Ready-to-eat cereals are a popular breakfast choice in the U.S., especially among children. Researchers looked at the nutrient content of 1,200 new products marketed to children between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2023. During that time, sodium content went up by 32 percent, and sugar content by 11 percent. Fiber content decreased over time. (Additionally, the content of fat went up and protein went down, although these nutrients tend to be low in most breakfast cereals).
While this study looked at only newly released products, it emphasizes that sweet cereals—which were never healthy breakfast choices for children or adults—are becoming even less healthful. For yourself and any little ones in your life, look for better cereal options, made with whole grains and minimally sweetened, or try other options, like yogurt with fruit, nut or seed butter on whole grain toast, or hardboiled egg and whole grain crackers for quick, easy breakfasts.