Healthiest cereals high in fiber, low in sugar

Cereal box labels may advertise that they're a healthier choice, but dietitians say don't be fooled.

Jennifer Willoughby, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, recommends cereals with oats, shredded wheat, barley, bran and other ingredients naturally high in fiber. The high-fiber cereals help children feel fuller for longer.

She also said to avoid products with corn syrup, brown sugar, dextrin or glucose.

If taste is a factor, parents can dress up the cereal with their own toppings.

"Maybe throw some healthier dark chocolate in there. A little bit of berries go a long way to sweeten it up a bit," Willoughby said.

When reading nutrition labels aim for:

• At least 5 grams of fiber


• Under 3 grams of fat per serving


• No more than 140 milligrams of sodium


• No more than 8 grams of sugar

Willoughby added a good way to wean kids off of the sugary cereal is to do it gradually by mixing health cereal with a sugary one. Parents can decrease the sugary cereal amount over time.