People who regularly eat breakfast with diabetes
You want to fit muesli into your own eating plan, so you look beyond the wording on the front of the pack: the carbohydrates, ingredients and amount in your bowl all matter too.
Who might find this choice relevant?
Households buying a large bag
You compare the pack size with the number of portions you’ll actually use and check whether you can store an opened bag properly.
Fans of crunchy muesli
You’re looking for the crunchy texture of Cruesli or granola and want to check what ‘no added sugars’ means for each variety. Carbohydrates and any nut allergens are still important considerations.
What should you look for in a bulk pack of muesli?
First, choose a product type and pack size that suit how you’ll use it. Then compare the nutritional information for the exact muesli, rather than relying on a claim on the front of the pack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates and sugars | Compare carbohydrates and sugars per 100 g, then work out the amount for your own portion. Check the ingredients list for added sweetening ingredients too. | When planning my breakfast with diabetes, I want to know what’s in the amount I serve myself, even when no sugar has been added. This would be the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Fibre and wholegrains | Check which grains are listed in the ingredients and compare the stated fibre content per 100 g. | For my regular breakfast, I’m looking for a wholegrain mix and want to compare the fibre content of different varieties. An estimated 29% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Pack size and use | Compare the pack size with your usual portion and follow the storage advice for an opened bag. | A large bag only makes sense for my household if we use it regularly and can store it properly; this would be the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and product type | Check the current label for allergens and ‘may contain’ statements. Also note the difference between plain muesli, crunchy muesli and granola. | If I have a relevant allergy, I need to know which grains or nuts are in the exact variety before considering other features. Around 14% of consumers would consider this first. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘no carbohydrates’
This claim doesn’t tell you how many carbohydrates the muesli contains. Quaker Netherlands states that Cruesli Granola Zero Sugar Added Nuts & Seeds contains 45 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.
Check the nutrition table per 100 g, then work out the amount in your own portion. If necessary, discuss personal serving sizes with your healthcare professional or dietitian.
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Treating plain muesli and crunchy muesli as the same product
Ingredients vary between varieties. According to Quaker Netherlands, regular Cruesli 4 Nuts contains ingredients including glucose syrup and sugar; you can’t tell that from the general name ‘muesli’.
Compare products that suit the same needs, and check both the ingredients list and nutrition table for the variety you choose.
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Overlooking allergens in a plain variety
Plain muesli can also contain cereals containing gluten. Jumbo also states that its Muesli Naturel may contain, among other things, nuts, milk and soya.
If you have an allergy, check the current label for allergens and ‘may contain’ information before using the product.
Brands to consider
These brands offer relevant muesli varieties, but ingredients and nutritional values differ from product to product. The brand name alone won’t tell you whether a variety fits your breakfast plan.
Albert Heijn
The AH Volkoren muesli naturel reviewed is a plain muesli in a 1 kg pack.
- A large pack worth comparing if you eat muesli regularly.
- This variety contains raisins and cereals containing gluten; check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a 1 kg Muesli Naturel, among other varieties with fruit, nuts or seeds.
- Jumbo states that the plain variety provides around 33 portions of 30 g per pack.
- This variety contains cereals containing gluten and may also contain nuts, milk and soya.
Quaker Cruesli
Quaker sells several crunchy cereal mixes, including regular Cruesli and a Granola Zero Sugar Added variety.
- Quaker Netherlands states that Granola Zero Sugar Added Nuts & Seeds contains 20 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Regular Cruesli 4 Nuts has different ingredients, including added sweetening ingredients. Assess each variety separately.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
This own-brand range includes both wholegrain muesli and crunchy muesli in 1 kg packs.
- When choosing between plain and crunchy, you can consider the difference in product type.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens on the exact pack in store; the product type alone won’t tell you these.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 1 kg bag of plain crunchy muesli with raisins as an in-store product.
- This pack size is worth considering if you’re looking for a large bag of crunchy muesli.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack in store.
Crunchy muesli at Joybuy
These four Quaker Cruesli varieties are crunchy muesli in 400 g packs. If you’re also considering a 1 kg pack of plain muesli, compare pack size and your own portion; the product name alone won’t tell you whether a variety fits your personal breakfast plan.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar – 400 g
A crunchy chocolate variety to compare if you’re looking for this flavour; the pack contains 400 g.
As well as the Zero Sugar claim, check the carbohydrates per 100 g and the allergens on the label.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach – 400 g
A crunchy variety with strawberry and peach to compare if you’re looking for those flavours; the pack contains 400 g.
The Zero Sugar Added claim doesn’t replace the need to check carbohydrates, portion size and allergens on the pack.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, Pecan and Cinnamon – 400 g
A crunchy variety with apple, pecan and cinnamon for anyone looking for these ingredients; the pack contains 400 g.
Pecan is included in the product name. If you have a nut allergy, check the full current label and compare the carbohydrates in your portion too.
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Quaker Cruesli Nuts Zero Sugar – 400 g
A crunchy nut variety for anyone looking for this type of product; the pack contains 400 g.
According to the Joybuy product information, no sugars or sweeteners have been added, but the product contains naturally occurring sugars. Also check the carbohydrates per portion and the allergens on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Is all muesli suitable for breakfast if you have diabetes?
No. The name muesli doesn’t tell you enough about its ingredients or your own portion. Compare the ingredients, carbohydrates, sugars and fibre in the exact variety. For advice on personal portion sizes, speak to your healthcare professional or dietitian.
Does ‘no added sugars’ also mean low in carbohydrates?
No, the claim doesn’t tell you how many carbohydrates the product contains. For example, Quaker Netherlands states that Cruesli Granola Zero Sugar Added Nuts & Seeds contains 45 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. So check the nutrition table and the amount you eat too.
How do I compare portions from a large bag of muesli?
Use the portion size on the pack as a starting point and compare it with the amount you actually serve yourself. Jumbo states that its 1 kg Muesli Naturel provides around 33 portions of 30 g. When assessing your whole breakfast, remember to include anything you add to the muesli.
Where can I find allergen information for muesli?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. If you have an allergy, check the information on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
How should I store an opened 1 kg bag of muesli?
Seal the bag properly after opening and follow the storage advice on the pack. Jumbo recommends storing its Muesli Naturel in a cool, dry place; Albert Heijn also recommends keeping its Volkoren muesli naturel in a dark place.