Don’t want to blow your budget on trendy antioxidant-rich drinks and supplements? No worries. Whole grain foods, probably already in your pantry, also include antioxidants, according to a new study presented at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and reported on by ScienceDaily.

Chemical analysis (but not human tests) has shown that antioxidants fight free radicals—the organic molecules that cause aging, disease and tissue damage.

Researchers discovered that, besides containing fiber, whole grain cereals and snacks also have an abundance of polyphenols. Polyphenols are a healthful antioxidant also found in fruits, veggies, chocolate, coffee, wine and tea. Both fiber and polyphenols reduce the risk of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

“We found that, in fact, whole grain products have comparable antioxidants per gram to fruits and vegetables,” said study leader Joe Vinson, PhD. “This is the first study to examine total phenol antioxidants in breakfast cereals and snacks, whereas previous studies have measured free antioxidants in the products.”

The study also found that popcorn also had a high level of antioxidants.

Want to boost your breakfast’s nutritional value? Eat wheat, corn, oats and rice cereals. They boast the most antioxidants. For variety, try raisin bran—dried grapes dramatically increase this cereal’s antioxidant value per serving.

 Read RH’s “Whole Grain 101” for ways to add more whole grains to any meal.