What are the best cereals for runners? And is there even such a thing as good cereal for runners?
As a runner, you know that fueling your body is just as important as training it. What you eat can significantly impact your performance, for better or worse. Since cereal is an option that many of us lean on to hit those carb goals, let’s talk about our best options (and our eat it anyways options!).
Cereal can be an excellent choice for runners due to its high carbohydrate content AND because many are also packed with other vitamins. Carbohydrates are a runner’s primary fuel source, helping to replenish glycogen stores and provide energy for long runs.
I FREAKING LOVE cereal and it’s been a real boost to my mindset to hear from a lot of Sports Nutritionists that it’s a great addition to my meal plan. Of course the kind of cereal you choose is important, but also important is timing of sugars vs protein and fiber.
Are Cereals Bad For Runners?
Not at all!
While it’s true that some cereals are packed with grams of sugar and lack essential nutrients, there are plenty of options that can serve as excellent pre-run snacks for runners. It’s all about choosing the right bowl of cereal.
Remember that pre-run we want SIMPLE. You need quick, easy to access sugar, which is why you see so many RD’s talking about pop-tarts. Sugary cereal is the same easy to digest go to option.
Granola, especially homemade versions, can be a nutrient-dense option to get in more calories. Just be mindful that not everyone’s gut loves all that fiber before a run! Go for granola made with honey, nuts, and dried fruit, to keep your sugars more natural.
But again, remember pre-run we want energy that’s quick for the muscles to use.
Healthy Cereals for Runners
Post run or for snacks at other times, we want to turn to whole grain cereals, like Cheerios and Kashi Go Lean. These cereals are high in fiber and packed with essential vitamins and minerals that runners need.
Aim for cereals that contain at least 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving. Also, check the label for added sugars and try to keep it under 10 grams per serving.
High protein overnight oats or oatmeal is a top pick if we’re looking at packing in some great nutrition. They’re high in fiber, which can help you feel full and fueled for your workout. You can top your oatmeal with berries, nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and flavors.
Keep in mind that as an endurance athlete, your body needs carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores in your muscles. So, a bowl of cereal with almond milk or a piece of toast with nut butter can provide the necessary carbs and protein for recovery.
Best High Protein Cereals For Runners
Protein is an essential nutrient for runners since it aids in muscle recovery and growth after a long run or intense workout.
And so, a bowl of cereal packed with protein can be a quick and easy pre-run snack or post-run meal. Here are some of the best high-protein cereals that runners can incorporate into their diet:
1. Special K Protein Plus (10g)
Special K Protein Plus is great for runners looking for a cereal packed with protein. This cereal has 10 grams of protein per cup serving, which is beneficial for muscle recovery post-workout. It also provides the necessary nutrients to fuel your body for a long run.
It’s made from whole grain and it’s low in sugar while being a good source of fiber, with 5 grams per serving.
Special K Protein Plus is not just high in protein but also rich in vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential for runners as they help in replenishing glycogen stores and boosting endurance.
2. Cheerios Protein (8g)
Cheerios Protein is another good cereal choice for runners. With 8 grams of protein per cup serving, it’s a great way to kickstart your day or refuel after a long run. Protein is essential for runners as it helps repair and build muscles after a workout.
But the perks of Cheerios Protein don’t stop at protein. This cereal is also packed with whole grain oats, making it a good source of carbohydrates. Carbs are crucial for runners as they replenish glycogen stores that fuel your muscles.
It tastes just like a sugary Cheerio to me and I’ve no issues eating this pre-run.
3. Benefit Nutrition Protein Plus (12g)
With a whopping 12 grams of protein per cup serving, Benefit Nutrition Protein Plus is among the highest protein cereals on the market that isn’t keto and therefore packed with fat.
This cereal doesn’t just offer protein, it’s also packed with nutrients that are important for runners. It contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all of which are essential for keeping your body in peak condition.
The fiber content, in particular, is beneficial as it aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
The carbohydrates in Benefit Nutrition Protein Plus are also worth noting. Carbs are a runner’s best friend, as they help replenish glycogen stores in your muscles after a long run or intense workout. This cereal provides a healthy dose of carbs, helping to fuel your body and keep your energy levels up.
4. Shredded Wheat (6g)
Shredded Wheat is another great option for runners. It packs in 6 grams of protein per cup serving, which is beneficial for muscle recovery post-workout.
