There is a good reason so many people have started to prefer organic cereal over the many mainstream kinds of cereal.
Did you know your favorite breakfast cereals are full of alarming amount of sugars and potentially health-damaging chemicals?
Even the cereals labeled as “natural” contain harmful artificial dyes, flavors, refined sugars, pesticide residues, and genetically engineered ingredients.
But don’t just take our word for it—go have a look at the ingredients label on that box of “all natural” cereal you just brought. Scary, isn’t it?
Walk down the cereal aisle at any grocery store, and you’ll find a lot of cereals with labels like “all natural,” “healthy,” and “nutrient-rich.”
But are those statements real or are they just clever wording and marketing tricks with no real substance or regulations behind them?
The only real way to make sure you are getting healthy and nutrient-rich cereal without the hidden pesticides and artificial dyes the ingredients label often miss is to buy organic cereal.
And just below we have gathered the top 10 organic cereal brands and reviewed them for you, so the next time you end up in the overwhelming cereal aisle, you will know what’s good for you and what just looks good for you.
Best Organic Cereal Brands: Comparison Table
How We Reviewed
We reviewed the products below based on their organic certifications, the quality of their ingredients, the nutritional value of each cereal and taste.
Top 10 Best Organic Cereal Brands
Barbara’s Better Granola
Barbara’s Better Granola is from California, and they have made a commitment to creating “simple, wholesome, and delicious products with the most honest ingredients.”
They use high-quality ingredients to provide optimal nutrition and taste.
Barbara’s Better Granola comes in 2 flavors packed with fiber and lower in sugar than the leading granola.
The first flavor is Oats & Honey which has 45% less sugar than the leading granola. It has 13g of sugar per 55g, and Honey & Oats has 7g of sugar per 55g). Also it has 3.5g total fat, contains oats, almonds, honey, flax, quinoa, and chia, ancient grains and seeds, 30g Whole Grains, 210mg ALA Omega-3s and 6g Fiber.
The other flavor is Dark Chocolate Cranberry, which has 30% less sugar than the leading granola (9g per 55g), 4.5g total fat, contains oats, almonds, honey, flax, quinoa, dried cranberries and 70% dark chocolate curls, 28g whole grains, 210 ALA omega 3s and 6g fiber.
How to enjoy:
Try this granola with fresh fruit and organic yogurt, add organic milk to it to have it as a cereal or add it to your favorite organic cereal to add an extra crunch to your morning.
Pros
+ high in fiber and good source of whole grains
+ Non-GMO Project Verified seal
Cons
– pricey
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Lydia’s Organics Grainless Apple Cereal
Lydia’s Organics Grainless Apple Cereal is a small batch, and artisan made cereal.
It is free of soy, GMOs, gluten, animal products, dairy products, peanuts, alliums, yeast, corn, grains, oil, fillers, preservatives, and anything artificial.
It is low temperature dehydrated for optimal nutrient and enzyme preservation.
Also, it is 100% raw vegan. Lydia’s Organics offers a line of grainless cereals, packed with organic sprouted sunflower seeds, organic apples, organic raisins, organic English walnuts, organic figs, organic sprouted almonds, and organic cinnamon.
How to enjoy:
Lydia’s suggests topping it off with organic almond milk for a well-rounded breakfast option that even vegans can enjoy.
Pros
+ good substitute for regular granola
Cons
– a customer review stated that it was not as good tasting for the price as other cereals
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Ambrosial Granola Venetian Vineyard
Ambrosial Granola Venetian Vineyard is from the eating principles of a Mediterranean diet and is non-GMO, certified organic, wheat and dairy free, and vegetarian.
It contains walnuts, cashews, plum raisins, and dates mixed with flax meal, sesame, sunflower seeds, and whole grain cereals.
Ambrosial Granola Venetian Vineyard is based on the eating principles of the Mediterranean diet and is non-GMO, certified organic, wheat and dairy free, and vegetarian.
It contains walnuts, cashews, plum raisins, and dates mixed with flax meal, sesame, sunflower seeds, and whole grain cereals.
Also, it is a rich source of phosphorus, copper, thiamin, magnesium, selenium, manganese and the naturally occurring heart-healthy fats from nuts and flax meal enhance nutrition.
The production of ingredients in Ambrosial Granola and their handling has been strictly enforced according to the National Organic Program (NOP) and in 2011 Prevention Magazine voted this granola as the Best and Healthiest Cereal.
How to enjoy:
Try this granola as a cereal by adding organic milk to it or throw it on top of organic yogurt and have it as an afternoon snack.
