7 Best Healthy Cereals in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Healthy cereal is an easy and perfect breakfast to kickstart your day. Aside from its blend of sweet and tasty flavors that is well-loved by the little ones, it has several health benefits from grains enriched with vitamins and minerals, making it a hearty option for those monitoring their diet.
Although most brands claim the health benefits on their packaging, it is essential to indulge in a breakfast cereal that matches your taste and diet. Comprehending the nutrition facts is a must to double-check your calorie intake as well as added sugars. Worry no more, as we have prepared a buying guide and our top picks of the best healthy cereals in the Philippines! We even asked for some comments ad tips from nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian!
Quick List - Top Healthy Cereals
The Superfood Grocer
Vegan Granola Clusters With Natural Sweeteners
Kellogg's
Enjoy A Burst of Strawberry Flavor in Every Spoon
Jo Sebastian is a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian who graduated BS Community Nutrition from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Throughout the past year she has worked with Uniqlo, Adidas, Rebel Fitness app, and more to make nutrition fun, easy and accessible. She believes that life is not about restricting food but through simple lifestyle and dietary changes to attain our optimal health we can reach our full potential.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- How to Choose a Healthy Cereal ー Buying Guide
- Choose the Cereal Variant Based on Your Preference1
- Take Into Consideration the Serving Size2
- Go for Cereals Made With 100% Whole Grains3
- Fiber Helps in Improving Digestive Health and Monitoring of Blood Sugar4
- Look at the Nutritional Facts: Ideally, Sugar Should Be 5g and Less Than 2.5g for Saturated Fat5
- 10 Best Healthy Cereals to Buy Online
- No. 1Emco | Müsli Crunchy Cereal｜Tropical Fruit
- No. 2The Superfood Grocer | Coconola Vegan Granola Clusters Chocolate Crunch
- No. 3Kellogg's | Strawberry Corn Flakes Healthy Breakfast Cereal
- No. 4Lizi's | Granola Original
- No. 5Nuco | Organic Coconut Crunch
- 2 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Jo Sebastian
- What Makes a Cereal “Unhealthy”?
- If You Don’t Put Milk on Cereal, Is it Healthier?
- What Is the Most Important Thing to Look for in a Healthy Cereal?
- More Tips From Jo Sebastian
- Satisfy Your Taste Buds With These Delightful Munchies
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose a Healthy Cereal ー Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the cereal variant based on your preference.
- Take into consideration the serving size.
- Go for cereals made with 100% whole grains.
- Fiber helps in improving digestive health and monitoring blood sugar.
- Look at the nutritional facts: ideally, sugar should be 5g and less than 2.5g for saturated fat.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose the Cereal Variant Based on Your Preference
Cereals are undeniably addicting once you've had tasted the available flavors in the market. Some variant has that balanced combination of sweet and fruity taste which makes people come back for more, and some are gluten-free or sugar-free to aid those with dietary restrictions.
Granola Is Packed with Micronutrients for a Healthier Lifestyle
Granola is a famed breakfast cereal consisting of oats, flax seeds, almonds, or chia seeds. This is loaded with micronutrients, but nutrition content may differ depending on the combination of the ingredients.
Granola blended with dried fruits and other sweeteners is high in sugar. On the other hand, nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashew, and other tree nuts are rich in protein, and whole grains are high in fiber. It also usually contains seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Diet-conscious ones have loved this since it is not only convenient, but it impedes the stomach’s emptying and helps you feel fuller for a while. Additionally, granola minimizes cholesterol levels and blood sugar thanks to its high fiber ingredients.
Granola is one of my personal favorites as it adds a crunch and fiber and is usually less processed than most cereals. However, granolas tend to be high in calories and added sugars, so it is very important to look at the label to find granola that has the most nutrients per serving.
Fruit and Chocolate Flavors Are Little One’s Favorites
Breakfast cereals are perhaps one of the ideal easy-to-eat option for the kids. Perhaps, you’ve reminisced of your childhood when you’re munching on a bowl of cereal while watching your favorite cartoon shows and waiting for your school bus. Commonly, children enjoy fruit-flavored cereals that come in unique flavors and colors.