Not only is it high in protein, but it’s also a whole grain cereal that provides a good amount of fiber (7 grams per serving) and carbohydrates.
Shredded Wheat is low in sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving, making it a healthy option for those watching their sugar intake. It’s also free from artificial flavors and gluten, which can be a plus for athletes with specific dietary needs.
Listen it’s kind of a boring one, so I eat it with peanut butter and vanilla almond milk.
5. Kays Natural Apple Cinnamon Cereal (12g)
If you’re a runner looking for a protein-rich cereal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Kays Natural Apple Cinnamon Cereal is a good option.
The apple cinnamon flavor can make your morning bowl of cereal feel like a treat, and yet only 3 grams of sugar, this is a smart choice for runners watching their sugar intake.
This cereal is also packed with 4 grams of fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, fiber helps maintain stable glycogen and it’s probably not too high for most folks to eat prior to running.
6. Protein Wise Cocoa (15g)
If you’re a runner looking for a delicious way to fuel your workouts, go for Protein Wise Cocoa cereal!
This cereal is not only high in protein, but also low in sugar with only a few grams per serving. Plus it’s gluten-free, which will make a lot of folks happy!
Protein Wise Cocoa cereal is also a good source of fiber, delivering a decent amount at 4 grams per serving.
7. Kashi Golean (10g)
Kashi Golean is a fantastic choice for runners who are looking for a cereal packed with protein and fiber. But remember it also packs 11 grams of fiber, which might not sit so well pre-run. I personally have done both fine and not so fine with that much before a run, so I tend to keep it as post run refuel to help fill me up.
This whole grain cereal is not just about protein and fiber. It also contains 7 grams of whole grains per serving, providing runners with the necessary carbohydrates to replenish their glycogen stores. Plus, it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and endurance.
Best High Fiber Cereals For Runners
We all know that fiber is so good for helping gut health. And a good gut, means less chances of having runners trots…so if you aren’t hitting your fiber goals, here are some cereals to help get the job done.
Let’s take a look at some of the best high fiber cereals for runners:
1. All-Bran Buds (36g)
All-Bran Buds is a great option for runners in need of a fiber-rich diet. With a whopping 36 grams of fiber per cup serving, this cereal helps to keep your digestive system in check and contributes to feeling full longer.
It’s also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for a runner’s overall health and performance. Vitamins and minerals help in muscle recovery and energy production which makes them crucial for endurance athletes.
That being said, I think it tastes awful and you won’t find this one in my cabinet ever.
2. Fiber One (18g)
Fiber One is also packed with fiber! Each serving size, which is about a cup, contains a whopping 18 grams of fiber. This high fiber content is beneficial for runners as it helps in digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer periods.
Fiber One is made from whole grain wheat, which makes it a rich source of essential nutrients. It delivers a good dose of carbohydrates, which are important for replenishing your glycogen stores after a long run.
It’s also fairly low in sugar…and well you can taste that. So maybe enjoy with a banana!
3. Grape-Nuts (14g)
Another option you should consider is Grape-Nuts. Each half-cup serving packs a whopping 14 grams of fiber, which is more than half of your recommended daily intake.
Grape-Nuts is also low in sugar, with only 5 grams per serving, and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for runners. It contains iron for healthy blood, magnesium for muscle function, and B vitamins for energy production.
The slightly sweet, nutty flavor of Grape-Nuts pairs is probably why a lot of folks use it more as a topping for their Greek Yogurt than say just pouring out a bowl.
Maybe if I mixed it with some Cinnamon Toast Crunch….
4. Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain (6g)
Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain cereal is made from sprouted grains, which are easier for your body to digest and absorb. Sprouting also increases the amount of vitamins and minerals in the grains.
All of that is why it’s also $$$. But I do love their products and find them to sit really well with my stomach which does not like whole grain breads.
This cereal contains 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per cup serving.
Another bonus of this cereal is that it’s free from artificial flavors and is low in sugar. As a whole grain cereal, it’s packed with nutrients, including B vitamins and iron.
5. Trader Joe’s High Fiber O’s (4g)
Trader Joe’s High Fiber O’s is one of the tastier one’s in this list and lower in fiber, soooo I’m not sure what that says. At just 4 grams of fiber, I could easily eat this pre-run, but I usually mixed it with another cereal like say Lucky Charms.
