Mornings can be a battle between convenience and nutrition, but protein cereal offers the best of both worlds. Forget the cereals that are devoid of nutrients, which often just leave you hungry an hour later.
These high-protein alternatives are designed to keep you full, fuel your body, and support your health goals. I often see athletes incorporate protein cereal into their meal plans for a quick and effective source of energy, especially before or after a workout.
However, the average person can also benefit from a protein boost to their morning meal, whether it’s to fuel a busy day at the office or ahead of a workout session. But with so many options on the shelves, how do you choose the best one? The ES Best Shopping team has done the hard work to help you find the right fit.
Why choose protein cereal?
Protein cereal is a breakfast option designed to be higher in protein than traditional cereals. While standard cereals tend to be rich in carbohydrates and sugars, protein cereals are formulated with added protein sources such as whey, soy, pea protein, or even egg whites. These cereals cater to those looking for a more balanced start to the day, whether they’re focused on fitness goals, weight management, or simply avoiding mid-morning hunger crashes.
A bowl of healthier cereal offers a convenient way to boost your protein intake without having to cook or prepare complex meals. Unlike many sugary cereals that cause energy spikes and crashes, protein cereals provide a steadier release of energy, helping you stay alert and focused throughout the morning. Many options are also fortified with fibre, vitamins and minerals, making them a more nutritionally complete breakfast choice.
Why is protein important for staying full?
Protein is a key macronutrient for satiety. It takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, helping to keep you feeling full for longer and reducing the temptation to snack before lunchtime. It also plays a crucial role in muscle repair and maintenance, making it especially beneficial for those who work out regularly. By choosing a high-protein meal, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay energised and satisfied.
When selecting a protein cereal, it’s important to look beyond the protein content and check the overall ingredient list. Go for cereals with minimal added sugars and artificial ingredients. Look for whole grains or high-fibre ingredients that provide lasting energy. If you’re plant-based, check that the protein source aligns with your dietary preferences, such as pea or soy protein instead of whey. Finally, consider taste and texture; protein cereals come in various forms, from crunchy clusters to traditional flakes, so find one that you enjoy eating.
How we tested
The ES Best Shopping team tested a range of protein cereals by evaluating taste, texture, nutritional content, and how well they kept hunger at bay throughout the morning. Each cereal was assessed not just for its protein content, but also for overall ingredient quality; prioritising options with minimal added sugar and artificial ingredients. Our team also considered how the cereals performed with different types of milk and yoghurt, so that they delivered on both flavour and satisfaction. Whether crunchy clusters or classic flakes, only the best-tasting and most nutritionally balanced options made the cut.
M&S High Protein Vegan Chocolate Crunch
As someone who is focussed on health and fitness, the M&S High Protein Vegan Chocolate Crunch ticks all the boxes when it comes to flavour, energy and supporting my diet. The dark chocolate curls and rich chocolate clusters make it feel more like a treat, while the barley and soya protein crispies make it a solid source of high-quality plant-based protein. Unlike many protein-packed cereals, this one doesn't sacrifice taste for nutrition.
The fact that it’s vegan means that it caters to a wider range of diets. Plus, it’s handy for anyone watching their macros or looking to add more plant-based protein into their meals without feeling like they're missing out on taste.
Buy now, Ocado
Surreal Variety Pack
Give the most important meal of the day a supercharge of protein with Surreal that can easily be slipped into your routine. Whether you replace your morning meal or indulge in a bowl after your workout, you are getting the benefits of 12g of plant-based protein per bowl as well as high fibre.
It’s a low-carb option too. In fact, there are just 8g in a serving, so this is one to have on hand if you’re trying keto. You can feel content knowing that the cereal is free from sugar and gluten and it’s vegan too.
There are four flavours; cocoa, frosted, cinnamon and peanut butter – mimicking popular cereals - but the taste is subtle. There’s a hint of artificial sweetener but it’s not overpowering. Manage your expectations: this is a protein product, so it won’t fool you into thinking you’re indulging in a bowl of Cocoa Pops but for a healthy twist, the brand does a great job.
Buy now £20.40, Amazon
Myprotein Protein Granola
With 37g of protein per serving, Myprotein’s granola cereal delivers a solid boost for muscle growth and maintenance, which is ideal whether you're an athlete or simply focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The granola is also rich in fibre, which helps keep you full and supports digestion, making it a great choice for both pre- and post-workout.
What really sets this product apart is its chocolate caramel flavour, satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a balanced blend of protein and carbohydrates for optimal recovery after a workout.
Buy now £14.48, Myprotein
ELEAT Protein Cereal
We cannot overstate the ease of upping your protein intake by simply switching out your first meal of the day for this product type. ELEAT has 14g of protein per bowl, 7g of fat and only 1g of sugar. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and kind to the gut. All the ingredients are natural, and the taste is extremely subtle.
While it is flavoured as Chocolate Triumph, the chocolate is almost an aftertaste whereas the opening taste is one of simple crunch. Other variations include Chocolate Caramel, Cinnamon, Strawberry and Vanilla.
What makes ELEAT’s iteration stand out from the crowd is the ease of transportation of the little pots. You can add your milk directly into the portable packaging so you’re never without your protein hit.
Price for eight packs.
Buy now £20.11, Amazon
Kellogg's Special K Protein Nuts, Clusters and Seeds
Start off the day strong with a nationwide classic, Special K Protein is filled to the brim with fibre, vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D - and of course - lots of protein. These crunchy, multigrain flakes contain clusters of seeds and nuts which give this cereal an almost granola-like texture.
Buy now £3.00, Amazon
Protein Works Superfood Breakfast Bowl
Though a breakfast cereal containing quinoa might not make sense in your brain at first thought, adding the tasty wholegrain to your breakfast mix is a brilliant way to increase fibre intake. The Superfood Breakfast Bowl by ProteinWorks also contains heart-healthy, slow-release fibres such as oats and couscous, as well as healthy fats including sunflower seeds, chia seeds and flaxseeds.
Available in three delicious flavours: apple and cinnamon, double chocolate and summer berry feast.
Buy now £9.99, ProteinWorks
Tesco High Protein Granola
Tesco’s High Protein Granola offers a great balance of flavour, crunch, and nutritional value. At an affordable price, it contains 24.4g of protein per 100g, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
The mix of oat flakes, pumpkin seeds, and soya protein provides a satisfying texture, while the low sugar content compared to other brands ensures it won’t overwhelm your taste buds. It stays crisp in milk or yoghurt, and it keeps us full until our next meal.
Buy now £3.40, Tesco
Weetabix Protein Crunch Chocolate Cereal
An alternative spin on a classic cereal, this offering from Weeabix is packed with 20 grams of protein per serving. So it is useful if you're aiming to maintain muscle mass as part of a healthy lifestyle. The combination of wholegrain wheat and oats gives it a satisfying crunch, while also delivering a good dose of fibre, iron, and vitamin D.
What I particularly love is that it's not overly sweet like some other cereals, but still offers a rich, chocolatey flavour that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The added benefit of folic acid and B vitamins makes it a great all-rounder for those looking to support both their body and energy levels throughout the morning.
Buy now £3.35, Ocado
Verdict
The ES Best Shopping team chose M&S High Protein Vegan Chocolate Crunch as our favourite protein cereal because it perfectly combines great taste with nutritional benefits. The dark chocolate curls and crunchy clusters make it just as satisfying as any normal cereal, yet it offers a high-protein boost. It’s also plant-based, making it ideal for my diet without sacrificing flavour.
