Solo breakfast eater who wants to control portions
You make one bowl of granola at the weekend and want to know how much to scoop out of a multi-portion bag. A serving-size guide can help, but you’ll still need to measure out the amount yourself.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Breakfast eater who compares labels
You look at the ingredients and nutritional information rather than relying only on claims on the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing the nutritional values of products per 100 g.
Shopper who checks allergens
You need to know which grains, nuts or other allergens are in the granola you choose. Check the current label, even if the product name or flavour description sounds straightforward.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need an individually packed portion or are happy to measure it out at home. Then compare the packaging and labels of the products that suit your choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion for one bowl | Check the stated serving size and the number of servings per pack. Consider whether you’re happy to measure out the amount at home. | If I’m making one bowl, I don’t want to have to guess how much to pour from a large bag every time. Around 45% of consumers put portion control first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, the allergens highlighted and any information about what the product may contain. | If I have a dietary restriction, I need to be able to check whether this particular granola meets my needs. Around 33% of consumers put this check first. |
| Bag size | Compare the net weight with the number of breakfasts you’re planning, and read the storage instructions. | If I only eat granola occasionally, I want a pack that suits how often I use it. Pack size matters most to around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a serving size for an individually packed portion
A bag may state how many grams make up one serving, while all the servings are still in the same pack. You’ll still need to measure out the amount for one bowl yourself.
Check the total pack size and the number of servings. Choose an individually packed portion only if you don’t want to portion out the granola yourself.
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Relying only on the front of the pack
Words such as ‘high in fibre’ or ‘no added sugar’ don’t tell you everything about a product’s ingredients and nutritional value.
Compare nutritional values per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, and read the ingredients list before considering how much you’ll use for your bowl.
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Trying to work out allergens from the product name
A granola’s name doesn’t give you a complete picture of the allergens it contains or the ingredients it may contain.
Before buying, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Quaker Cruesli
Albert Heijn lists Quaker Cruesli Granola Original in a 450 g bag, with an average serving of 45 g alongside 100 ml of low-fat yoghurt.
- The serving-size guide gives you a starting point for measuring out one bowl at home.
- The bag contains several servings, not individually packed portions. If you have dietary restrictions, check the allergens on the current pack.
Zonnatura
Zonnatura Bio Granola Classic Crunchy is an example of a product sold in a 350 g pack.
- The pack clearly states the net weight, so you can decide whether it’s suitable for several breakfasts.
- Jumbo lists oats, soya, spelt and wheat among the allergens for this product, and states that it may contain milk, nuts and sesame. Check the current label before buying.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge Granola in a 500 g pack.
- The pack size is clearly stated, which is useful if you want to portion it out over several breakfasts.
- This isn’t an individually packed breakfast portion. Check the ingredients and allergens for the variety you choose.
Granola for portions you measure out yourself
This multi-portion bag is a good fit if you want to measure out enough granola for one bowl at home; it isn’t a substitute for an individually packed portion.
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Quaker Cruesli Chocolate – 450 g
An option for anyone who wants to measure out granola for one bowl at home. The pack contains 450 g and isn’t an individually packed portion.
If you have dietary restrictions, check the current ingredients and allergen information for this Chocolate variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bag with a serving-size guide the same as a single-serve pack?
No. A serving-size guide helps you measure out an amount, but it doesn’t mean that portion is individually packed. For example, Albert Heijn lists an average serving of 45 g for Quaker Cruesli Granola Original in a 450 g bag.
How do I compare granola in different-sized bags?
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Then look at the ingredients, net weight and the amount you want to use for one bowl.
What should I look for if I need gluten-free granola?
Choose based on the labelling and ingredients of the specific product, rather than the general name ‘granola’. Also check the current allergen information on the pack.
How do I check for other allergens, such as nuts or soya?
Read the ingredients list, the allergens highlighted and any information about what the product may contain. Relevant allergens vary between granolas and varieties.
How should I store an opened multi-portion bag?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen. For Zonnatura Bio Granola Classic Crunchy, the stated instruction is to store in a cool, dry place in a sealed pack.