The 50 Best Breakfast Cereals Of All Time

Get this: Cereal, as we currently know it, is over 160 years old.

The first cold cereal was introduced in 1863 by some religious conservative vegetarian—who also happened to be an upstate New York abolitionist and farmer—named James Caleb Jackson. In the nearly two centuries since, you've had numerous folks, from John Harvey Kellogg to Ferdinand "The Oatmeal King" Schumacher, tinkering with the morning delicacy to get the right flavor, consistency, and texture to make breakfast both convenient and seamless.

The history is nice to know, but to be totally honest, it's kind of irrelevant because, at the end of the day, we like things that taste good. And not every cereal that's come out since the late 1800s has tasted good. That's why, to inspire some healthy debate among food connoisseurs the internet over, we put together this list of the 50 best breakfast cereals of all time. There might be some expected entries here, and there might be a few surprises. Either way, there are a helluva lot of cereals to choose from, so let's get into what are the best of the best.

50.

Frosted Mini-Wheats

Introduced: 1969
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 12g

When Frosted Mini-Wheats hit that right level of sogginess, it's cereal nirvana. Couple that with the sweetened milk you get at the end, and it's truly flavor bliss. Also, this ranking is specifically for Frosted Mini-Wheats, not for the lesser, unfrosted kind. Go Frosted, or go home.

49.

Weetabix

Introduced: 1932
Manufacturer: Weetabix Limited
Sugar Per Serving: 1.7g

We have way more respect for cereal in bars. Long, ridiculous bars that turn into mushy quicksand in your bowl. We also enjoy cereals with a challenge involved. Eating two dry Weetabix is the equivalent of swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon or six saltines in a minute, which might sound terrible but actually tastes so good. Bring 'em on.

48.

Shredded Wheat

Introduced: 1893
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 0.3g

Immediate points for being one of the oldest cereals on this list. An OG, Shredded Wheat is basically cereal gramps. If you don't love the milky mush that a piece of Shredded Wheat becomes, we don't trust you.

47.

Quaker Oatmeal Squares - Brown Sugar

Introduced: 1987
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 9g
Bet anything that when you're grocery shopping, you passed over this cereal dozens, maybe hundreds of times. It's obvious why: the words "Quaker Oatmeal" in the name. Old folks eat oatmeal because it's bland and has the texture of mushy cardboard. But Quaker throws you a flavor curveball here; Quaker Oatmeal Squares (specifically with Brown Sugar) is sweet, flavorful, and has a nice texture. Go buy some now, and catch up on all of those bowls (of cereal) you missed over the years.

46.

Go Lean! Crunch

Introduced: 2003
Manufacturer: Kashi
Sugar Per Serving: 13.04g
Yes, Kashi prides itself on making all-natural foods. Yes, this particular cereal has "lean" in its name. But if you think this is just for the health-conscious, then either you've never tried it or your taste buds don't work. Go Lean! Crunch is also loaded with protein, so there's no guilt when chowing down on your third bowl. Just say you're doing it for your biceps. That's as good of a justification if we've ever heard one.

45.

Waffle Crisp

Introduced: 1996
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 15g

It's a bold move to make cereal out of a bite-sized version of another breakfast food, but Waffle Crisp deserves its flowers for doing the unthinkable and making waffles delicious with milk. For a poor execution of the same brilliant concept, see Bacon 'N Egg Crunch.

44.

Corn Flakes

Introduced: 1894
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 2.7g
Despite the large shadow it casts over breakfast in the popular American imagination, Corn Flakes ain't all that. If you liven it up with some banana slices and a sprinkle of sugar, then you've got a mighty fine cereal. However, by its lonesome, it's just another means for you to ingest more corn—just as American intended! Like, come on. There are indie filmmakers shouting about how we over consume corn. That's how you know it's a problem.

43.

Basic 4

Introduced: 1991
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 12g

Basic 4's mixed bag of grains make it one of the more fascinating cereals, like paint thrown at a wall that makes art. Bonus points for the tasty morsels of dried cranberries; they add a rich juiciness to the bowl.

