What Do Studies Show About Students Who Eat Breakfast?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study by the CDC, most high school students reported not eating breakfast daily. Yet, research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast benefit significantly in terms of academic performance and overall well-being.

Quick Summary

Studies reveal students who eat breakfast regularly exhibit improved memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and better classroom behavior compared to those who skip it.

Key Points

Enhanced Cognitive Function: A nutritious breakfast refuels the brain with glucose, leading to improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills throughout the school day.
Improved Behavior and Mood: Eating breakfast helps stabilize blood sugar, which is linked to better mood, less irritability, and improved on-task behavior in the classroom.
Crucial Role of Breakfast Quality: Studies show that a high-quality, healthy breakfast is key for optimal performance; unhealthy breakfasts can be as detrimental as skipping the meal entirely.
Positive Effect on Academic Achievement: Regular breakfast consumption is consistently associated with higher grades and better scores on standardized tests, particularly in subjects like math and reading.
Mitigating Educational Disparities: School Breakfast Programs effectively increase participation, especially for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and can help improve academic engagement and attendance.
Addressing Hunger and Fatigue: Eating breakfast prevents hunger and fatigue, which can be major distractions and barriers to learning for students during the morning hours.

The Impact of Breakfast on Cognitive Function

Numerous studies highlight the positive connection between eating breakfast and cognitive performance. The brain relies on glucose for energy, and breakfast replenishes levels that are depleted overnight. This replenishment leads to improvements in several cognitive areas.

Attention and Memory

Research consistently shows a positive influence of a morning meal on attention and memory. Systematic reviews indicate that tasks requiring attention, executive function, and memory are better performed by breakfast consumers. Students who eat breakfast often demonstrate improved on-task behavior and better concentration, with effects on memory becoming more noticeable later in the morning compared to those who skip breakfast.

Problem-Solving and Mental Clarity

Studies suggest that students who eat a balanced breakfast are better at tackling complex mental challenges. One study found that breakfast eaters showed greater accuracy on more difficult visual tasks. Additionally, the brain activity associated with mathematical problem-solving is enhanced in children who have eaten breakfast.

The Role of Breakfast Quality

The benefits extend beyond simply eating breakfast; the quality of the meal is crucial for sustained positive effects. Research indicates that consuming an unhealthy breakfast can have similar negative impacts on student motivation and achievement as skipping breakfast altogether.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Breakfasts

Healthy Breakfasts: Typically include lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and dairy. These provide a steady release of energy, supporting stable blood sugar and focus. Examples include oatmeal with fruit or eggs with whole-grain toast.
Unhealthy Breakfasts: Often contain high sugar and low nutrients, like sugary cereals or pastries. These can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue and poor concentration.

Impact on Student Behavior and Mood

Eating breakfast also positively affects student behavior and emotional state. Skipping breakfast is sometimes linked to increased stress and irritability.

Classroom Behavior: Reviews of studies indicate that breakfast positively impacts on-task behavior in the classroom. Hunger from skipping meals can lead to irritability and disruptive behavior.
Mood and Well-being: Research shows a connection between breakfast and positive mood. A balanced breakfast helps regulate blood sugar, preventing mood swings caused by hunger. One study noted that high school students who frequently skipped breakfast were more likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Comparison of Breakfast Impact


Outcome	Regular Breakfast Eaters	Breakfast Skippers / Unhealthy Breakfast	What the Studies Show
Attention	Improved concentration and focus	Difficulty concentrating and poorer attention	Replenished glucose levels support optimal brain function.
Memory	Better immediate recall and retention	Poorer memory and recall abilities	Breakfast consumption aids cognitive processes critical for memory.
Grades	Higher test scores and academic achievement	Increased risk of low academic achievement	Positive correlation found, sometimes mediated by motivation.
Behavior	More on-task behavior and fewer disciplinary issues	Higher rates of disruptive behavior and irritability	Stabilized blood sugar levels contribute to better mood regulation.
Energy Levels	Sustained energy throughout the morning	Feelings of fatigue and sluggishness by mid-morning	Consistent fuel supply from breakfast prevents the mid-morning slump.

How School Breakfast Programs Are Making a Difference

School Breakfast Programs (SBPs) aim to provide nutritious meals to all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Studies on SBPs show positive outcomes, including increased participation with models like "Breakfast in the Classroom". One study saw a significant increase in participation with this model. While results on long-term academic achievement are sometimes mixed, evidence points to improved attendance, mood, and short-term satiety with SBPs. Universal free breakfast programs have been linked to better attendance and higher test scores for some groups. SBPs help address disparities in breakfast consumption related to socioeconomic status by removing barriers to accessing a morning meal.

Limitations and Considerations in Breakfast Studies

Despite the strong evidence, studies on breakfast have limitations. Many cross-sectional studies show association but not direct cause, as other factors like socioeconomic status and overall diet can influence outcomes. One study highlighted that socioeconomic status moderated the relationship between breakfast and achievement motivation. The composition of the breakfast is also a key factor. More research is needed to fully understand long-term causal effects across different populations.

Conclusion

A large body of evidence confirms the significant positive impact of eating a healthy breakfast on students. Benefits range from enhanced cognitive functions like memory and attention to improved behavior and mood. While breakfast quality and socioeconomic factors play a role, the consistent message is that a nutritious start to the day is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Supporting healthy meal choices at home and through school breakfast programs are key strategies to maximize these benefits.

For more information on promoting healthy eating in schools, visit the CDC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Breakfast provides the brain with glucose, its primary energy source. This steady supply of energy prevents mid-morning fatigue and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is crucial for concentration and focus in the classroom.

Yes, the quality of breakfast is critical. Studies indicate that a healthy, balanced breakfast leads to better academic performance and motivation. An unhealthy, sugary breakfast can cause energy crashes that hinder learning just as much as skipping the meal.

Students who eat breakfast are more likely to exhibit positive classroom behavior, such as better on-task participation and cooperation with peers. Conversely, hunger from skipping breakfast can lead to irritability and disruptive behavior.

Yes, studies on School Breakfast Programs (SBPs) show they can have a positive effect. By increasing access to nutritious meals, SBPs have been linked to better attendance, fewer disciplinary issues, and improved test scores for participating students.

Research supports a positive link between regular breakfast consumption and academic achievement. Studies have found that students who eat breakfast frequently tend to have higher test scores and better grades compared to those who skip the meal.

Studies suggest that adolescents who eat breakfast regularly are less likely to be overweight or obese. This is potentially due to better appetite regulation and overall more balanced dietary choices throughout the day.

Studies show that while breakfast benefits all students, children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are undernourished often experience the most pronounced academic and cognitive gains from a breakfast intervention.