- High-protein cereals are trending—but their taste can be hit or miss.
- Dietitians reveal six high-protein cereals that are both tasty and filling.
- For an extra 8 grams of protein, add a cup of cow’s milk or soy milk.
Protein is having its well-deserved time in the limelight. From pancake mix and candy bars to popcorn, grocery shelves are now packed with products touting added protein. And it’s for good reason: protein plays an important role in satiety, weight management, muscle growth and immune health.,
If you’re trying to boost your protein intake, some of these products can be helpful—but not all are worth the premium price tag. Breakfast cereal is one category where added protein actually makes sense. Traditional boxed cereals are often low in protein—even after adding milk—which can leave you hungry not long after breakfast. The good news? As protein has taken center stage, more cereals now offer a satisfying protein boost without sacrificing flavor.
To help narrow down your options, we asked dietitians to share their six favorite high-protein cereals that actually taste good.
1. Premier Protein Mixed Berry Almond Protein Cereal
Amazon. EatingWell design.
For those looking to get the most protein per bowl, Premier Protein Mixed Berry Almond Protein Cereal is the one to choose. At a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving—nearly double that of many other options on this list—it delivers serious staying power. The protein comes from a blend of wheat protein isolate and pea protein isolate.
One drawback is its lower fiber content, with just 2 grams per serving. That said, it’s easy to boost the fiber by adding some raisins or fresh fruit, such as berries.
Nutrition info for 1 cup (42 g) without milk: 180 calories, 5 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 14 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 5 g sugar (4 g added sugars), 20 g protein, 250 mg sodium
2. Kashi Go Protein & Fiber
Amazon. EatingWell design.
Kashi’s Go Protein and Fiber Cereal is a top option if you’re looking for a cereal that packs in both fiber and protein. After plenty of trial and error, Jane Leverich M.S., RDN, says this cereal is one of her favorite high-protein options. She says it tastes amazing and provides 12 grams of protein per serving before adding milk—an amount that can climb to 20 grams once milk is added.
It also provides an impressive 12 grams of fiber per serving, which is nearly half of the recommended daily fiber intake.
“This is one of the cereals I reach for when I’m looking for a quick but nourishing breakfast or snack,” she adds. The dynamic duo of both protein and fiber will keep you feeling full much longer than an average bowl of cereal.
Nutrition info for 1¼ cups (63 g) without milk: 200 calories, 2 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 45 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 9 g sugar (8 g added sugars), 12 g protein, 135 mg sodium
3. Catalina Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter
Amazon. EatingWell design.
You can’t go wrong with the iconic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. Even better, you can enjoy it at breakfast when you serve up a bowl of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Catalina Crunch Cereal. “The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is rich and delicious, making a great snack without milk,” says Juliana Vocca, M.S., RD.
Just a half-cup serving provides 11 grams of protein and a whopping 9 grams of fiber. It’s also sugar-free since it is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, making it a blood sugar–friendly option.
Nutrition info for ½ cup (36 g) without milk: 110 calories, 5 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 14 g carbohydrates, 9 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 11 g protein, 150 mg sodium
4. Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal
Amazon. EatingWell design.
Good news for chocolate lovers: Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal lets you enjoy chocolate for breakfast while still working toward your protein goals. These crunchy O’s are made with chickpeas and pea protein for a plant-based protein boost and offer 8 grams of protein per cup. But don’t worry, you’d never guess there are beans in these!
Another perk? This cocoa cereal is surprisingly low in added sugar, with just 3 grams of total sugar per serving.
Nutrition info for 1 cup (35 g) without milk: 130 calories, 1.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 20 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar (3 g added sugars), 8 g protein, 80 mg sodium
5. Nature’s Path Optimum Power Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Cereal
Amazon. EatingWell design.
Another higher-protein cereal option that delivers on flavor is Nature’s Path Optimum Power Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Cereal. This cereal gives the perfect crunch with whole-grain flakes, puffed Khorasan wheat and oat bran crunchies, while the cinnamon and dried blueberries amp up the flavor.
A 1-cup serving provides 9 grams of protein along with an impressive 8 grams of fiber to sustain you through the morning.
Nutrition info for 1 cup (58 g) without milk: 210 calories, 3 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 39 g carbohydrates, 8 g fiber, 9 g sugar (9 g added sugars), 9 g protein, 240 mg sodium
6. Post Original Shredded Wheat
Amazon. EatingWell design.
While added protein in cereal may be a newer trend, some classics have offered a solid boost all along, including Post Original Shredded Wheat. “Shredded Wheat contains one ingredient: whole-grain wheat. Perfect for people who want to be able to pronounce what they eat!” says Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN.
A bowl of this cereal provides 6 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber, making it a very filling option. That said, it contains no added sugar, which may not appeal to those who prefer a sweeter breakfast. To fix this, Hardy recommends adding a sprinkle of dried cherries and roasted walnuts for extra flavor, nutrients and crunch.
Nutrition info for 2 biscuits (51 g) without milk: 170 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 41 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 6 g protein, 0 mg sodium
Our Expert Take
Cereal isn’t typically known for its protein content, and while it shouldn’t be your main source of protein, these higher-protein cereals can help you reach your daily needs. Even better, many of these favorites are also high in fiber and lower in added sugars, making them a smart way to start your day. From classic options to nostalgic flavors like chocolate peanut butter, there’s something on this list for everyone.
