Families who have breakfast together
A large pack or multipack is especially practical when several people choose the same cereal and you’ll use up the contents. Albert Heijn, for example, sells large packs and multipacks of Quaker Cruesli.
Who is a larger pack suitable for?
Shoppers who compare labels
If you’re stocking up on cereal for several weekends, compare the ingredients, sugars, fibre, salt and allergens in the variety you’ve chosen first.
Weekend breakfast fans who prefer a warm bowl
If you’re not looking for crunchy muesli, oats and wholegrain cereal are other options. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Oatmeal and Brinta Wholegrain Cereal can be prepared with water or milk.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, consider whether your household will use up the pack. Then compare the nutritional information, shared flavour preferences and how you want to prepare it. The percentages below show which purchasing concern matters most to different consumers.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Using up the stock | Check the total weight, the number of individual packs and the serving size on the label. | If everyone eats the same breakfast, I want to have enough in the cupboard without leaving an opened pack unused. Around 31% of consumers prioritise using up the contents. |
| Nutritional information | Compare sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients list too. | I only want to choose a larger pack once I know what’s in my usual serving. Nutritional information is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Check that everyone likes the flavour and read the allergen information for the exact variety. | I wouldn’t want to buy a large pack of a new nut or chocolate flavour for everyone straight away. Around 23% of consumers put this consideration first. |
| Preparation method | Check whether the cereal is served cold or prepared warm according to the instructions. | At the weekend, I want the option of making a warm bowl instead of serving crunchy cereal. For around 15% of consumers, the preparation method is the first thing they consider. |
Common mistakes
-
Comparing only the number of packs
Three or four packs don’t tell you how many breakfasts you’ll get from the multipack. Net weight and the stated serving size can vary.
Check both the number of packs and the contents of each one, and think about how often your household will actually eat this variety.
-
Assuming a large pack is a healthier choice
Pack size tells you nothing about nutritional value. For example, Quaker Cruesli Cookies & Cream lists 16 g of sugars and 18 g of fat per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and the ingredients in your chosen variety with those in an oat or wholegrain cereal.
-
Stocking up on an unfamiliar flavour
If everyone doesn’t like the flavour, a large pack could be left untouched. The exact variety also matters if any household members need to avoid particular ingredients.
If possible, try an unfamiliar flavour in a smaller pack first, and check the ingredients and allergen information before buying.
-
Not sealing an opened bag properly
When you have a large supply, it’s also worth thinking about what happens to the rest after the first breakfast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing cereal in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container.
Seal the pack after use and follow the storage advice on the label. For opened packs, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using an airtight storage container.
Brands to consider
Quaker / Cruesli
Albert Heijn sells a range of large packs and multipacks of Quaker Cruesli. Choose the flavour and pack size separately, as the nutritional information varies by variety.
- You can compare crunchy muesli varieties in 800–850 g packs, as well as multipacks.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each variety.
Brinta
Brinta is an option if you prefer a warm oat or wholegrain cereal to crunchy muesli.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Wholegrain Cereal contains 100% wholegrain wheat and 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Choose a pack size based on how much you use, rather than assuming it comes in a multipack.
Albert Heijn
The supermarket’s own brand includes oats and muesli in larger packs. When comparing products, check the category: oatmeal and crunchy muesli have different ingredients and preparation methods.
- Albert Heijn’s range includes 1 kg packs of wholegrain oats.
- Check the pack size and nutritional information for the product you actually choose.
Kellogg's
Kellogg's also offers cereals with different flavours and textures, including Special K High Protein Cacao Hazelnut and All-Bran Fruit 'n Fibre.
- These products give you other varieties to compare for ingredients and nutritional information.
- Don’t assume one product range has the same pack size or characteristics as another.
Six-packs for weekend breakfasts
These Joybuy products are six-packs of crunchy muesli and granola. First decide which of these two types of cereal and which flavour your household would like to eat. Then compare the pack details for the exact variety.
Image unavailable
Holie's Crunchy Muesli Chocolate Chunks, 6 × 400 g
For households looking to buy several packs of crunchy chocolate-flavoured muesli for multiple breakfasts. Check that everyone likes the flavour and read the allergen information for this variety.
Image unavailable
Holie's Granola Nuts & Seeds, 6 × 350 g
A six-pack of granola for anyone who wants to enjoy this variety over several weekend breakfasts. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before stocking up.
Image unavailable
Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Chocolate, 6 × 400 g
For anyone looking for several packs of a crunchy chocolate variety. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and make sure the flavour suits everyone eating breakfast at the weekend.
Image unavailable
Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Nuts, 6 × 400 g
A six-pack of crunchy muesli for households who want to share this flavour. If you’re choosing based on nutritional value, check the table on the pack and read the allergen information.
Image unavailable
Holie's Granola Protein Almond Speculaas, 6 × 350 g
A six-pack of granola for anyone who wants to choose the Almond Speculaas flavour for several breakfasts. Check the nutritional information table and allergen information on the pack for this variety.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the nutritional value of cereal?
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact varieties you’re considering, and read the ingredients list too. The Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation highlights wholegrain ingredients, added sugar, fibre and salt as things to consider when choosing cereal.
How should I store a large bag of cereal once it’s open?
Store cereal in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping an opened pack in an airtight storage container. Follow the storage advice on the packaging too.
Should I check for allergens in a standard cereal mix?
Yes. Check the allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed on the label of pre-packed foods. Relevant allergens include cereals containing gluten, nuts, soya and milk.