Ditch the Sugary Breakfast Cereals: Nutritious Chocolate Breakfasts Your Kids Will Love!
Chocolate Porridge
If you caught my recent Instagram reel, you already know that Milo cereal isn't the nutritious breakfast option it's marketed to be. By swapping Milo for nutritious, wholefood chocolate alternatives, your child could consume up to 20 fewer teaspoons of sugar weekly - that’s over 80 teaspoons less per month!
That's before your child even heads out the door. Despite its misleading 4-star health rating, Milo cereal can cause mid-morning energy crashes, irritability, and poor concentration - exactly what your child doesn't need at school. Even more concerning is that sugar-loaded cereals like Milo condition young taste buds to crave sweetness while offering minimal real nutrition.
As a paediatric nutritionist and a parent myself, it’s my mission to empower parents with the knowledge they need to see through the marketing hype and choose better options for their families.
Why Replace Milo Cereal (or any chocolate cereal from the supermarket)?
Before diving into alternatives, let's understand why making this switch matters. Ultra-processed cereals like Milo:
Contain excessive added sugars (often as the first or second ingredient)
Use refined grains stripped of fibre and nutrients ( although milo contains wholegrain wheat and corn)
Often include artificial or natural flavours, emulsifiers and stabilisers
Contain processed vegetable oils
Typically offer minimal protein and healthy fats needed for sustained energy
By contrast, whole food alternatives provide real nutrition, teach kids about genuine food flavours, and help establish healthier relationships with food from an early age.
Tips for Transitioning Kids Away from Ultra-Processed Cereals
Start with familiar textures and appearance: Begin with options that look somewhat similar to cereal, like the homemade chocolate puffed cereal.
Involve kids in preparation: Let them help measure, mix, and choose toppings to increase buy-in.
Create a topping bar: Set out small bowls of nutritious toppings, such as fresh fruit, coconut flakes, chocolate nibs and nuts, so kids can customize their breakfast.
Be patient: Taste preferences developed from ultra-processed foods take time to change. Gradual transitions work better than abrupt switches.
Focus on abundance: Instead of emphasising what they're giving up, highlight all the delicious new options they get to try.
Consider timing: If mornings are rushed, prepare overnight options or make larger batches of granola or puffed cereal on weekends.
My Top 5 Super Easy Chocolate Breakfast Options
1. Homemade Chocolate Puffed Cereal
This homemade chocolate puffed cereal delivers the familiar crunch and chocolate flavor kids love without the refined sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives found in commercial cereals. Puffed brown rice or quinoa provides a light, crispy base while raw cacao offers antioxidants and rich chocolate taste in a breakfast that feels like a treat but supports growing bodies.
2 cups puffed brown rice or puffed quinoa (look for plain, unsweetened varieties)
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
METHOD: Mix the melted coconut oil with raw cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth, then pour over the puffed grains and gently toss until evenly coated. Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at low temperature (about 250°F/120°C) for 15-20 minutes until the coating is set but not burnt. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for a quick, nutritious breakfast option that kids can enjoy with milk just like conventional cereal. You can enjoy the full recipe here: Choc Rice and Pumpkin Seed Cereal
2. Chocolate Porridge
This nourishing chocolate porridge transforms basic oats into a delicious, chocolatey breakfast that kids love without any ultra-processed ingredients. The natural sweetness from banana reduces the need for added sweeteners, while cacao provides antioxidants and that rich chocolate taste children crave.
30g oats
1 cup of milk of choice
1/2 banana, sliced
1-2 tsp of cacao or carob powder
1/2 banana
Sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla powder (optional)
1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar or stevia (optional)
METHOD: Place oats, milk, sliced banana, cacao powder, and optional cinnamon/vanilla in a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and thickened. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup if desired, or try my kids' favourite Salted Caramel Breakfast Porridge for another wholesome option.
3. Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
This creamy chocolate smoothie bowl cleverly disguises vegetables while delivering the chocolate flavour kids love in a nutrient-dense package. The frozen banana provides natural sweetness and creamy texture, while the hidden cauliflower adds fibre and nutrients without affecting the delicious chocolate taste.
1 frozen banana
½ cup frozen cauliflower (you can't taste it!)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
½ cup milk of choice
1 tbsp nut butter
Toppings: sliced fruit, seeds, coconut flakes
METHOD: Blend the frozen banana, frozen cauliflower, raw cacao powder, milk, and nut butter until smooth and thick enough to eat with a spoon. Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with colourful sliced fruits, seeds, and coconut flakes for added nutrition and visual appeal. For a fun breakfast activity, set up a topping bar and let kids customize their own smoothie bowls with their favourite healthy additions. If this sounds good, you can also try my Hidden Veg Choc Smoothie.
4. Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This decadent chocolate avocado pudding disguises nutrient-dense avocado in a velvety chocolate breakfast that kids will think is a treat. The heart-healthy fats from avocado provide lasting energy and brain support, while raw cacao delivers antioxidants and that irresistible chocolate flavor without any ultra-processed ingredients.
1 ripe avocado
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
¼ cup milk of choice
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings: berries, banana slices, hemp seeds
METHOD: Blend the ripe avocado, raw cacao powder, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until completely smooth and creamy. Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for added nutrition and visual appeal. For a detailed step-by-step guide check out my complete recipe: Choc Top Avo Mousse
5. Chocolate Yoghurt Parfait
This protein-rich chocolate yogurt parfait delivers all the chocolatey satisfaction kids crave without any of the ultra-processed ingredients found in commercial cereals. Greek yogurt provides probiotics and protein that support growing bodies, while raw cacao offers antioxidants and that chocolate flavour children love.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Toppings: sliced banana, berries, granola, or crushed nuts
METHOD: Simply stir the raw cacao powder and honey or maple syrup into the plain Greek yogurt until well combined and smooth. Top with sliced banana, fresh berries, a sprinkle of granola, or crushed nuts for added texture and nutrition. For another delicious option, try my Strawberry Coconut Parfait with homemade Granola that I created for Mums The Word: Strawberry Coconut Parfait with homemade Granola
Final Thoughts:
Breakfast truly sets the foundation for your child's day, influencing energy levels, concentration, and even long-term eating habits. By swapping ultra-processed Milo cereal for any of these wholesome alternatives, you're not just providing better nutrition – you're significantly reducing sugar consumption. It’s not only about breakfast, a simple breakfast swap can create a powerful ripple effect – stabilising blood sugar, improving concentration at school, establishing healthier taste preferences, and potentially preventing long-term health issues. Remember, small changes applied consistently create the biggest impact on your family's health. Follow my 3 step rule:
Read the ingredients, not just the marketing: Don't be fooled by "no added sugar" claims or healthy-looking packaging. Always check the full ingredient list.
The shorter the ingredient list, the better: Products with fewer ingredients are typically less processed and contain fewer additives.
Look for recognisable ingredients: If you can't pronounce it or wouldn't find it in your kitchen, it's probably best avoided.