42.

Banana Nut Crunch

Introduced: 1994
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 10g

We don't always have time to slice bananas. Sheesh, we barely even have time to crunch. That's why a banana-y, crunchy, nutty cereal is so convenient. Banana Nut Crunch makes eating easy in the morning.

41.

Cracklin' Oat Bran

Introduced: 1977
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 15g
Cracklin' Oat Bran's squared zeros are full of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's Christmas in a bowl, with the extra surprise being the promise of a really satisfying bite every time. Who doesn't love Christmas gifts?

40.

Life

Introduced: 1961
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 8.3g

The sugar crystals, the hint of cinnamon, the subtle crunch—there's a reason Mikey likes Life! It's because we are Mikey, and Mikey is us.

39.

Apple Cinnamon Cheerios

Introduced: 1988
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 8g

Though they're the weakest link in the illustrious family, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios has outlived lesser incarnations—like Berry Burst Cheerios. (Seriously, what in the breakfast were those?) They've had to compete against Apple Jacks; a lose-lose situation. But if you give them a chance, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios are an acceptable alternative. Even if that actually means they're a decent Apple Jacks knock-off.

38.

Alpha-Bits

Introduced: 1957
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 10g

Big part of an awesome Family Guy joke. Delicious sugar coating. At least one person at Complex learned to read from Alpha-Bits, and they're incredibly delicious. What's not to love about this cereal?

37.

Crispix

Introduced: 1983
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 4g
The year was 1983 and Chex had no competition. Every-day executives at Kellogg's went to bed knowing there was a cereal eating up profit uninhibited by the productive, competitive spirit of capitalism. From the K-Labs came Crispix, a cereal born of spite and dominance. Now take a bite knowing this. How's it taste? Like money, like America. Like the $65 million in annual sales Crispix achieved just five years after its inception.

36.

Krave

Introduced: 2010
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 15g
We know, we know. This is a recent cereal, so how could it possibly be one of the best of all time? Have you actually had a bowl, though? Because, let us tell y'all: Krave is a nice little surprise when you take your first bite. Sweet, crunchy, and structured, this cereal is made all the better thanks to the chocolatey filling inside. We don't know about y'all, but we're always craving more Krave when we finish a bowl.

35.

Smorz

Introduced: 2003
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 18g

S'mores (the campfire snack) are a great idea—in theory. But the arduous process to make the treat—finding a campfire, toasting the marshmallow without charring it, melting the chocolate so it hits the right level of gooeyness, avoiding the dreaded graham cracker crumble, the messy of the whole thing—is a bit too much effort sometimes.

A perfect S'more is culinary art. That's why Smorz is legendary. It captures those flavors without the time-consuming hassle. The only caveat? Cruelly, WK Kellogg Co. has made it nearly impossible to find, essentially forcing us to return to making S'mores like cavemen. Boo.

34.

Corn Chex

Introduced: 1936
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 3.4g
This is the quintessential stand-by cereal. Will it blow you away with flavor, like Cinnamon Toast Crunch? No, but you will never be disappointed with Corn Chex. It's safe, reliable, and satisfying, and sometimes that's what you need. Like a good friend or a good drink.

33.

Grape-Nuts Flakes

Introduced: 1897
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 5g
Sometimes, when you look up this cereal, it's called "The Original." And, although it isn't the oldest cereal here, it's certainly one of them breakfast cereals that is as OG as it comes. Crunchy and sweet corn flakes with the juiciness of grape bits makes Grape-Nut Flakes an easy bowl to eat and an even easier cereal to eat through.

32.

Raisin Bran Crunch

Introduced: 1999
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 12g
It's hard getting into Raisin Bran Crunch. Seriously, raisins? Bran? You might as well serve it in diners at 5:30 p.m., and call it the "early bird special." It's not as good as the original, but you would be surprised at the serious flavor hidden in this cereal. All you have to do is give it a chance.

31.

