I’m a Registered Dietitian — This Is the Cereal That Helps Me Eat More Protein

As a registered dietitian, I know that eating breakfast isn’t just a nice thing to do to start my day — it helps me feel my healthiest, too. Of course, busy mornings make freshly cooked omelettes or warm homemade waffles more of a luxury than an everyday occurrence. (That’s what weekends are for, right?) Instead, I lean on convenient options that take very little prep time.

One obvious choice, for me, is cold cereal with milk. It’s quick and easy, and, with the right mix of ingredients, can be satisfying and filling. Less obvious, though, was what cereal would become my breakfast staple. Finding a box filled with nutritious and flavorful grains has taken a lot of trial and error. After sampling much of the cereal aisle, I found the one — and I eat it every morning during the week.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical of this KIND cereal at first. There are plenty of nutrient-dense cereals on shelves, and most of the ones I’ve tried leave a lot to be desired in the taste department. I’ve also found a lot of the cereals that taste good contain added sugars, artificial ingredients, and little satiating fiber, protein, and healthy fats. (Which means I’m left feeling those hunger pangs shortly after I’ve finished a bowl.)

I assumed a cereal that contains six grams of protein, four grams of dietary fiber, and healthy fats would be more of the same. But. But! I’m happy to report, after one bite of this dark chocolate almond cereal, I was eating my words — or, in this case, spoonfuls of toasted almond slices, dark chocolate chunks, and flakes made from a variety of wholesome grains (oats, sorghum, and brown rice) — and I was enjoying it. The nuttiness from the almonds combined with the flakes (including cocoa!) and bits of chocolate made each subsequent bite only more delightful.

As a bonus, it kept me full until lunchtime (no stomach rumblings over here). This cereal is genuinely a stick-to-your-ribs option and, now, a staple in my home. I eat it during the week along with some milk and fresh berries. Weekends, however, are reserved for more slow-paced breakfasts, like my beloved omelette with a side of hash browns.

Buy: KIND Dark Chocolate Almond Cereal, $7.99 for 10 ounces at Instacart

Do you have a favorite brand of cereal? Tell us about it in the comments.