Time? First thing in the morning? Who has that? Rolling out of bed and scrambling to feed yourself to avoid a prelunch crash is far too chaotic for our liking. That’s why we highly recommend stocking your shelves with some easy, satisfying, and above all tasty pantry breakfasts. And we don’t mean the extravagant, multicourse meals only seen in ’90s cereal ads. We’re talking about dishes you can throw together when your eyes are still bleary and half-closed—they just happen to be made with wholesome ingredients like grains, nuts, fruits, and veggies.
As part of SELF’s 2025 Pantry Awards, we found a stellar selection of cereals, granolas, oatmeal, and pancake mixes that come together in a snap and help us start the day off on the right foot. Gone are the days of trusting that dusty granola bar you found in your tote to tide you over—enjoy these instead.
Pantry Awards 2025: Best Breakfasts
Shop your favorite category below or keep scrolling for the year’s very best breakfast staples.
Best Cereals
Best Granola: Good & Gather Banana Nut Granola
Why we love it: This is basically banana bread in a bowl—and what could be better? The texture is dense and filling; the banana comes through loud and clear. One tester had to wrestle it away from their husband just to get a taste.
One tester said: “This is going to be a staple for me from here on out, for sure. I’ve eaten it in yogurt, with milk, and on its own, and it’s perfect for all three. The banana flavor paired with the crunchy granola is heaven.”
Best Gluten-Free Granola: Jane Foodie Gluten-Free Almond Pecan & Coconut Dark Chocolate Granola
Best Gluten-Free Granola
Jane Foodie Gluten-Free Almond Pecan & Coconut Dark Chocolate Granola
Why we love it: Chock-full of crunchy, just-sweet-enough clusters of oats, nuts, and dark chocolate, this granola pairs deliciously with yogurt, nut butter, fruit, or plain old milk. Given its blend of textures, we expect it’s excellent eaten simply by the handful too.
One tester said: “It has a perfect crunch. I love the simple ingredient list and balance of flavors. It was super impressive that the chocolate was melted/mixed in with the granola (not included as separate pieces or big chunks), so when you eat it you’re getting a subtle taste of cocoa.”
Best Cereal: Cheerios Veggie Blends
Best Cereal
Cheerios Veggie Blends
Why we love it: With Cheerios’s Veggie Blends line, the fruity cereals of your youth get a makeover. The brand uses real fruit purées and vegetable powders to add dimension (and a dash of color) to its classic O-shaped morsels, resulting in an equally nostalgic and nutritious bowl (that decidedly doesn’t taste like a salad).
One tester said: “I loved that these are packed full of fruits and vegetables but still have a dynamic, versatile flavor. Great way to sneak some veggies into breakfast for adults and kids alike.”
Best Oats: Seven Sundays Protein Oats
Best Oats
Seven Sundays Protein Oats
Why we love it: When there’s no time for a slow-cooked grain bowl with a curated selection of mix-ins, there’s Seven Sundays’s Protein Oats, which taste great when made overnight or zapped in the microwave. They’re nutty, dense, and livened up with scrumptious ingredients like fruits, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