Cheerios

Introduced: 1941
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 2g

Round shape. Delicious taste. Historically relevant. It might not be that high on the list, but you certainly can't beat Cheerios, especially since it pairs so nicely with a variety of toppings—like bananas and nuts. Yum!

30.

Kix

Introduced: 1937
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 3.3g
This cereal is kind of like a drug. There's just enough sweetness that you chase bigger bursts of sugar in each bite. But you never reach the high the cereal tricks you into thinking it contains. That's why Kix-related ODs number in the double-digits every year. (Editor's note: They don't. Not that we've found.) You think you've got a handle on your breakfast experience, but you don't. Kix has its vice grip on you.

29.

Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch

Introduced: 1969
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 13g

Now, look, we love us some Crunch Berries. Who doesn't? But sometimes, you just can't compete against the undisputed flavor GOAT: peanut butter. And when you've got Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch in your pantry, it's impossible not to salivate and kill the whole box. It's a bomb cereal that blows up your taste buds in the best way.

28.

Cinnamon Life

Introduced: 1978
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 8g
Life has many varietals: Apple, Honey Graham, Maple & Brown Sugar, Raisin. Each is solid in their own right, hitting a specific taste for a specific person. You could say the same about Cinnamon Life, but let's be so for real right now: Life is better with a hint of Cinnamon. That's the only life we're about, and we expect you to be on the same page.

27.

Count Chocula

Introduced: 1971
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 10g

Monsters are cool, but "monster cereals" are even cooler. A monster cereal based on the iconic Count Dracula that's chocolate flavored? And it leaves a delicious pool of chocolate milk behind? Say less.

26.

Honeycomb

Introduced: 1965
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 13g

What is there to say about Honeycomb cereal that hasn't already been said by the ever-articulate Crazy Craving? Me want Honeycomb, indeed, buddy. He has such a way with words.

25.

Corn Pops

Introduced: 1950
Manufacturer: Kellogg's
Sugar Per Serving: 10g

If we could swap the traditional popcorn bucket at the movie theaters for a bucket of Corn Pops, that'd be the ideal move. Since we can't, though, we'll just have to settle for the deliciously sweet corn kernels floating in a pool of milk in the morning.

24.

Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs

Introduced: 1994
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 10g
It's everything nine-year-old you every wanted: candy for breakfast. That's it. There's really nothing else to say here. Moving on.

23.

Special K

Introduced: 1955
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 3.8g

Special K had some bizarre, misogynistic commercials throughout the '70s and '80s, but the cereal wasn't bizarre or misogynistic. And thank God because it's pretty good, with a mild sweetness that's undercut by the seven grams of protein you ingested in every bowl. The marketing has gotten better over the years, and although the cereal's formula hasn't changed alongside its commercials, Special K is still reliably delicious, making it a cereal that holds a special place in our hearts.

22.

Cocoa Krispies

Introduced: 1958
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 15g
Snap, Crackle, and Pop are cereal wizards—Rice Krispie Treats and Cocoa Krispies? If mankind ever puts together a Cereal Hall of Fame, this triumvirate is going to be in the inaugural class because they changed the game forever. Don't mess with this trio or their cereals.

21.

Fruity Pebbles

Introduced: 1971
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 11g
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who think Cocoa Pebbles is superior, and those who think Fruity Pebbles is superior. The one thing that everyone can agree upon, though, is they are both very good. Plus, Fred Flintstone's on the front of the box. You could put Fred Flintstone on a box of Brussels sprouts cereal, and kids would go nuts for it. Wait, is Fred Flintstone an influencer? Something to thing about...

20.

Honey Oh's

Introduced: 1980
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 12g
Talk about a delicious cereal. Little graham crackers and a little honey makes for a big flavor. It's not called Honey Graham Oh!s anymore, but this breakfast cereal still makes us go "oh" in the morning. Not like that! Come on, get your mind out of the milk—we mean gutter.

19.

