least sugar?
As tempting as granola can be, many varieties contain hidden sugars. Always check the ingredients before popping a box in your trolley. One standout option is PureOaty Choco Chip Oat Granola from Glebe Farm, which won gold in the 2024 GBF awards. Judge Charlotte Smith-Jarvis praised this gluten-free brekkie as a real standout.
For the ultimate low-sugar choice, you can’t beat porridge oats. With no added sugars (unless you sprinkle them in yourself), they’re a blank canvas for delicious toppings. Try nut butters, seeds, nuts, flaxseeds, goji berries, or a drizzle of honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
Is cereal a good source of protein?
If we choose cereal over scrambled eggs, are we getting enough protein to keep us energised? While most cereals provide a solid dose of fibre, protein can be a little trickier to come by.
Brands like Surreal are on a mission to change that, offering low-sugar, high-protein cereals with fewer carbs. But if you truly want to stay full until lunch, you’ll likely need to add some extra protein yourself.
Mix a scoop of protein powder into your favourite milk. You can also top your cereal with nuts and seeds. This will give you a more balanced beginning to your day.
Ready to take your brekkie to the next level? Dive in to discover our top picks for the best British cereals – each one a delicious way to start your day.
