There are so many delicious breakfast foods [1] and drinks out there — pancakes [2], waffles, bagels, cereals, tater tots, chocolate milk — the list is endless. But did you know that there are healthier, cleaner alternatives for some of your child's favorite a.m. treats [3]? Many of these alternatives are packed with nutrients, whole grains, and all-natural ingredients [4] and are free from pesky chemicals and preservatives. A number of these options are also high in fiber and protein, meaning they'll help keep you and your child fuller longer. From cleaner cereals [5] to less-sugary drinks, these healthier breakfast options will help start you and your child's mornings off right!
Granola Bars: Try Kind Kids Instead
These superdelicious Kind Kids Chewy Granola Bars [7] ($3) have 25 percent less sugar than the leading kids' granola bar. They also are made from 100 percent whole grains, including oats and quinoa, and have zero artificial flavors, preservatives, and sugar alcohols — making them a perfect breakfast treat, especially while on the go!
Cap'n Crunch: Eat Barbara's Peanut Butter Puffins Instead
Barbara's Peanut Butter Puffins [8] ($4) are made with non-GMO ingredients, are low in fat, and also only have six grams of sugar per serving. Another great fact: each carton is made from 100 percent recycled materials, making this cereal not only better for you but also better for the earth.
Chocolate Milk: Drink Elmhurst Milked Peanuts With Chocolate Instead
Elmhurst Milked Peanuts With Chocolate [9] ($4) is not only incredibly delicious but is also made from simple, clean ingredients like peanuts and Dutch cocoa. Each glass contains eight grams of protein and is also dairy-free, perfect for those looking for a lactose-free alternative to chocolate milk.
Eggo Waffles: Try Birch Benders Pancake & Waffle Mix Instead
Just add water to Birch Benders Pancake & Waffle Mix [10] ($5), and you'll have healthier, tastier waffles and pancakes in no time! Made with organic flour, this pancake and waffle mix is also dairy-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free.
Hash Browns: Eat Kidfresh Potato'n Cauliflower Tots Instead
Kidfresh has done it again. With Kidfresh Potato'n Cauliflower Tots [11] ($3), you can expect not only a delicious breakfast side but also a healthier, cleaner alternative to the usual greasy, nutrient-lacking breakfast potato. Made with shredded russet potatoes, cauliflower, and a bit of parmesan, there are zero artificial flavors or ingredients, zero synthetic colors, and zero preservatives. These tots are also a great source of vitamin C!
Sugary Juices: Drink Once Upon a Farm Storybook Super Smoothies Instead
With flavors such as Apple Eating Greens, Strawberry Banana Swirl, and Apple Blueberry, Once Upon a Farm Storybook Super Smoothies [12] ($3) are a great alternative to traditionally sugar-packed juices. These smoothies are cold-pressed and dairy-free and contain no added sugar. They can easily be packed or taken along for a car ride for a wholesome breakfast on the go.
Yogurt With All the Toppings: Eat Siggi's Simple Sides Instead
If your child loves yogurt with all the toppings, then Siggi's Simple Sides [13] (available at your local grocery store) may become their healthier go-to. These let you add in simple, healthier toppings — such as dried coconut, dried figs, and cacao nibs — for a nourishing, wholesome snack or breakfast.
Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal: Eat Earnest Eats Pro: Protein & Probiotic Oatmeal, Mighty Maple Instead
Earnest Eats Pro: Protein & Probiotic Oatmeal, Mighty Maple [14] ($3) definitely offers more than just any other oatmeal. Packed with 16 grams of protein per serving, this oatmeal also contains probiotics for gut health.
Egg McMuffin: Eat Handsome Brook Farm Organic, Pasture Raised Eggs Instead
Skip the fast-food lines and instead make your own rendition of an Egg McMuffin at home using Handsome Brook Farm Organic, Pasture Raised Eggs [15] ($7). While many farms have thousands of birds stuffed into houses or cages, Handsome Brook Farm has at least 108 square feet per bird on rotated pastures, so you get the best-tasting and most humane eggs.
Butter and White Toast: Eat Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers Instead
Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers [16] ($3) are organic and made from whole grains. Whether you eat them alone or pair them with nut butter or fruit, they make a healthy addition to any breakfast.
Honey Bunches of Oats: Eat Bob's Red Mill Honey Oat Granola Instead
Bob's Red Mill Honey Oat Granola [17] ($4) is a delicious, wholesome morning snack or meal, complete with 36 grams of whole grains per serving. Whether served in a bowl with milk or packed in a baggie for a quick breakfast, this granola is sure to be a big hit.
Cocoa Pebbles: Eat Mom's Best Cereals Crispy Cocoa Rice Instead
Mom's Best Cereals Crispy Cocoa Rice [18] ($4) is not only gluten-free but also has zero artificial flavors or preservatives.
Go-Gurts and Squeeze Packs: Eat Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes Instead
If you're a fan of Go-Gurts and squeeze packs, then you should instead try the healthier Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes [19] ($2). Made from all-natural ingredients, including oatmeal and fruit, these oatmeal fruit squeezes are totally plant-based and contain nothing artificial. The pouches are also BPA-free, making them a healthier option all around!
Fruit Loops: Eat Cascadian Farm Fruitful O's Instead
Cascadian Farms Fruitful O's [20] ($3) are a perfect substitute to Fruit Loops. Made from natural fruit flavors, each serving is high in fiber and protein.
Peanut Butter and White Bread Sandwiches: Eat Nature Valley Biscuits With Almond Butter Instead
If you and your little one love nut butter sandwiches, then you'll love Nature Valley Biscuits With Almond Butter [21] ($3). With 14 grams of whole grain in each serving, these convenient biscuit sandwiches will not only satisfy hunger but also give you a boost of energy!
Pop-Tarts: Eat Annie's Organic Toaster Pastries Instead
If you love Pop-Tarts, then you should give Annie's Organic Toaster Pastries [22] ($3) a try. Naturally flavored and made from certified organic ingredients, these toaster pastries contain no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or preservatives.
Sugary Lemonade or Juice: Drink Honest Kids Berry Berry Good Lemonade Instead
If your child is a lemonade or juice fan, then they'll love Honest Kids Berry Berry Good Lemonade [23] ($13 for a pack of 32). This organic juice drink is a great alternative to traditional packaged juices as it contains 1/2 the sugar of leading kids' juice drinks, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is USDA Organic certified.
Cream Cheese: Eat Daiya Cream Cheese Instead
Daiya Cream Cheese [24] (available at your local grocery store) is free from many common allergens — such as dairy, egg, soy, and gluten — making it a great healthy alternative for those with allergies or sensitive stomachs or those following plant-based diets.
Bagels: Try Ozery Bakery Morning Rounds Instead
Ozery Bakery Morning Rounds [25] ($36 for six packs with six rounds each) are not only delicious but also free of artificial preservatives, low in fat, and full of whole grains.
Packaged Breakfast Muffins: Eat Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins Instead
These Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins [26] ($14 for a pack of 12) are perfect for any child who's a fan of the breakfast muffin. They're made of 100 percent whole grains and all-natural ingredients, and all you have to do is add some water, stir, pop in the microwave for one minute, and enjoy!