French Toast Crunch

Introduced: 1996
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 12g
A sibling of the all-time great, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, French Toast Crunch is a nice alternative. It's crunchy, it's sweet, and it leaves your milk tasting like French toast, which gets some gold stars from us. Plus, when you don't have time to actually make French toast in the morning, it's great having this option in your pantry for when you want that French toast flavor. Yeah, you really can't beat this breakfast cereal.

18.

Cocoa Pebbles

Introduced: 1971
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 12g

The fact that this cereal is named after prehistoric rocks should tell you something: Clearly, it must be delicious to have survived all these years. Or, that people will eat anything chocolate, particularly if it's marketed by Fred Flintstone. Man, this dude really is an influencer, huh?

17.

Wheaties

Introduced: 1921
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 5g

We have been so indoctrinated by advertising that we are sure this is the healthiest cereal. If it gives us dunks like Jordan, homers like Pujols, and the stamina of Tiger Woods, then pour them in our bowl.

16.

Rice Krispies Treats Cereal

Introduced: 1993
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 12g
There is no more appropriate cereal name. These sugary clusters truly are a "treat." They may not be on the same level as their cocoa and OG counterparts, but they don't lag too far behind. Contrary to popular belief, this classic still exists. You owe it to your younger self to hunt down a box and experience this GOATED cereal. No, seriously, go now!

15.

Cap'n Crunch Oops! All Berries

Introduced: 1997
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 17g
You've got a lot of different kinds of Cap'n Crunch cereal, but the Oops! All Berries iteration is one of the best versions of the Captain's Crunch. It eliminates those sometimes painful corn squares—they famously shred the roof of your mouth despite being delicious AF—and gives you just the circular goodness of (artificial) berry flavor. What's not to love?

14.

Trix

Introduced: 1954
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 6g

Trix is one of those breakfast cereals that looks incredibly appealing in the bowl. Just a glance at those neon-hued globes could incite a sugar rush or make us feel like we were on acid. Maybe it's both.

The only issue? We still feel guilty for never sharing with that rabbit. Let's poor a little milk out for him when we scarf down our next bowl.

13.

Golden Grahams

Introduced: 1976
Manufacturer: Cereal Partners
Sugar Per Serving: 11g

Crispy, crunchy, a real winner in most aspects of cereal culture thanks to a big graham taste without too much sweetness. Pro Tip: If you want to make a much better s'mores cereal, put chocolate and marshmallows in Golden Grahams. Keep that little secret between us, though.

12.

Honey Smacks

Introduced: 1953
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 18g

We liked them better when they were called Sugar Smacks, but we'll deal. They still have a serious sweet taste and light texture, making Honey Smacks one of those cereals we eat two bowls of, back to back.

11.

Cookie Crisp

Introduced: 1977
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 12g

If you love Cookie Crisp, you have to make a choice; you must decide which mascot you ride for. Older heads might go with Jarvis (1977–1985), the cookie wizard. But since you know it's rough and real out there, the villainous Cookie Crook (1981–1997) might be your chosen accomplice. If you're a punk with a badge, though, you're probably shining the shoes of Officer Crumb (1982–1997). Then there's Chip the Dog, who's iconic "Coo-oooooooooookie Crisp!" line is what you may remember most. As of '05, Cookie Crisp fans have had Chip the Wolf.

What does any of that have to do with the flavor of the cereal itself? Nothing because no matter the mascot, Cookie Crisp is always good.

10.

Cocoa Puffs

Introduced: 1958
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 13g

While we all might be a little scared to be cuckoo, there's no denying that we're all a little cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Chocolate forever.

9.

Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds

Introduced: 1989
Manufacturer: Post
Sugar Per Serving: 6g
Purists will argue that the original incarnation of the sweet clusters is best, but they're blind to the future. Those people are Stanley Crouch-types insisting that nothing good came after jazz. We like jazz and rap; we like Honey Bunches of Oats with or without Almonds. But force our hand, and we're sticking with the maximalist approach. Throw a string section on top of the beat, and pass us those almond slivers.

8.

Lucky Charms

Introduced: 1964
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 13g

This one goes out to those who dream that all-marshmallow dream. A dream with yellow moons that are always full, pots of gold that are never emptied, and cereal pieces that ain't bad. That leprechaun knew what's up.

