People who want to avoid added sugar
You’re looking for breakfast granola and want to know whether ‘no added sugars’ also means the product is sugar-free. The exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure can help you tell the difference.
Who is this choice important for?
People comparing nutritional information
You don’t choose your breakfast cereal based on the sugar claim alone. You also compare fibre, protein and the portion you usually eat.
Households checking for allergens
If gluten, nuts or soya are a concern for someone in your household, check the allergen information for the exact product variant, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by understanding the difference between sugar-free and no added sugars. Then compare products per 100 g and check that the pack size and availability suit your weekly shop.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the exact claim and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | I’m looking for a product that genuinely meets the ‘sugar-free’ threshold, not just a variant with no added sugar. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this precise sugar claim. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre, protein and sugars on the same per-100 g basis; also consider the portion you eat. | For breakfast, I want to weigh up the nutritional information of different granolas. For around 25% of consumers, this comparison is their main concern. |
| Weekly supplies | Check the pack weight and confirm shortly before buying that your preferred variant is available. | I’m buying for several breakfasts and want a pack that suits how I use it and that I can actually take home or order. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having enough for the week. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen declaration for the exact flavour, including information about possible traces. | If someone in my household needs to avoid certain ingredients, whether that specific pack is suitable matters more than the sugar claim. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
Granola with no added sugars can still contain sugars. For example, Albert Heijn lists 1.9 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Granola nuts 0% added sugar.
If you’re looking for strictly sugar-free granola, compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure with the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives for this claim.
-
Reading the front of the pack but overlooking the allergens
A sugar claim doesn’t tell you whether granola contains nuts, cereals containing gluten or soya.
Before buying enough for the week, check the allergen declaration for the exact flavour and read any ‘may contain’ statements too.
-
Planning your breakfasts around one specific variant
Whether a product is available to order online or only in store could affect what you choose for your weekly shop. For example, Lidl describes its granola variants as available in store only.
Check current availability shortly before buying, and compare a second variant using its label in advance.
Brands to compare
Always compare the specific variant: a brand name alone won’t tell you how much sugar a product contains or which allergens are in it.
Cruesli (Quaker)
Quaker Zero Sugar Added Naturel is a variant worth considering if you want to avoid added sugars.
- Jumbo describes this Quaker variant as made without added sugars or sweeteners.
- The 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g listed by Jumbo is above the threshold for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
Albert Heijn
AH Granola nuts 0% added sugar is a nut-based variant to compare for its nutritional information and ingredients.
- Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 1.9 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The variant contains cereals containing gluten and nuts; if you have allergies, also check the information about possible traces of other allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo Granola Protein is a variant for anyone who wants to compare protein content as well as sugars.
- Jumbo lists 24.1 g of protein and 4.0 g of sugars per 100 g for this variant.
- Jumbo lists soya, wheat and nuts among its allergens. Check current availability before planning to buy this variant.
Lidl
Lidl lists Super Berry and Super Nutty as granola variants to look for in store.
- Lidl says these variants are available in store only.
- In store, check the label of your chosen variant to compare its sugar claim, nutritional information and allergens.
ALDI
Golden Bridge Granola is a pack to look out for during your weekly shop.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack and describes variants with nuts and seeds or red berries.
- Check the ingredients, ‘of which sugars’ figure and any added-sugar claim on the pack you choose.
Zonnatura
Zonnatura Granola Almond Cashew is a variant to compare for its nutritional information and allergens.
- Zonnatura lists 21 g of fibre and 1.9 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The variant contains wheat, almonds, cashew nuts and soya, among other ingredients; check the rest of the allergen information on the pack too.
Crunchy muesli at Joybuy
These products are crunchy muesli, including Cruesli, for anyone who wants to compare other breakfast cereals as well as granola for their weekly shop. A name containing ‘Zero Sugar’ doesn’t on its own prove that a product meets the ‘sugar-free’ threshold; check the nutritional information on the pack you choose.
No image available
Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Chocolate, 6 × 400 g
A multipack to consider if you’re buying for several breakfasts. For this chocolate muesli, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and the allergen declaration on the pack.
No image available
Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar, 400 g
For anyone looking for a chocolate-flavoured crunchy muesli. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure and allergens on this 400 g pack; don’t assume it’s sugar-free based on the product name alone.
No image available
Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach, 400 g
A fruity option for anyone who wants to take flavour into account when choosing breakfast cereal. For this 400 g pack, check both the added-sugar claim and the total sugars per 100 g.
No image available
Quaker Zs Cruesli Nuts & Seeds, 720 g
The 720 g pack could suit you if you’re buying enough for several breakfasts at once. Check the allergen declaration for this nut and seed variant, and compare its sugar content per 100 g.
No image available
Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural, 400 g
A plain variant for anyone comparing different types of crunchy muesli. Read the nutritional information and allergen declaration for this exact 400 g pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; a product with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the label too.
How do I compare granola during my weekly shop?
First compare the exact sugar claim and the amount of sugars per 100 g. Then check fibre, protein, ingredients, allergens, your usual portion size and the pack weight. Confirm that your chosen variant is available shortly before buying.
Is granola with no added sugar suitable for someone with a nut or gluten allergy?
Not necessarily. The sugar claim tells you nothing about allergens: the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Zonnatura variants described here contain or may contain nuts and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. Check the allergen declaration on the exact pack you’re buying.
How should I store an opened pack throughout the week?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. The product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo recommends storing the variants described in a cool, dark and dry place, and sealing the pack securely after use.