BEST OVERALL BREAKFAST CEREALS

Special K Plus Protein
100 calories, 10 g protein, 14 g carbs, 3 g fat, 5 g fiber

Our big winner. We liked the nice big flakes, especially their thick, rich molasses taste. Less appealing, but easy enough to overlook: a somewhat potent smell, and overly processed aftertaste.

EXPERT "Outstanding for its 10 grams of protein, five grams of fi ber, and only trace levels of sugar. Plus, one serving provides hefty doses of all major B vitamins, plus vitamins E and C, as well."


HEALTHIEST



Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal, Golden Flax
180 calories, 8 g protein, 37 g carbs, 2.5 g fat, 6 g fiber

Not the most impressive cereal ever: Flakes are small and crumbly, and the cereal's smell is a tad musty—like a library or week-old cut grass. But tasters who loved wheat germ or more savory breakfast options were pleased... some surprisingly so.

EXPERT "This cereal is a standout. Get past the name and you'll find a cereal that's made from whole grains, organic, completely lacking in added sugar, with six grams of fiber, eight grams of protein, and a nice balance of added vitamins and minerals that's not over the top. Unbeatable!"

Ezekiel 4:9 is made with sprouted grains and beans, specifically wheat, barley, soy and lentil beans, spelt and millet. The recipe is an ancient one, going back to the Old Testament (it was actually a recipe for making bread, not cereal — Ezekiel 4:9 also offers a line of sprouted grain breads as well) and the company, Food for Life, modified the basic Biblical recipe to make a line of sprouted grain products.