There is something about fruit cereals that wakes their taste buds— crunchy in every bite yet bursting in flavors. Some cereals come in dried strawberries or raspberries that add flavor to your milk.
Chocolate cereals, meanwhile, are also a palatable option to satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth. When mixed with milk, it has a chocolatey taste that your kid will never forget.
Even cereals as an adult are something that makes your taste buds glow and feel excited! Of course, it’s always nice to add some fruit or nuts to your cereal. Fresh fruit will add more fiber and bulk to help make the meal more satisfying.
Corn Flakes Is Rich In Nutrients That Prevents Weight Loss
These golden flakes have that crisp with a hint of the right sweetness. This is a better option for weight loss and a good source of vitamins, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Once this snack is added to milk, it becomes rich in protein, boosting your immunity and restoring body tissues.
However, if you want to monitor your weight, ditch sugar-coated flakes and look for an alternative with no added sugar. See that your cereal is free of hidden sugars as excessive sugar intake promotes sudden weight gain and can even result in diabetes.
Corn flakes are more than just for cereal. They can also be added to oats for crunch or even in fried chicken for texture! Some corn flakes will be fortified with ingredients we usually miss out on, like iron, zinc, vitamin a, and more. Find one with more nutrients and lower added sugar! But of course, every once and a while, the sugar-coated ones don’t hurt.
Take Into Consideration the Serving Size
Who wouldn't love a bowl of cereals? The common mistake many of us make is we inattentively pour it into our bowl, so we tend to exceed the advised serving size. This is a big no-no, especially to those who follow a low-calorie lifestyle. The serving size distinguishes the total calories you'll consume.
In fact, there are two variants of serving size: 30 grams for light cereals and 55 grams for heavy cereals. For those who are undergoing a healthy diet, using a measuring cup is recommended. The ideal cereal has 200 calories or less per serving, according to dietitians.
Remember that serving sizes are standardized amounts with information in the nutrition label referring to one serving. Portions are the amount of food you choose to eat because that is what makes you satisfied. Serving sizes will definitely differ per day and per person! So depending on your goals and how you feel in the day, there is no need to feel guilty if you eat over the serving.
Go for Cereals Made With 100% Whole Grains
Most cereal boxes are usually labeled "whole grain" on their packaging, still do not let this delude you. To know the accurate nutrition content, take a closer look at the ingredients list if it includes whole grains such as oats, barley, and rice. Additionally, if the corn or wheat is not indicated as whole, this might be because they're refined.
Be wary of the ingredients list that starts with flour; this can be an indicator that you have purchased a processed cereal. Unlike refined grains, whole grains are rich in fiber, protein, iron, and magnesium— a healthy option to prevent the risk of heart illness.
The first ingredient listed is always the one that is most abundant! So choose a cereal that lists a whole grain first before sugar or other ingredients to get the most bang for your buck and gut!
Fiber Helps in Improving Digestive Health and Monitoring of Blood Sugar
Fiber brings several nutrients beneficial to your health. It is proven to be helpful for digestive health and prevents a spike in your blood sugar.
Before taking a pick of a heart-healthy cereal, ensure that it has at least 3 or 4 grams of fiber in every serving size. According to dietitians, three grams is likely 12% of the daily recommended fiber intake. Men need 38 grams of fiber each day to follow a healthy diet, while women should have 25 grams per day.
The daily recommended fiber is an average of 25g per day. Especially if you are not a frequent consumer of vegetables and fruit, it is a good thing to check on the amount of fiber you get from your cereal! Another way to pump up the fiber in your cereal is by adding fruit on the side or with your cereal.
Look at the Nutritional Facts: Ideally, Sugar Should Be 5g and Less Than 2.5g for Saturated Fat
When it comes to cereals, the recommended sugar content per serving is 5 grams. Take note of cereals with dried fruits, given that these are coated in sugar. To be certain, inspect if dried fruits should come first in the ingredients label before the added sugar. A healthier alternative is to add your preferred unsweetened fruit for a nice flavor boost.
