What comes to mind when you think of a quick, convenient breakfast option? Cold cereal? A muffin, doughnut, or energy bar? Or perhaps you’ve mastered the art of efficient weekday morning smoothie-making.

While some of these options are more nutritious than others, they all lack one thing: the hearty, stick-to-your ribs goodness of a bowl of steaming hot cereal. While steel cut oats and other slow cooking grains are a great choice when you have a bit of time, there are also lots of great options for when you have 5 minutes or less!

Product Suggestions

The following hot cereal options are quick and convenient to prepare, but are still packed with fiber, protein, and whole grains! You really can’t go wrong with products from these great brands.

Dr. McDougall’s makes several delicious varieties of organic, quick-cooking, oatmeal. Try their convenient packets in Original or Light Maple Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon flavors (with 50 percent less sugar!) Or for the ultimate on-the-go breakfast, check out their organic single serving cups. Just add hot water and stir. The Cranberry, Peach Raspberry, and Maple 4 Grain varieties are all highly recommended!

Nature’s Path produces single-serving oatmeal packets in 9 great flavors, including Maple Nut, Cinnamon Blueberry Flaxseed, Apple Cinnamon, and Cranberry Ginger, among others. All varieties are gluten free, vegan, and organic.

Looking for a quick, convenient gluten free oatmeal option? Check out Glutenfreeda’s single serving oatmeal packets in Apple Cinnamon, Maple Raisin, Natural, Banana Maple, or the popular Variety Pack!

Not a fan of oatmeal but still craving a delicious hot cereal? Try these Quinoa Flakes from Ancient Harvest! These organic quinoa flakes are gluten free, vegan, and ready in just 90 seconds!

Did we miss your favorite natural, quick-cooking hot cereal? Tell us about it in the comments section below!