Healthy Breakfast Ideas & Guides
# Understanding Types of Cereals: Grains and Breakfast Options
Published: 11/06/2026
AuthorBy Nestlé Cereals
Reading time: 5 min.
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With carbohydrates, fibre and essential vitamins and minerals, cereals can be a nutrient-packed start to millions of people’s mornings daily. Breakfast cereals transform these grains into a quick, convenient, and versatile breakfast option.
But have you ever wondered what goes into your favourite bowl of cereals? In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of grains that serve as the foundation to our breakfast cereals, and how they transform into the delicious options we love.
## Types of Cereal Grains
Cereal grains play a vital role in diets worldwide, offering essential nutrients and versatility. Here are some common types:
- **Whole Grain:** Unlike refined grains, you get all three parts of the grain – the fibre-rich bran, the starchy centre, and the nutrient-packed core.
- **Wheat:** Wheat is a widely cultivated grain, known for its versatility in food production. You'll find it forming the basis of many staples, from bread and pasta to a variety of baked goods. At Nestlé Cereals, our focus on whole wheat grain allows us to create a wide variety of textures and forms. It’s a key component in our popular breakfast options, contributing to both their taste and nutritional value.
- **Rice:** Yes, rice is a type of cereal grain, and naturally gluten-free, which makes it a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. It's used in a wide range of dishes, from savoury to sweet, and is a key ingredient in many gluten-free products.
- **Barley:** Barley is a notable whole grain, appreciated for its chewy texture and subtle nutty flavour. It's a good source of fibre and is used in various culinary applications, including soups, stews, and cereals.
- **Corn:** Corn is unique in that its kernels are botanically classified as fruits, it's commonly used as a vegetable, but agriculturally it's considered a cereal grain. It's a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of foods, from corn tacos to the cornflakes in our [Go Free® Cereals range.](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free)
- **Oats:** Oats are a popular and naturally high-fibre grain. They are commonly enjoyed as porridge and are also found in granola and many other baked products. Oats are a key ingredient of our Cheerios®!
## Different Types of Breakfast Cereals Compared
Breakfast cereals, made from various cereal grains, offer diverse tastes, textures, and nutrition, sup
### **High-Fibre Cereals**
High-fibre cereals, like our [Shreddies® Original](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shreddies/original) are rich in dietary fibre, and often contain additional vitamins and minerals to support a balanced diet.
When trying to [get more fibre into your diet](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/nutrition/what-is-fibre) it is important to note that in the UK the recommended adult daily fibre intake is 30g, while for children this varies by age:
**Age (years)****Recommended intake of fibre**2-515g per day5-1120g per day11-1425g per day15 and over30g per daySACN Carbohydrates and Health Report, The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition recommendations on carbohydrates, including sugars and fibre. Public Health England 2016.
###
### **Low-Sugar Cereal**
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, [Shredded Wheat® Original](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shredded-wheat/original) are an excellent choice. They contain no added sugars —just one simple ingredient: whole grain wheat. With nothing extra added, it’s a straightforward breakfast cereal that is made from 100% whole grain wheat.
\*Contains naturally occurring sugars
###
### **Whole Grain Cereal**
Whole grain cereals are made from grains that retain all three of their natural layers (the bran, germ, and endosperm) which contain different nutrients and fibre. This makes whole grains a valuable component of a balanced diet. Looking to add a bit more fibre to your day? Just keep an eye out for the green banner on our cereal packs - it’s there to show that whole grain is the main ingredient and that the cereal is a source of fibre to help you start your morning right.
Examples of whole grains used in our breakfast cereals include:
- **Barley:** found in products such as [Multigrain Cheerios® Cereal](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/cheerios/multigrain)
- **Wheat:** used in all of our breakfast cereals with the green banner
- **Corn:** naturally gluten-free, whole grain corn is used in our [Gluten-Free Corn Flakes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free/honey-corn-flakes) offering a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- **Oats:** also found in Cheerios®, providing fibre and a gentle, oaty flavour.
###
### **Fortified Cereal**
Starting your day with a bowl of [fortified whole grain breakfast cereals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/nutrition/fortified-cereal) is a delicious way to start the day. These kinds of breakfast cereals, such as Original Shreddies® Cereal contain added vitamins and minerals as well as fibre from the whole grains.
###
### **Vegan cereal**
Vegan breakfast cereals offer a breakfast option, formulated without any animal products. These cereals are suitable for those following a plant-based lifestyle and don’t include any plant-based proteins or sweeteners.
Nestlé offers a variety of vegan cereals, including our Coco, Frosted and Original Shreddies®, Shredded Wheat® Original, Bitesize, Shredded Wheat® Apricot Wheats, Shredded Wheat® Blueberry Wheats and Shredded Wheat® Red Berry Wheats as well as our Go Free® Corn Flakes. For more information, check out our article on [vegan breakfast ideas](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/what-vegans-eat-breakfast).
###
### **Gluten-Free Cereal**
Gluten-free cereals provide a suitable breakfast option for individuals avoiding gluten containing cereals such as wheat, barley, or rye. Made with grains like rice, corn or quinoa, gluten free cereals such as [Go Free® Gluten Free Corn Flakes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/go-free/corn-flakes) offer a light and crispy texture while still delivering the familiar taste of a classic breakfast cereal.
###
### **Hot Cereal**
Breakfast cereals can also be enjoyed warm. For a comforting option, consider using warm milk with cereals like Shredded Wheat®. This provides a warm and soothing breakfast, particularly suitable for colder mornings. Learn more about [hot or cold milk with your cereals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/hot-cold-milk).
## What should I eat with different types of cereals?
Looking to level up your cereal game? Whether you’re into low sugar, high fibre, or warming hot cereals, these tasty toppings can bring extra flavour, texture, and variety to every spoonful:
- **Top with fresh berries -** Add a burst of natural sweetness, colour, and a source of vitamins.
- **Combine with diary -** A splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt adds creaminess and can contribute calcium and protein.
- **Boost with nut butter -** Swirl in some peanut, almond or cashew butter for a rich, nutty boost that brings extra texture and taste.
- **Sprinkle some cinnamon –** Add some warm, aromatic spice that adds a subtle sweetness.
### FAQs:
###
Whole grain cereals contain all three parts of the grain – the bran, germ, and endosperm – retaining more fibre and some nutrients.
### Are all Nestlé Cereals made with whole grain?
Many Nestlé Cereals are made with whole grain, and we are committed to making whole grain a key ingredient in our breakfast cereals. All Nestlé Cereals with the Green Banner have whole grain as their number one ingredient.
### What makes a cereal "high-fibre"?
In the UK and EU, a food can be labelled as “**high in fibre**” if it contains **at least 6 grams of fibre per 100 grams** of the product. High-fibre cereals are often made with grains like wheat and barley, and can be a delicious way to support your diet.
### Can I find gluten-free breakfast cereal options?
Yes, there are many gluten-free breakfast cereal options available, often made from grains like corn or rice. Nestlé offers a range of Go Free® gluten-free cereals, providing delicious alternatives for those avoiding gluten.
## What recipes can I make with breakfast cereal?
Breakfast cereal is versatile and can be incorporated into many recipes beyond just a bowl of milk. If you have some cereal at home, and fancy something either sweet or savoury, we have a wide variety of [cereal recipes](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes) for you to try out.
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