Start packing in your protein fix at breakfast time with our pick of the best protein cereals, containing a higher amount of the good stuff than your regular supermarket picks.
You might be a connoisseur when it comes to the best protein bars, but are you clued up on protein cereals? Breakfast cereals have long had a bad rep, and deservedly so. Most are far from being the breakfast of champions. Traditional brands tend to be carb-heavy, contain high amounts of sugar and offer only a small protein pay-off.
Oats – topped with banana and a dollop of peanut butter – have become the functional athlete’s favourite. But since 81% of Brits still want cereal for breakfast, more cereal brands are producing special ‘protein’ options to knock the oat from its throne.
Some of these breakfast cereal options offer a higher protein content than even chicken breasts, and all keep sugar content to a minimum. We’ve rounded up the best protein cereal options available in the UK to help you get more out of the most important meal of the day.
What is the best protein cereal brand?
In terms of protein per serving, Surreal packs the biggest protein punch of any of the bands on test. It’s available in five flavors – cocoa, cinnamon, frosted, banana and peanut butter – as well as a variety pack of all four. There’s 42g of protein per 100g, or 12-13g per serving, but it’s what’s not in there that’s just as important. Just 6-8g of carbs per bowl, and not a bit of added sugar.
Other protein cereal brand recommendations
| Most nutritious protein cereal | It’s not just about the 12.5g soy and sunflower protein found in the ELEAT Chocolate Triumph. We also appreciated the fact that each serving is high in fiber (7g) and probiotics (3g). |
| Best granola protein cereal | Myprotein Protein Granola has a decent dose of protein and fiber, though it is quite carb heavy. Often discounted online, even at the retail price it’s good value for money. |
1. Surreal
Men’s Fitness verdict
With the highest protein content, a great taste and satisfying crunch, Surreal is the pick of the bunch for us. Flavors are pleasant and not too sweet.- Highest protein content on test
- Good range of flavors
- Not too sweet
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Soy and pea flavor can creep through
| Protein per 100g | 42g |
| Sizes | 4 x 240g boxes |
| Flavors | Cocoa; Frosted; Banana; Cinnamon; Peanut butter |
Surreal’s bright packaging catches the eye, and what’s inside the box is every bit as appealing. Its creators sell it as ‘the cereal you loved growing up, made nutritionally relevant to the adult you’ve become.’
And based on its nutritional merits, it lives up to the billing. With 42g of protein in every 100g, Surreal has the highest protein content of all the cereals we tried, and the O-shaped pieces have a nice crunch and flavor to them. The best of the protein cereals we tried. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it ideal for anyone wanting to try something a little different to vegan protein powders.
2. ELEAT Chocolate Triumph
Men’s Fitness verdict
Soy protein-based ELEAT is another good protein option for those on a plant-based diet. Soy does come through in the taste, but a range of flavors do their best to mask it.- Vegan friendly
- Good range of flavors
- Disinct soy flavor might not be to everyone’s liking
- Cost per serving isn’t the cheapest
| Protein per 100g | 28g |
| Sizes | 4 x 250g pouches / 50g single-serve pouches |
| Flavors | Chocolate; Cinnamon; Vanilla; Strawberry; Choc caramel |
If you enjoy your post-workout protein shake, and you like a bowl of cereal, then vegan-friendly ELEAT is going to be right up your street. It tastes exactly as you might imagine cereal infused with protein would – with a good amount of crunch preceding a distinct soy aftertaste. That’s obviously good news if you’re a fan of both, but if you’d like the protein content of your cereals to be a happy coincidence, you might struggle with the flavor being so front and center.
That said, taste is subjective, and hopefully one of ELEAT’s four flavors (chocolate triumph, cinnamon sensation, vanilla thriller and chocolate caramel) will whet your appetite.
What can’t be disputed is the nutritional profile. Each serving contains a hearty 12.5g dose of soy and sunflower protein, 7g of fiber and even 3g of gut-friendly probiotics. And continuing the eco-conscious credentials, the cereals are available in two fully recyclable packages: 250g resealable pouches and 50g single-serve packs. Plus, just like some of our favourite vegan protein bars, the ingredients list is entirely plant-based.
3. Myprotein Protein Granola
Men’s Fitness verdict
With a decent dose of protein and fiber, Myprotein’s granola offers a protein-packed way to start your day. It does contain more carbs than most, though.- Impressive protein content
- Good source of fiber
- At 19g, quite carb-heavy
- Sweet for a breakfast cereal
| Protein per 100g | 37g |
| Sizes | 750g tub |
| Flavors | Chocolate caramel |
Cereal purists may argue granola shouldn’t make the list, but we’re happy to face their wrath if it means featuring this impressive protein-packed option.
Myprotein’s chocolate caramel flavor granola is perhaps a little too sweet for breakfast – but with 37g protein per 100g we think we can forgive them.
4. Weetabix Protein
Men’s Fitness verdict
Why go for regular Weetabix, when these loaded versions have twice as much protein? There’s plenty of wholegrain wheat goodness and not much else besides.- Made from wholegrain wheat
- Very little fat or sugar
- No real flavor on their own
- 7.6g protein is not the biggest per serving
| Protein per 100g | 19g |
| Sizes | 24 biscuits |
| Flavors | None |
A perfect example of a household brand’s successful attempt to create a more balanced breakfast option, these loaded Weetabix provide 19g of protein per 100g. Made primarily from wholegrain wheat, a two-biscuit serving contains 146kcal and 1g sugar.
Like regular Weetabix, their taste all depends on what you decide to put on top – we threw on sliced banana and a drizzle of honey. .
5. Grandma Crunch
Men’s Fitness verdict
Grandma Crunch is an ideal vegan option, using pea rather than whey protein. That does influence the flavor, but these crunchy balls have a decent protein dose and are low in carbs and sugar.- High protein / low carb content
- Good range of flavors
- Just 0.5g sugar per serving
- Good plant-based option
- Pea protein is an acquired taste
- Protein content varies between flavors
| Protein per 100g | 29.3g – 31.3g |
| Sizes | 4 x 248g |
| Flavors | Peanut; Tutti Fruiti; Coconut; Strawberry; Cocoa; Caramel |
High-protein, low-carb and plant-based, Grandma Crunch tastes OK and the namesake crunch is evident, but the numbers are the really impressive factors.
Per 31g serving there’s between 9.7g and 11.3g protein, around 150kcals and a mere 0.5g sugar. Plus there are six flavors to choose from.
What makes a good protein cereal?
- High protein content: Look for cereals with at least 10g of protein per serving. That will typically come from whey protein, pea protein, or soy protein.
- Low sugar: Many cereals are high in added sugars. Aim for a cereal with less than 5g of sugar per serving.
- Whole grains: Choose cereals made with whole grains like oats, quinoa, or brown rice. Whole grains provide fiber, essential nutrients, and a slower release of energy.
- Fiber: A good protein cereal should also be high in fiber, with at least 3g per serving. Fiber aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.
- Natural ingredients: Opt for cereals with natural ingredients and minimal processing. Avoid those with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Good taste and texture: While nutritional content is important, the cereal should also be enjoyable to eat.
Related content:
