Remember those colorful, sugary cereals you loved as a kid? The ones that turned the milk a vibrant shade of pink, blue or green? The cereals that gave you a quick sugar rush in the morning but inevitably led to a mid-morning energy crash?
As delicious as they were, most of us realize those nostalgic cereals are far from a healthy, sustainable breakfast. But what if you could enjoy those same fun flavors and eat cereal every day, without the excess sugar, carbs and artificial ingredients?
That‘s the idea behind Magic Spoon, a new "childlike cereal for adults" that has taken the breakfast world by storm. Featured in Fast Company, Business Insider, and Forbes, Magic Spoon has reimagined classic cereals with a high-protein, low-carb, keto-friendly recipe.
As a cereal lover myself, I was extremely curious to see if Magic Spoon could live up to the hype. Would it satisfy my cravings for those sweet cereals of my youth, or would it be an unsatisfying imitation? I tested out Magic Spoon‘s bestselling flavors to bring you this in-depth review.
The Story Behind Magic Spoon
The creation of Magic Spoon started with, well, a bowl of cereal. Best friends and co-founders Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz were eating cereal one morning, when they realized their favorite brands were packed with sugar, carbs and artificial ingredients that left them feeling sluggish.
They searched for healthier cereal options that still tasted great, but came up empty handed. Gabi and Greg learned that the average American eats around 100 bowls of cereal per year. And yet, there were hardly any brands catering to health-conscious cereal lovers.
So the duo set out to create their ultimate cereal – one that would replicate those craveable flavors and textures, without the junky ingredients. They experimented with different grains, proteins, sweeteners and manufacturing processes until they landed on a recipe with the taste and nutritional profile they wanted.
In 2019, Magic Spoon launched with four flavors: Fruity, Cocoa, Frosted, and Cinnamon. The brand immediately resonated with consumers and sold out in just three weeks. Magic Spoon has since expanded to seven flavors and counting, along with limited-edition seasonal offerings.
Magic Spoon Ingredients and Nutrition
So what exactly is Magic Spoon made of? Let‘s break down the key ingredients:
Milk Protein Blend: A blend of whey protein isolate and casein provides 13-14g complete protein per serving. Whey is quickly digested, while casein is slower releasing.
Sweetener Blend: Magic Spoon uses a combination of allulose (a low-calorie sugar), monk fruit extract, and stevia. Allulose tastes and behaves like regular sugar but has no impact on blood glucose or insulin levels.
Tapioca Starch: An alternative to corn starch, tapioca starch acts as a binder and adds a subtle chewiness to the cereal. Since tapioca comes from the cassava root, it‘s grain-free and gluten-free.
Inulin: This prebiotic fiber is extracted from chicory root. It supports digestive health and gives the cereal a creamy mouthfeel.
Natural Flavors: Magic Spoon uses natural flavors derived from real ingredients like cocoa, cinnamon, and fruit. The brand does not use any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Coconut Oil: A dash of coconut oil helps coat the cereal pieces for a satisfying crunch.
When you look at the nutrition panel, here‘s what you‘ll find in a 3/4-cup serving of Magic Spoon:
- 13-14g protein
- 4-5g net carbs
- 0g sugar
- 6-8g fiber
- 140-170 calories
With 4-5g net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) and zero sugar per bowl, Magic Spoon fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. It‘s also an easy way to increase your protein intake, with more than twice the protein of leading cereals.
Since the sweeteners and fibers don‘t impact blood sugar, Magic Spoon won‘t lead to the same energy spikes and crashes as sugary cereals. The higher protein content is also key for keeping you full and focused until your next meal.
Magic Spoon Flavors and Taste Test
Magic Spoon currently offers seven core flavors, all inspired by classic childhood cereals:
Fruity – Like Froot Loops, with vibrant notes of lemon, lime, orange and cherry
Cocoa – Reminiscent of Cocoa Puffs, with a rich and intense cocoa flavor
Frosted – Sweet like Frosted Flakes, with a hint of vanilla
Peanut Butter – Similar to Peanut Butter Cap‘n Crunch, with real peanut butter
Cinnamon – A take on Cinnamon Toast Crunch, with a warm cinnamon aroma
Blueberry – Mimics the taste of Blueberry Morning, with real blueberry flavor
Cookies & Cream – Oreo-inspired, with chocolate cereal pieces and sweet cream
Magic Spoon also releases limited-edition seasonal flavors, such as Gingerbread for the holidays, Honey Nut, and Maple Waffle.
I taste tested the four bestselling flavors from Magic Spoon: Fruity, Cocoa, Peanut Butter and Cinnamon. In terms of appearance, the cereals are nearly identical to their sugary counterparts, with bright colors and familiar shapes.
The Fruity and Cocoa flavors are made with tapioca-based "Os" and have a crisp, airy texture. While they are lighter and less dense than Froot Loops and Cocoa Puffs, they still give a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. The flavor is slightly milder and less cloyingly sweet, which I appreciate.
The Cinnamon and Peanut Butter offerings have more of a granola-like consistency, with small clusters that maintain their shape in milk. You definitely taste the cinnamon and peanut butter, but again, the sweetness is more subtle and balanced.
One thing to note is that Magic Spoon does have a distinct "protein aftertaste," which is typical of products made with whey or casein. It‘s most noticeable in the Peanut Butter, and may take some getting used to if you‘re new to protein powders. I found that the flavors actually tasted better and more natural when eaten as a dry snack, rather than as a traditional cereal with milk.
Overall, I was impressed by how well Magic Spoon replicated the taste of sugary cereals while keeping the carbs and sugar low. While not an exact match for the "real thing," they are a much healthier substitute that still scratch the itch for something sweet and crunchy in the morning.
Who Should Try Magic Spoon?
Magic Spoon is an excellent option for several types of consumers:
Keto and Low-Carb Dieters: With only 4g net carbs per serving, Magic Spoon fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. It‘s a great way to enjoy cereal while staying in ketosis.
Diabetics: Since Magic Spoon doesn‘t impact blood sugar, it‘s a smart choice for people with diabetes who need to closely monitor their carb intake.
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: Magic Spoon packs 13-14g complete protein per serving, making it an easy breakfast option to support muscle growth and recovery. Many Magic Spoon customers enjoy the cereal as a post-workout snack.
Health-Conscious Parents: If you‘re trying to reduce your family‘s sugar intake, Magic Spoon is a fun, better-for-you swap for kids‘ cereals. The bright colors and cartoon mascots on the boxes are sure to appeal to little ones.
Cereal Lovers: Whether you‘re an adult who still craves a sweet breakfast or just an occasional cereal eater, Magic Spoon lets you indulge without sabotaging your healthy lifestyle.
How It Compares to Other "Healthy" Cereals
Magic Spoon isn‘t the only brand trying to reinvent breakfast cereal. Other players in the healthy cereal category include:
Catalina Crunch – Also keto-friendly, but uses a protein blend with plant proteins
Purely Elizabeth – Focuses on nutrient-dense ingredients like ancient grains
Three Wishes – Grain-free, plant-based protein from chickpeas, peas, and tapioca
Highkey – Similar to Magic Spoon, with a whey protein isolate base
Compared to these options, Magic Spoon stands out for its ultra-low net carbs, higher protein content, and lack of artificial additives. It‘s one of the few cereals that uses zero cane sugar or sugar alcohols, which may cause digestive upset for some.
Magic Spoon also has the most "fun" branding and flavors – the others take a more serious, "granola" approach. If you‘re looking for something that tastes like authentic junk food, Magic Spoon is your best bet.
Pricing and Shipping
Now for the downside: Magic Spoon is pricier than your average grocery store cereal, at $39 for a pack of four boxes ($9.75 per box). You can save 10% by starting a monthly subscription, which brings the cost down to $35 ($8.75 per box).
Shipping is free on all orders over $50, or a flat $5 for orders under $50. Magic Spoon typically processes orders within 1-2 business days and delivers within 3-5 business days. The brand currently only ships within the US, including Alaska and Hawaii.
If you‘re not completely satisfied with your order, Magic Spoon offers a 100% money-back guarantee. You can request a refund within 30 days of purchase, no questions asked.
What Are Customers Saying?
Magic Spoon cereal reviews from real customers are overwhelmingly positive. On the brand‘s website, their top flavors have 4.5+ star ratings from hundreds of verified buyers.
Fans rave about the taste and texture, saying it‘s almost identical to "normal" cereal. Many appreciate that they can enjoy a big bowl of cereal without the guilt or sugar crash afterwards. Parents also love that they can give their kids a better-for-you treat.
The most common complaint is the price, which is understandable – paying $1.50+ for a single bowl of cereal seems expensive to many people. A few customers with very sensitive palates also didn‘t enjoy the mild aftertaste from the protein blend.
Overall though, the vast majority of buyers feel that the quality ingredients and great taste are worth the cost. If you eat cereal regularly and want a healthier option, Magic Spoon can save you money in the long run versus other high-protein, low-sugar cereals.
The Final Verdict
So, is Magic Spoon cereal really worth the hype? After trying it for myself, I say yes. While it‘s not an exact replica of the sugary cereals I loved as a kid, it comes pretty darn close while being much better for you.
I was honestly surprised by how well the flavors mimicked the originals, without the cloying sweetness or artificial ingredients. The macronutrients are also hard to beat – I love that I can eat a big, satisfying bowl of cereal with plenty of protein and minimal impact on my blood sugar.
Of course, the high price point won‘t be doable for everyone. This is definitely a premium cereal, best for those who eat it regularly and are willing to invest in quality, clean ingredients. You can save by buying a variety pack or starting a subscription.
I recommend Magic Spoon to anyone on a low-carb or keto diet, people with blood sugar issues, fitness enthusiasts looking for a protein-packed breakfast, or just cereal lovers wanting a healthier option. The fun flavors and cartoon mascots also make these a great alternative for kids.
If you decide to give Magic Spoon a try, I suggest starting with a variety pack so you can taste all the different flavors and find your favorite. The Fruity is the most popular, but I‘m partial to the Peanut Butter for a sweet and salty treat.
Have you tried Magic Spoon cereal? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you found this review helpful, be sure to share it with your cereal-loving friends and family.
