Who is this comparison relevant to?

Parents who want to avoid added sugar

For them, both the ingredients list and the sugars figure in the nutrition table matter. ‘No added sugar’ is not the same as ‘sugar-free’.

Families who want to make porridge quickly

A plain porridge oat option can work well on a busy morning. Compare the preparation instructions and check the current label, even for a quick-cooking option.

Parents who pay attention to texture and allergens

For a toddler, whole nuts, hard pieces and any relevant allergen information deserve attention. In that case, the ingredients and product format matter more than a claim on the front of the pack.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you’re looking for breakfast cereals for a toddler, decide which need matters most and still check the other points on the packaging.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar claim Read the ingredients list and check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. For the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim, solid foods can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I want to avoid added sugar without mistaking a claim on the front of the pack for a strictly sugar-free product. Checking the claim is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Preparation Compare how the oats are prepared and read the ingredients for plain and flavoured options separately. On a busy morning, I want to make porridge quickly without overlooking what’s in it. Quick preparation is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Texture and allergens Look out for whole nuts and hard pieces, and check the allergen information on the current packaging. If texture or an allergen is a concern for my child, I want to assess the option I choose accordingly. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A product with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim for solid foods is subject to a limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    If that strict claim is essential, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the label.

  • Choosing a crunchy mix with whole nuts for a toddler

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns against giving whole nuts and peanuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking. A sugar claim tells you nothing about the texture of muesli or granola.

    Check the pieces in the option you choose, and don’t choose a product containing whole nuts or peanuts for this age group.

  • Assuming all porridge oats are gluten-free

    Quaker Porridge Oats product information states that they may contain barley and wheat. This information may be important if your child has dietary restrictions or specific allergen requirements.

    Read the allergen statement on the current packaging. If you’re sending the product to nursery or school, also check their policies.

Brands compared

Quaker

Quaker offers both plain porridge oats and Cruesli Zero Sugar Added: two different product formats to compare.

  • According to Quaker Netherlands, Quaker Porridge Oats contain no added sugars, but do contain naturally occurring sugars. Albert Heijn also describes Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel as having no added sugar and no sweeteners.
  • Neither description means a product is automatically strictly sugar-free. Quaker Porridge Oats are also stated to possibly contain barley and wheat.

Brinta

Brinta is worth considering as a brand offering porridge oats and wholegrain cereal products for porridge.

  • The Brinta brand page describes porridge oats as part of its range.
  • Check the ingredients and nutrition information for each option if added sugars or a strict sugar claim will determine your choice.

Albert Heijn

The supermarket’s own brand is a useful way to compare plain porridge oats with options containing added ingredients.

  • Albert Heijn describes AH Biologisch Havermout pitten as having ‘no added sugar’.
  • Check the current packaging for the option you choose, and consider whether seeds or other hard additions are suitable for a toddler in that product format.

Kellogg's

Kellogg's offers breakfast cereals, but sugar information should be assessed for each product individually.

  • The nutrition information for Special K Original gives you a specific label to use for comparison.
  • Kellogg's Netherlands lists 15 g of sugars per 100 g for Special K Original. This means the product does not meet the EU limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim; this says nothing about other options.

Porridge options on Joybuy

These two packs of Quaker porridge oats are worth considering if you’re looking for a simple breakfast cereal base for a toddler. Compare the pack sizes and check the current ingredients, nutrition information and allergen statement before choosing. Neither is described here as strictly sugar-free.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g

An option to compare if quick preparation is a priority on busy mornings. The pack contains 324 g; check the current label for preparation instructions, sugars and allergens.

View on Joybuy
Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g

Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g

A porridge oat base you can prepare yourself for a toddler’s breakfast. The pack contains 600 g; check the current nutrition information for sugars and salt, and read the allergen statement.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is ‘no added sugar’ the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘sugar-free’ claim can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A product with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars.

Which breakfast cereals can you alternate with bread for a toddler?

For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends porridge oats, muesli and other wholegrain breakfast cereals with no added sugar or salt as alternatives at breakfast. Also check the ingredients and texture of the option you choose.

What should you look for in granola with nuts for a toddler?

Check whether the granola contains whole nuts or peanuts: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns against these for children under 4 because of the risk of choking. A ‘no added sugar’ statement doesn’t change how you should assess the texture.

What should you check if breakfast cereal is going to nursery or school?

Read the allergen statement on the current packaging and ask the nursery or school about its policies. For example, Quaker Porridge Oats product information states that they may contain barley and wheat.

Does every toddler need the same portion of breakfast cereal?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives example portion sizes for young children and toddlers as a guide, and emphasises that every child has different needs.