Generally, light cereals should have at least 7 grams of sugar while 11 grams for heavy cereals as per the Center for Science in the Public Interest. One helpful tip is to check the order of ingredients. Once you've noticed that sugar or other unhealthy ingredients are included in the first three ingredients, it's time to find a better breakfast cereal.
Another factor to consider is saturated fat. If you're someone who loves granolas, this typically has a total of 3 to 6 grams of fat. Just be sure to consider cereals with less than two and a half grams. Furthermore, steer clear of cereals with artificial preservatives.
In the morning, after a night of fasting from sleep, the first meal of the day will break your fast (aka breakfast). Ideally, this meal will be a nice balanced meal with a good source of fiber and protein to help control blood sugar and keep you satisfied for longer. Best to pair your cereals with high protein milk, maybe some eggs on the side, or fresh fruit to balance it out!
Remember that this is added sugar that we’re looking at! And if you enjoy a higher sugar cereal, then consume in moderation. For saturated fat, it is recommended to keep our saturated fat intake below 7% of our total fat intake.
10 Best Healthy Cereals to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Emco Müsli Crunchy Cereal｜Tropical Fruit | | Savor the Goodness of a Fiber-Rich Cereal With 30% Fruit | |
2 | The Superfood Grocer Coconola Vegan Granola Clusters Chocolate Crunch | | Vegan Granola Clusters With Natural Sweeteners | |
3 | Kellogg's Strawberry Corn Flakes Healthy Breakfast Cereal | | Enjoy A Burst of Strawberry Flavor in Every Spoon | |
4 | Lizi's Granola Original | | Satisfying Crunch to Wake Up Palate | |
5 | Nuco Organic Coconut Crunch | | Guilt-Free Vegan Coconut Snack, Best Paired With Dairy-Free Milk | |
6 | Sante Fit Granola Nuts & Cocoa | | High Fiber Granola for the Cookie Monsters | |
7 | Kellogg's Original Corn Flakes Healthy Breakfast Cereal | | A Simple Yet Nutritious Snack for Your Family |
Savor the Goodness of a Fiber-Rich Cereal With 30% Fruit
Müsli Crunchy Cereal is a tasty high-fiber option that combines crunchy oats with tropical fruits like coconut, banana, and mango. Each bite bursts with flavor and health benefits from freeze-dried fruits packed with vitamins and minerals. The fruits' natural sweetness complements the crisp oats, making it a perfect match for yogurt or milk.
This cereal also promotes cholesterol health with oat beta-glucan and low salt. As a verified non-GMO product free from artificial preservatives and colors, it’s a smart choice for a healthy breakfast. Reviewers rave about its delicious flavor, especially when mixed with milk, which aids digestion and provides essential nutrients.
The Superfood Grocer Coconola Vegan Granola Clusters Chocolate Crunch
Vegan Granola Clusters With Natural Sweeteners
This brand does not only offer nourishing goodies for all, but it also aims to empower and support Filipino coconut farmers by producing snacks with natural sweeteners sourced directly from their partner farmers. The Coconola Vegan Granola Clusters is a combination of rolled oats, unrefined sugar, tree nuts, and dark chocolates from our country!
If the added sugar concern you, you can rest easy as this product is made with low-glycemic coconut nectar and sugar. This one's best coupled with fresh milk, satisfying your palate with the sweet taste and crunchy texture. You may also opt to sprinkle this on your favorite dessert for that added flavor boost.
Enjoy A Burst of Strawberry Flavor in Every Spoon
If you love the combination of berries and cornflakes, then this cereal deserves giving a go. What's best is it has real pieces of berries with puree. When submerged in milk, this brings out fruit-flavored milk your kids will surely love.
This crowd-pleaser is fortified with iron, folic acid, and B group vitamins. In addition to its exciting and rich flavors, it also aims to keep your children healthy and full of energy. Hence, this one's a practical option if you're craving cereals for a quick lunch, light dinner, or when you have a hectic schedule without giving up the essential nutrients.
Satisfying Crunch to Wake Up Palate
Lizi's is one of the first brands that introduced glycemic load-tested granola. Now, the brand is notable for its wide array of quality granola made with the finest ingredients, enhancing the health of its customers around the globe. Hence, this product is certainly not your average snack.
