Cereal is a breakfast staple for many people. While milk may be the most common accompaniment to cereal, there are plenty of other tasty and nutritious options to try. Keep reading to learn about all the different foods you can eat with cereal instead of milk.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great milk alternative to eat with cereal. It provides a creamy texture and pairs well with both sweet and savory cereals. Greek yogurt is particularly high in protein, with nearly twice as much as traditional yogurt. The tart flavor of plain yogurt also helps cut through sweeter cereals. Try pairing yogurt with granola, muesli, or your favorite flaked cereal. If you want something sweeter, yogurt also goes well with cinnamon-flavored cereals. And if you’re watching calories, low-fat or nonfat yogurt allows you to get the creaminess without all the saturated fat of whole milk.
Fruit
Fresh fruit is a nutritious choice to top your cereal. Berries, bananas, and sliced apple are all delicious with cereal. The juiciness and sweetness of fruit complements the crunch of the cereal. Fruit adds fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Berries and bananas can turn an otherwise boring bowl of cereal into a delicious treat. Sliced fruit like peaches, mangos, and plums also pair nicely with cereals. For some extra sweetness, add a drizzle of honey over fruit-topped cereal.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide crunch and flavor to balance out cereal. They add healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts all make great cereal toppers. Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, flax, and chia are also excellent options. Nut butter is another way to add nut flavor – try almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter. Sprinkle your favorite nuts and seeds right into the cereal bowl or mix them into the cereal itself for an added crunch in every bite.
Coconut
Coconut is an appealing option for those avoiding dairy. Shredded coconut provides texture and coconut flavor that complements both sweet and savory cereals. Dried coconut flakes can be sprinkled right on top of your cereal. For more moisture, top cereal with unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut butter. Canned coconut milk can also be used in place of regular milk. The richness pairs nicely with heartier cereals like granola or muesli. Light coconut milk works well for those watching calories and fat intake.
Savory Toppings
While cereal is often thought of as a sweet breakfast food, there are also many savory cereal topping options. Getting creative with savory flavors can make cereal an easy option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Cheese
Sprinkling cheese on top of your cereal brings a savory, salty flavor. Opt for shredded cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, feta, and parmesan. Soft cheeses like cottage cheese or ricotta cheese can also be used. Try combining cheese with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a tasty granola bowl. Heartier cereals like wheat chex or granola pair best with cheese toppings.
Eggs
Eggs are a protein-packed savory topping for cereal. For a simple option, crack an egg right into your bowl of hot cereal and let it cook until the whites are set. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, and rice cereals work well with a poached egg. For a scrambled egg topping, cook the eggs ahead of time and spoon them on top of your cereal. This works great with crunchy cereals like granola. Eggs provide vitamin B12, selenium, and 6 grams of protein per egg.
Avocado
Creamy avocado makes an excellent milk replacement for cereal. Mash it up and drizzle it over your cereal for a smooth, rich texture and subtle flavor. Avocado is high in healthy fats and fiber to help keep you full. It contains vitamins C, K, E, B6, and folate. The soft texture and mild taste pair nicely with both sweet and savory types of cereal. Try it on top of granola, corn flakes, rice krispies, shredded wheat, and more.
Salsa
For a spicy kick, top your cereal with salsa. The fresh tomato, onion, and chili flavors add excitement to plain cereal. Opt for milder salsas to avoid overpowering your cereal. Corn salsa is a good option, with sweet corn contrasting the heat. Salsa can transform your cereal into more of a savory meal. Try it on top of rice cereals, corn flakes, or wheat puffs. Add some scrambled eggs, beans, or cheese for a complete breakfast bowl.
Beans
Beans may seem like an unlikely cereal topping, but they can add protein, fiber, and nutrients. Black beans, pinto beans, white beans, and chickpeas all work well. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to your cereal bowl. Beans complement hearty cereals like shredded wheat, oats, and granola. Add spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the flavor. The creaminess of beans gives a texture similar to yogurt or cottage cheese.
Vegetable Toppings
For an extra serving of veggies at breakfast, try topping your cereal with fresh vegetables. While not as common as fruits, vegetables can add nutrients, flavor, and crunch to cereal.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a great way to sneak extra veggies into your morning cereal. Spinach, kale, arugula, and lettuce can all be added raw right on top of your cereal. The greens add fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. Start with just a handful of greens and increase the amount as you get used to the flavor. Baby spinach or chopped kale have milder flavors that pair well with both sweet and savory cereals.
Sweet Potato
For a morning dose of vitamin A and fiber, try topping your cereal with sweet potato. Bake or microwave sweet potato and then cube or mash it. The natural sweetness complements the flavors of cereal and milk. Add some cinnamon or maple syrup to really bring out that sweet potato flavor. It provides a starchy texture similar to cooked oatmeal or cream of wheat. Sweet potato goes well with crunchy, whole grain cereals like granola and raisin bran.
Zucchini
Zucchini is another veggie that can be sliced or grated to top your cereal. Its mild flavor doesn’t overwhelm the cereal but adds moisture and nutrients like vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Use raw zucchini for more crunch or quickly sauté it for a softer texture. Zucchini matches well with hearty cereals like shredded wheat, oats, and Chex. Topping cereal with zucchini is an easy way to use up this abundant summer squash.