7.

Frosted Flakes

Introduced: 1952
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 15g
If Fred Flintstone is an influencer, then so too is Tony the Tiger. This giant, talking, orange cat really hustled to sell you some Frosted Flakes and, no lie, it worked with unsurprising regularity. This is especially true because the cereal itself, despite getting pretty soggy pretty fast, is still pretty good. And the milk? It's the perfect sweet treat at the end of a bowl. Tony the Tiger was totally right: They're gggrrreeeaaattt!

6.

Apple Jacks

Introduced: 1965
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 13g

Do Apple Jacks really taste like apples? No shot, and we love apples. Still, this cereal, with this cinnamon-y flavor and sweet crunch, is a go-to for us when we need that brain energy in the morning. There's nothing that'll get you kickflipping like Cinni-Man quite like Apple Jacks.

5.

Froot Loops

Introduced: 1963
Manufacturer: WK Kellogg Co. (formerly Kellogg's)
Sugar Per Serving: 8g
Imagine a Mt. Rushmore for breakfast cereal characters. The dignified beak of Toucan Sam is surely there, majestic, colorful, beautiful. The cereal he pushes has been referenced in such seminal works as The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, The Simpsons, and Eddie Murphy's "Delirious" stand-up special. That's a 50 percent success-rate in terms of positive influence on pop culture. Rumor has it that Charlie Sheen had taken to snorting the sugary detritus at the bottom of the Froot Loops bag. For some reason, this couldn't save the show. But no matter because Froot Loops saves us from our ravenous appetite.

4.

Oreo O’s

Introduced: 1997
Manufacturer: Mondelēz International
Sugar Per Serving: 17g

Oreo O’s, to me as a child, wasn’t just a cereal. It was the perfect union of breakfast meeting a beloved cookie. Unlike Reese’s and Kit-Kit, who similarly—and unsuccessfully—tried their hand in the cereal market, Oreo O’s were one of the few cereals that genuinely captured the essence of the snack it was inspired by, delivering a flavor profile that was bold,, satisfying, and unmistakably Oreo.

While many cereals feel like variations of the same theme, Oreo O's broke the mold by offering a flavor that was undeniably its own: the rich chocolatey taste, the hint of creaminess, the satisfying crunch—all in a form that fits neatly into a bowl of milk. It’s rare for a cereal to so perfectly translate a snack into a breakfast food, but Oreo O's did so with finesse. Though they’re harder to find nowadays than they were before, you can still order a box or two on Amazon, so be sure to give this cereal a try if you’ve never tasted before. It’s absolute gas. — Jacob Kramer, Complex Pop Culture Social Editor

3.

Cap'n Crunch Crunch Berries

Introduced: 1967
Manufacturer: Quaker Oats
Sugar Per Serving: 16g
Sure, Oops! All Berries is on this list, so Crunch Berries feels a bit redundant. However, we'd argue they fulfill different purposes. If you're a kid with a sweet tooth, then you undoubtedly gravitated toward Cap'n Crunch's Oops! All Berries. However, if you're an overgrown kid with a sweet tooth—i.e. an adult who loves some sugar—but wanted something a little tempered, then Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries were the go-to. This delicacy is honestly Cap'n Crunch's best cereal formula.

2.

Honey Nut Cheerios

Introduced: 1979
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 12g

A great cereal that's sweet but not too sweet. That bit of honey elevates what's otherwise a bland delicacy. So, skip the regular ole Cheerios, and pick up Honey Nut Cheerios instead. You won't be disappointed.

1.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Introduced: 1984
Manufacturer: General Mills
Sugar Per Serving: 9.4g

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is our number one cereal for a reason. It's cinnamon-y, it's crunchy, and it leaves behind a delectable bowl of sweet milk for you to drink up after you finish crunching and munching. There's nothing else quite like it and nothing really compares to it.

It's the GOAT. Period. We won't hear any arguments about that, either.