It features a blend of rolled oats, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, golden linseeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Therefore, an excellent option if you need food with slow-releasing energy to boost your energy and stamina. You can mix this up with chia seeds pudding or oatmeal and indulge in a heart-healthy snack.
Guilt-Free Vegan Coconut Snack, Best Paired With Dairy-Free Milk
There's no better way to start your day than having a delightful, guilt-free snack. Nuco Organic Coconut Crunch has three key ingredients: coconut meat, coconut water, and extra virgin coconut oil. Coconut enhances your heart condition and greatly aids in weight loss and digestion. However, it is slightly high in calories and saturated fat, so eating in moderation is recommended.
When mixed with almond milk or coconut milk, the subtly sweet taste of cereal makes this a more enjoyable snack minus the added carbs and refined sugar. It has that satisfying crunch yet bursting in flavors! You can add this as a topping to your favorite desserts like smoothies and acai bowls for a more fun snack.
High Fiber Granola for the Cookie Monsters
Here is a healthy cereal catered to the cookie monsters out there. Fit Granola features cookie-flavored roasted cereals combined with the crunchiness of hazelnuts, almonds, and cocoa. Compared to other granolas, it has zero added sugar and loaded with whole oat grain — an ideal breakfast for active men and women.
Despite the low-calorie value, this granola maintains that incredibly delicious taste and fresh aroma thanks to its added cinnamon ingredient. No palm oil, no glucose syrup, and no added wheat, Sante Fit Granola is indeed a smart breakfast choice without the guilty feeling.
A Simple Yet Nutritious Snack for Your Family
If you want to have a simple yet nutritious breakfast, look no further than Kellogg's Cork Flakes. It may appear plain, but every golden flake are as delicious just like the first time you've tasted it. These corn flakes are a rich source of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and many more essential vitamins and minerals.
Hungry in the middle of the day? This one's an excellent choice as it is a tasty, filling snack to satisfy hunger and boost your energy to start your day more energized. You can also eat it dry while binge-watching on your favorite Netflix shows!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Jo Sebastian
Trying to be healthy is a journey and will never be easy on anyone. To make your journey easier, fill your mind with correct information. In this section, Jo Sebastian answers some of the web's most asked questions!
What Makes a Cereal “Unhealthy”?
Cereals on their own aren’t necessarily unhealthy. The main nutrients that we keep an eye on are added sugars, sodium, and saturated and trans fats. One thing about cereal to look into in your diet is what cereal replaces or removes. Does the daily consumption of cereal take away from other higher fiber balanced meals?
Of course, we could always add cereal into the loop of our regular meals and switch it up every once in a while with something more balanced like oats, bread, or even rice with protein and vegetables.
If You Don’t Put Milk on Cereal, Is it Healthier?
Milk will add protein and fats to add some satisfaction and nutrition. But if you prefer cereal without milk, then that’s perfectly fine! Just remember to add some balance in the form of protein, fats, or fiber if this will be a full meal.
What Is the Most Important Thing to Look for in a Healthy Cereal?
The most important thing to keep an eye on is the amount of added sugar, fiber, and protein in your cereal. But remember that one food item is not automatically bad or unhealthy if it doesn’t fit the guidelines for a “healthy cereal.” It usually boils down to overall diet quality and consumption.
More Tips From Jo Sebastian
Satisfy Your Taste Buds With These Delightful Munchies
Due to the ongoing quarantine, many are required to work remotely to ensure the safety of everyone. Despite the hectic schedule and piling workloads, make sure to take care of yourself and fill up your tummies with delicious foods to boost your energy and be more productive. Check out these links to the best snacks available online.
Author: B. Tan
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Healthy Cereals
No. 1: Emco｜Müsli Crunchy Cereal｜Tropical Fruit
No. 2: The Superfood Grocer ｜Coconola Vegan Granola Clusters Chocolate Crunch
No. 3: Kellogg's｜Strawberry Corn Flakes Healthy Breakfast Cereal
No. 4: Lizi's｜Granola Original
No. 5: Nuco｜Organic Coconut Crunch
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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