In addition to its high fiber content, Trader Joe’s High Fiber O’s is also a good source of whole grains. It also contains a decent amount of protein, with 5 grams per serving.
It’s also free from artificial flavors and gluten, and only has 2 grams added sugar.
6. Kashi Go Lean (13g)
Kashi Go Lean is packs a hefty 11 grams of protein per cup serving. This cereal is made up of a wholesome mix of oats, whole grain, and honey rice. It’s been around a long time and was one of my first go to options for increasing fiber.
It tastes great. It’s again just a little bit more $$. So that’s where I started turning to big bags of cheap oats to make my high protein oatmeal.
It’s not just high in protein, but also a great source of fiber, with 13 grams per serving.
Best Gluten Free Cereals For Runners
For runners with gluten sensitivities or those who simply prefer to avoid gluten, there are some great cereal options that taste SO GOOD.
1. Love Grown Power O’s
Love Grown Power O’s is made from a unique blend of beans and whole grains for a nutrient-rich start to your day. Each bowl of cereal contains 6 grams of protein, which aids in muscle recovery after a long run.
Beans and they are so good. Love this brand so much.
Plus, this cereal is light on the stomach but heavy on nutrients. It offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, which are essential for maintaining your glycogen stores. With only 1 gram of sugar per serving, it’s a great option for those watching their sugar intake.
2. Cheerios
Cheerios is a classic cereal that everyone loves, including most runners I’ve met! It’s a great option for a pre-run snack as it’s packed with whole grain oats.
A single cup serving of Cheerios contains 140 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein. It’s not just low in calories but also in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving.
It’s fortified with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. It was also one of the RD recommendations when I was trying to improve my iron and ferritin.
3. Rice Chex
Rice Chex is another great gluten-free option for runners. This cereal is light and easy to digest which makes it a perfect pre-run snack. It’s made of whole grain rice, which provides the necessary carbohydrates to fuel your muscles during your workout.
Each serving of Rice Chex contains about 160 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. While it’s not the highest in fiber or protein, it’s low in sugar, with just 3 grams per serving.
Since I’ve been forcing myself to watch my sugar, you’ll find this as a staple now instead of my more fun sugary cereals.
4. Barbara’s Puffins
If you’re looking for a gluten-free cereal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Barbara’s Puffins is the one you should go for!
This cereal is light and crunchy, and comes in several delicious flavors and each serving provides a good balance of carbohydrates and fiber.
One cup serving of Barbara’s Puffins contains 130 calories, 6 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of fiber, making it a healthy choice for endurance athletes conscious about their calorie intake. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals!
5. Organic Maple Buckwheat Flakes From Arrowhead Mills
For the gluten-sensitive runner, Organic Maple Buckwheat Flakes from Arrowhead Mills is a great cereal option.
This cereal is naturally gluten-free and is made from whole grain buckwheat which provides a healthy dose of carbohydrates for pre-run energy.
One cup serving of this cereal provides 43 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. The fiber content helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which is important for runners who need to control their calorie intake.
The cereal also contains 4 grams of protein and the maple syrup flavor adds a touch of sweetness without loading up on grams of sugar. Mmm sweetness, probably why I like this one too.
6. Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise
Made from a blend of corn, flax, quinoa, and amaranth, this cereal is packed with vitamins and minerals essential for a runner’s diet.
Each serving (about 2/3 cup) provides a decent 4 grams of fiber as well as 4 grams of protein.
The cereal also contains just 4 grams of sugar, making it a lower-sugar option compared to many other cereals on the market. It’s lightly sweetened with organic cane sugar, so you’ll still get that touch of sweetness you crave in the morning without overloading on calories.
7. PaleoThin Coconut Flakes
They are made from three simple ingredients: organic coconut meat, organic coconut water, and organic palm starch. A one-cup serving of this cereal offers a good amount of fiber and protein. Something different for your taste buds!
The fiber in Paleo Coconut Flakes can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and aid in weight management. The protein can help to repair and build muscles after a long run.
Wohoooo we’ve now debunked the idea that cereal is bad for runners. Of course, you didn’t see a lot of our cartoon character favorites in the list, but did you really expect them to be?
That being said, I already told you they can be a great option to fuel your run! So just know when and HOW to use sugar to your body’s benefit.
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