Mushrooms
Sliced mushrooms add an umami, savory flavor to cereal when used as a topping. Opt for mushrooms like white button, cremini, or shiitake. Thinly slice and lightly sauté them before adding them to your cereal bowl. Mushrooms contain B vitamins like riboflavin and selenium. They have an almost meaty texture that stands up well to hearty whole grain cereals. For extra flavor, sprinkle mushrooms with garlic powder, onion powder, or parsley before adding them to your cereal.
Crunchy Toppings
If you like having something crunchy in your cereal, there are many milk-free options that provide texture and flavor. Here are some nutritious crunchy toppers to try:
Granola
Crunchy granola is delicious sprinkled over yogurt, fruit, or cereal. The oats, nuts, and dried fruit provide a nice textural contrast to the softness of most cereals. You can buy pre-made granola or easily make your own. Homemade allows you to control the amount of added sugars. Stick to mostly whole grains, nuts, seeds, and limited dried fruit. Granola adds a sweet crunch to cereal and provides fiber.
Chia Seeds
Tiny but mighty chia seeds become gelatinous when soaked in liquid, adding fun texture to cereal. They are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds expands in your cereal and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Chia seeds work well in granola cereals or more liquidy hot cereals like oatmeal. You get nutrients and crunch in every bite.
Corn Chips
Crushed corn chips can transform your cereal into nacho cereal! Opt for baked corn chips rather than fried for a healthier crunch. Break chips into smaller pieces before sprinkling them over your cereal and milk. The salty crunch balances sweet cereals beautifully. Try corn chips on top of corn-based cereals for maximum corn flavor. This satisfying crunch makes an indulgent-feeling breakfast or dessert cereal.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain that pairs nicely with cereal when used as a topping. Make plain popcorn by air-popping or popping on the stovetop with a small amount of oil. Then sprinkle the popped popcorn over your cereal for crunch and fiber. Drizzle with a tiny bit of melted butter or sprinkle with nutritional yeast for flavor. Popcorn adds hearty texture to any cereal from oats to flakes.
Cereals That Can Be Eaten Without Milk
While milk may be the conventional choice, there are many great cereals that can be enjoyed without any milk or toppings. Here are some cereal options that are tasty enough to eat plain right out of the box:
| Cereal | Description |
|---|---|
| Granola | Crunchy, clusters of oats, nuts, dried fruit, and seeds |
| Muesli | Raw oats, fruits, nuts – often eaten uncooked |
| Grape Nuts | Made from wheat, barley, salt – naturally sweet, crunchy |
| Honey Bunches of Oats | Whole grain oat flakes with a touch of sweetness |
| Corn Flakes | Crisp, slightly sweetened corn flakes |
| Rice Krispies | Crackling, puffed rice cereal |
| Special K | Light, crunchy flakes of wheat, rice, barley |
| Kashi Go | Crunchy cereal made from 7 whole grains |
| Barbara’s Puffins | Crunchy, puffed corn or rice |
The key is looking for cereals with a pleasant crunch and touch of natural sweetness. Whole grain cereals with nutty, roasted flavors also tend to taste great on their own. Heartier cereals with mix-ins like dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or flakes provide more texture and flavor in each bite without needing milk.
Non-Dairy Milk Options
If you still want milk with your cereal but avoid dairy, non-dairy milks are a convenient substitute. There are many plant-based milk options made from seeds, nuts, grains, and legumes. Here are some popular varieties:
| Milk | Description |
|---|---|
| Almond milk | Made from ground almonds and water |
| Soy milk | Made from soaked, ground soybeans |
| Oat milk | Made from blended oats and water |
| Coconut milk | Made from the meat and juice of coconuts |
| Cashew milk | Made from blended, soaked cashews |
| Rice milk | Made from cooked rice and water |
| Hemp milk | Made from hemp seeds |
Opt for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars. Shake or stir non-dairy milks well before pouring since the consistency is thicker than cow’s milk. Non-dairy milks make cereal easy to enjoy even with food allergies or intolerances.
DIY Cereal Bowl Recipes
You can create your own custom cereal bowls at home by mixing and matching your favorite cereals with creative toppings. Here are a few tasty combinations to try:
Parfait Cereal Bowl
Layer crunchy granola with vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for a delicious parfait-inspired cereal bowl.
Tropical Cereal Bowl
Combine corn flakes with mango, pineapple, coconut flakes, and coconut milk for a tropical treat.
Protein Packed Cereal Bowl
Mix together peanut butter or almond butter with oats, chia seeds, sliced banana, and non-dairy milk for a nutritious breakfast.
Southwest Cereal Bowl
Prepare a savory cereal bowl with brown rice crisp cereal, black beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado for a Southwestern flair.
Green Machine Cereal Bowl
For an antioxidant and fiber boost, top cereals like Cheerios or Chex with spinach, kiwi, grapes, and plant-based milk.
PB&J Cereal Bowl
Take your favorite childhood sandwich flavors and transform them into cereal with wheat puffs, peanut butter, mixed berry jam, and non-dairy milk.
Conclusion
Cereal doesn’t have to be boring or only eaten one way. With so many nutritious add-ins and mix-ins to try, you can enjoy a new cereal bowl every day of the week. Fruits, nuts, beans, vegetables, eggs, cheese, plant-based milks, and crunchy toppers can all help balance sweetness and enhance nutrition and texture. Use your imagination to come up with fun cereal and topping combinations tailored to your own taste. Eating cereal without milk opens up an endlessly creative world of possible cereal bowl creations for any meal of the day!