Families who want to read sugar claims carefully
If ‘sugar-free’ is a strict requirement, ‘no added sugars’ is not enough as your only selection criterion. Compare the claim and ingredients with the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Households buying breakfast for several days
A larger pack is practical only if your family will get through it. As well as the pack size, consider the portions you use and the storage advice after opening.
Families weighing up ingredients and nutritional value
If you need to watch out for nuts, milk or gluten-containing cereals, check the label on the variant you choose. You can compare fibre, protein and sugars per 100 g without automatically drawing conclusions about the product as a whole.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for muesli that is literally sugar-free or mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then compare only packs with ingredients that suit the family members who will be eating them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the exact claim and compare the ‘of which sugars’ amount per 100 g on the current label. | If I’m looking for genuinely sugar-free muesli, I don’t want to confuse ‘no added sugars’ with no sugar at all. Around 36% of consumers put checking this claim first. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the pack weight in grams with how much your family uses, and follow the storage advice after opening. | When buying for several breakfasts, I want a pack we can finish without leaving it open for too long. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the allergen declaration and any ‘may contain’ statement for each variant. | If not everyone at home can eat the same ingredients, I want to know what’s in the pack before buying a large one. Around 21% of consumers put allergen checks first. |
| Nutritional value | Compare fibre, protein, sugars and energy per 100 g for the variants that otherwise suit your needs. | As well as the sugar claim, I mainly want to be able to choose based on fibre or protein, without treating one figure as a verdict on the muesli. Around 14% of consumers give this nutritional comparison the highest priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Reading ‘Zero Sugar Added’ as ‘sugar-free’
A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. For example, Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel, as listed by Jumbo, contains 3.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
As well as the front of the pack, read the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line on the current packaging.
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Choosing a large pack without considering how much you’ll use
A larger pack may not be the best fit if your family won’t finish it or if the ingredients aren’t suitable for everyone who’ll be eating it.
Check the pack size, allergens and storage instructions before choosing a larger variant.
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Assuming a nut or high-protein variant is suitable for everyone
The variants reviewed list ingredients including nuts and gluten-containing cereals; some also list milk in the allergen information.
Check the allergen declaration for the exact variant you’re buying, even if you already know the brand.
Brands to consider
Quaker Cruesli
The crunchy Naturel and Nuts & Seeds variants reviewed are sold with no added sugars or sweeteners; Nuts & Seeds is also available in a 720 g pack.
- Jumbo lists 26 g of fibre and 3.7 g of sugars per 100 g for the Naturel variant reviewed.
- ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean there are no sugars at all. For Nuts & Seeds, also check the listed nuts and gluten-containing cereals.
Jumbo
The Crunchy Muesli Noten reviewed is a crunchy muesli with nuts in a 400 g pack, sold with no added sugar.
- Jumbo lists 2.6 g of sugars and 21.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this variant.
- The mix described includes ingredients such as nuts, oats and wheat. Check the label if anyone in your household needs to avoid these ingredients.
Holie
The Crunchy Muesli Protein reviewed is an option if you want to compare its stated protein and fibre content with other muesli with no added sugars.
- Jumbo lists 23 g of protein, 19 g of fibre and 2.3 g of sugars per 100 g for the Protein variant reviewed.
- This variant also lists wheat protein, wheat gluten, almonds and hazelnuts. Its protein content doesn’t make it sugar-free or suitable for every household.
Joybuy products
Related products will appear soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. Muesli with no added sugars may still contain sugars, as shown in the nutritional information. Jumbo lists 3.7 g of sugars per 100 g for the Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel reviewed and 2.6 g per 100 g for Crunchy Muesli Noten. So check both the claim and the nutritional information on the pack you’re buying.
Which allergens should I check in crunchy muesli for the family?
Check the allergen declaration and any ‘may contain’ statement for each variant you choose. The muesli reviewed lists ingredients including oats, wheat and nuts; some variants also list milk. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the label to identify common allergens.
How should I store a large pack of crunchy muesli after opening?
Follow the storage advice on the pack and seal it securely after use. The Cruesli products reviewed are described as needing to be stored in a cool, dry place and sealed well. If you buy a large pack, also consider how quickly your household will get through it.