As camps start to wrap up and we savor those last sweet moments of summer, it’s time to start gearing up for the back-to-school grind. Between gathering supplies, seeing which lunchbox essentials managed to make it home last year, and snagging those last-minute after-school program spots, planning a rotation of quick and healthy breakfast ideas can easily get lost in the shuffle.
I’m a dietitian and mom of three, so in an ideal world I’d have my morning menu all figured out—creamy blueberry oatmeal, breakfast quesadillas, or scrambled eggs with spinach and a side of avocado toast (just call me Chef). While these are all excellent options, there are days when I can barely remember to brush my teeth, so I need some speedy backups. That’s when I turn to store-bought breakfast foods that make mornings less chaotic, are easy to grab on the go, and are still delicious and nutritious for my kids.
These are my top 10 packaged breakfasts for hectic mornings that will fuel your kids for a long day of school and activities:
1. Seven Sunday Sunflower Cereal
We’re huge fans of this nut-free, flower-shaped cereal—seriously, we go through a couple of bags each month. The ingredients are real and simple: cassava, sunflower protein, coconut oil, fruit, dates, and a bit of maple syrup. It comes in a few delicious flavors like cinnamon, berry, maple sea salt (our favorite!), and cocoa. Unlike some other breakfast cereals that are drenched in added sugars, these have less than 7 grams per serving. Even better, each serving boasts 5 grams of protein, and even more if you pair it with milk or yogurt.
And if you’re in a pinch, or can’t splurge this month, plain Cheerios are another top pick. They have 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 12.6 milligrams of iron per serving–that’s a whole lot of nutrition in 1.5 cups! Serve either of these cereals at home or toss some in a ziplock or silicone bag for your kiddo to snack on while they’re waiting for the class bell to ring.
2. Ripple Shake Ups
These plant-based protein shakes are perfect for those chaotic mornings when your alarm doesn’t go off and you’re in a mad rush trying to get everyone out the door. Each carton has 13 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber to keep kids full and fueled until recess. They’re perfect for older children aged six and up, and can be enjoyed alone or paired with a piece of fruit or toast. Plus, they’re shelf-stable and don’t need refrigeration.
3. Once Upon A Farm Overnight Oats
We love a fruit and veggie pouch but this one shakes things up by adding oats (and not adding sugar). These overnight oats pouches make for the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, offering 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber to keep your kiddo energized until the next snack break. They’re ideal for toddlers and older kids alike, especially convenient on those mornings when you have to bring breakfast along for carpool.
4. Banza Protein Waffles
These aren’t your average waffles—they’re protein waffles. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, each serving (2 waffles) boasts 10 grams of plant-based protein thanks to chickpeas. The legumes also deliver 2 mg of iron and 3 grams of fiber. Toss them in a pan or toast them in your toaster or air fryer for a quick, nutritious breakfast. They’re satisfying on their own, but you can also top them with nut or seed butter, or a generous smear of butter for toddlers who need some extra fat in their diet.
5. Sweet Nothings Nut Butter Bites
These plant-based nut butter bites are the perfect on-the-go breakfast when you’re running late or need something quick before heading out the door. They’re naturally sweet (no added sugars!) and made with wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, dates, ground flaxseed, cacao, and sea salt. With 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of healthy fat, they’ll keep little bellies full for hours. These bites are ideal for kiddos 3 and up.
6. Kodiak Power Flapjacks
These whole grain buttermilk pancakes are packed with nutrition, loaded with 14 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and minimal added sugars—plus, they’re seriously delicious! We also appreciate that there’s no batter to deal with or pans to clean when you’re rushing out the door. And if you’re like us and occasionally eat breakfast in the car, you’ll have less crumbs to clean out of the car seats than you would with other on-the-go options.
7. Bob’s Red Mill Oatmeal Cups
On those cooler fall days when your kids are craving a warm, comforting breakfast, look no further than these single-serving oatmeal cups. They’re easy to take on the go—just add hot water or warm milk and let it sit for 3 minutes, or pop it in the microwave. Each serving provides 7 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, keeping your kids full and satisfied. They also contain flaxseeds and chia seeds, which offer omega-3s for brain health. We prefer the unsweetened flavor, but if your kiddo needs a touch of sweetness, drizzle some honey or maple syrup—this way, you control how much sugar is added.
8. Once Again Peanut Butter Squeeze Packets
There are days when kiddos don’t wake up with a big appetite, but you still want them to eat something. If you’re looking for an option that’s on the lighter side, we’re big fans of peanut butter with fruit – and these single-serving creamy peanut butter packets hit the spot. They’re unsweetened, salt free, and can easily be tossed in your child’s backpack for on-the-go-breakfasting. Pair it with a banana or apple and that’s 8 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fat right there.
9. Skout Organic Protein Bars
We love protein bars because they pack a ton of nutrition in every bite—especially these peanut butter protein bars! They come in three delicious flavors: peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, and peanut butter and jelly. Each bar is loaded with 10 grams of protein, 5-6 grams of fiber, and 7-8 grams of healthy fats! Made with simple ingredients like dates, peanut flour, and peanut butter, they’re also gluten-free and organic.
10. Little Spoon Smoothies
If you’ve got a baby in tow and need an easy baby-friendly breakfast, we’re loving these smoothie pouches that pack fruit and veggies into every slurp. They’re conveniently delivered to your door through a subscription plan, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to reorder (trust me, they go fast!). They offer unique flavors to expand your baby’s palate, like golden apple pie, purple carrot acai bowl, and banana split, and depending on the flavor and ingredients there are a couple grams of protein and fiber in each pouch.