Pros
+ Very tasty, no ‘sawdust’ texture
+ Recommended serving size is enough to make you feel full
+ Added whole grains, dates, walnuts, cashews, and raisins
Cons
– Pricey
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$$ |
4.5 |
Farm to Table Ancient Grain Oatmeal
Farm to Table Ancient Grain Oatmeal incorporates grains like spelt and kamut Khorasan (an ancient cereal grain related to durum wheat), which provides high protein content and very unique flavors.
- INGREDIENTS: Organic oats, organic Kamut khorasan, organic spelt, organic rye, organic hard red wheat and organic flax seeds.
- TASTE: Creamy base, nutty top ends, great depth of flavor and superior texture
- NUTRITION: 100% organic, Non-GMO, high in natural protein, omega-3s, pre-biotic fiber and antioxidants NO ADDED SUGAR, ever.
It is from small batches of organic oats, other organic grains, dried fruit and seeds, organic cracked red winter wheat, rye, oats and flax seeds to create unique textures and flavor.
They offer a variety of differently flavored oatmeals such as Organic Ancient Grain Oatmeal, Ultimate Organic Whole Grain & Oatmeal, and Organic Apple Raisin Whole Grain & Oatmeal.
How to enjoy:
Try cooking this with organic milk and cinnamon on the stovetop for a creamy texture, and then add a little bit of half and half at the end for a quick, healthy start to the day.
Pros
+ Great healthy alternative to oatmeal
+ Cooks very fast (less than 3 minutes)
+ Filling and flavorful
Cons
– Small container
– Pricey
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$$ |
4.5 |
Grandy Oats Swiss Style Muesli
Grandy Oats Swiss Style Muesli is handmade in small batches at their solar-powered bakery.
It is full of oats, heart-healthy almonds and hazelnuts, vitamin C, rich apple pieces, dates and raisins rich in minerals, and sunflower seeds that reduce inflammation.
- HEALTHY, CRUNCHY AND DELICIOUS whole grain muesli featuring raisins, apples, nuts and seeds.
- SOLAR-POWERED BAKERY in Maine, USA has 288 solar panels producing more than 95, 000 kilowatts of energy per year (that’s enough energy to power 17 average American homes)! These panels offset over 94, 000 lbs of CO2, which is equal to planting 1, 958 trees per year.
- MADE IN SMALL BATCHES, Non-GMO Verified, USDA Certified Organic, Dairy Free, and Kosher
It is also certified organic, non-GMO verified, kosher salt-free, vegan, and muesli also has a low glycemic index.
How to enjoy:
Try cooking this with organic milk and cinnamon on the stovetop for a creamy texture, and then add a little bit of half and half at the end for a quick, healthy start to the day.
Pros
+ No added sugars
+ Added whole skinned almonds and sunflower seeds
+ Non-GMO and kosher
Cons
– Bland taste
– Small container
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Granola
Laughing Giraffe Cherry Ginger Granola is gluten-free and non-GMO. As its name suggests, it is from cherries which is popular as “America’s super fruit.”
Cherries have many health benefits; from easing arthritis pain to keeping hearts healthy.
The organic coconut oil in the gluten provides some lauric acid which is a nutrient that human bodies need to fortify the immune system.
How to enjoy:
You can eat this granola as a cereal with organic milk or a plant-based milk, or just eat it right out of the bag.
Pros
+ Filling and tasty
+ Organic non-GMO
+ Gluten-Free
Cons
– Container rather small
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$$ |
4.5 |
Nature’s Path Organic Optimum Blueberry Cinnamon
Nature’s Path Organic Optimum Blueberry Cinnamon is one of the first USDA certified organic cereals on the market.
It is from the protein-rich kamut wheat and antioxidant-rich blueberries (can improve memory) which have been freeze-dried at their peak ripeness and nutrient content.
- INCLUDES: 6 boxes of Nature’s Path Optimum Power Blueberry Cinnamon Flax Cereal (14 Ounces in each box).
- POWERFUL TASTE, ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: You deserve a breakfast that fuels your body with an optimal blend of protein, carbohydrates and fiber and tastes great. And, that’s what you get with this blend of wild, organic blueberries, Omega-3 rich flax seeds and sprinkles of cinnamon that add a sweet flavor to the hearty crunchy texture.
- ALWAYS ORGANIC: Certified USDA organic, this delicious cereal represents the true values of Nature's Path. This cereal is Non-GMO Project Verified and includes wholefood simple ingredients embracing sustainable processes.
Nature’s Path invests in farmland, converting it to organic, and are always striving to change the organic standards for the better.
How to enjoy:
Eat this cereal with organic milk or, if you’re a vegan, try a bowl with organic coconut or almond milk.
Pros
+ Protein- and fiber-packed
+ Healthy and tasty added blueberry and cinnamon combo
+ Filling and 100% organic
Cons
– Not easily to find in stores
– More berries would be a big plus
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Great River Organic Milling Highland Medley
Great River Organic Milling has been providing stone ground quality cereals for over 25 years. The ingredients are stone ground to produce a more flavorful and nutritional product.
Great River Organic Milling Highland Medley is from immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering steel-cut oats, hulled barley, and brown rice. It is also certified organic by QAI, and kosher approved.
- Contains 4 - 2 pound bags
- This blend of steel cut oats, hulled barley & a bit of brown rice is a coarse textured cereal that will satisfy the heartiest eater
- Excellent on those chilly winter mornings, Add some fruit and nuts for a delicious breakfast
How to enjoy:
Great River Organic Oatmeal is perfect for a winter breakfast. Just boil water, add in the Great River oatmeal and customize with your favorite toppings such as nuts and fruits.
Pros
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+
Cons
–
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Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Go Raw Live Granola
Go Raw Live Granolas are nut free and gluten-free, with no refined sugar, and packed with plant powered, sprouted super seeds.
It is from live, powerful phytochemicals that can ward off disease Also it is from sprouted organic buckwheat which has heart-healthy and energizing properties and organic raisins and dates to provide subtle sweetness.
- TASTY BREAKFAST & TOPPER: with 3g protein per serving, enjoy for breakfast, as a snack, or as a tasty topper for yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, smoothie bowls, and ice cream.
- NUT FREE & NATURALLY SWEET: 100% nut and gluten free. Fiber-rich and naturally sweetened with dates.
- MINIMALLY-PROCESSED: dried—never baked, toasted, or fried—for a granola you can feel good about.
How to enjoy:
You can eat it right out of the bag or if you prefer to eat your cereal out of a bowl. Go Raw suggests eating it with organic almond milk.
Pros
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+
Cons
–
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Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Kaia Cocoa Bliss
Kaia Cocoa Bliss is buckwheat based and features immune-boosting coconut flakes, magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds and antioxidant-rich cocoa that is slightly sweetened with low glycemic agave nectar.
It is 100% because the grains went through sprouting and dehydrating process. It is not baked, certified organic, certified gluten-free, and vegan.
How to enjoy:
You can top yogurt with it, try it with fresh berries or eat it straight out the bag.
Pros
+
+
+
Cons
–
–
Quality |
Price |
Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
4.5 |
$ |
4.5 |
Organic Cereal FAQ’s
What is Organic Cereal?
Organic cereal is cereal produced promoting ecological sustainability, without toxic additives such as pesticides, herbicides and any other harmful chemicals, and genetically engineered ingredients.
All certified organic cereals must meet strict regulations set by the federal government
Why Should We Buy Organic Cereal?
Unlike inorganic cereal, organic cereal must meet specific regulations set by the federal government, such as the stipulation that it cannot contain any conventional pesticides, chemicals, artificial dyes, and genetically modified organisms.
Because of these regulations, organic cereals are healthier not only for the consumer but also for the environment because all foods that are organic must promote sustainability.
How is it Healthier than Regular Cereal?
Regular cereal often contains artificial dyes which can cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and tumor growth.
They can also contain grains that have traces of pesticides and herbicides in them and grains that have come in contact with sewer water, and we’re sure we don’t need to list the negative health implications that can have.
They are often overloaded with sugar which can cause type 2 diabetes. Also, the grains in regular cereal are refined grains which are grains without nutrients.
Organic cereal has none of these things. Because they must meet strict organic standards, they contain no artificial dyes, chemicals, or allow sewer water to ever come in contact with these products. Organic cereals are often only sweetened by the ingredients in the cereal or lightly sweetened with agave or honey.
Where can you Buy It?
These organic cereals are at grocery stores across the U.S.
Price Range
All these cereals cost around $7 although some may be slightly more expensive.
Overall Price Range Of This Product
The organic cereals listed below range in price from $6 to $16. Although these cereals meet or exceed the organic certification requirements, a cheaper cereal my not have added benefits that a more expensive cereal may have.
Best organic cereal brands: The Verdict
Organic cereals may not be the majority of the cereals you find at the grocery store, but you know what they say about quality versus quantity.
And these cereals have quality, no added sugars or artificial flavors, they keep all the naturally occurring nutrients in the grains, have health benefits that come from all the organic ingredients and chocolate!
Who needs “regular” cereal when there are all these delicious organic options? For today Barbara’s Better Granola will have to take the crown.
It has 2 mouthwatering flavors, less sugar than the leading granola. Also it is full of fiber and omega-3s, and it has chocolate. Organic, sweet and delicious—all the things a breakfast cereal should be.
Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API