When shopping for groceries online, first choose a granola that clearly states it contains no added sugar, then compare the total sugars per 100 g. Also check your portion size, the other nutritional values and allergens: a fruit variety may contain naturally occurring sugars, while a nut variety may have different ingredients and nutritional values. Before checkout, check the information and availability of the exact variety you’ve chosen.
You’re looking for granola with no added sugar and may also want to avoid sweeteners. As well as checking the product claim, read the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line: grains and fruit can contain naturally occurring sugars.
As well as the sugar information, you want to consider fibre, protein, carbohydrates, fat and energy. Compare these values on the same basis, then check how much granola you have per serving.
You want to add a suitable variety to your shopping basket, but also need to check its ingredients or allergens. Always read the current information for the exact product, rather than relying only on a search filter or image.
Start by distinguishing between added sugar and total sugars. Then compare the nutritional values and ingredients of the varieties you can actually order online.
| What to look out for | What to check when buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Added and total sugars | Read the information about added sugar, the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. | I want to avoid added sugar, but also know how much sugar my granola contains overall. For around 40% of shoppers, this distinction comes first. |
| Other nutritional values | Compare fibre, protein, carbohydrates, fat and energy per 100 g, then check your portion size. | If I eat granola regularly, I want to consider more than the sugar claim on the front of the pack. These nutritional values are the top priority for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety, including any relevant ‘may contain’ statements. | I need to be able to check whether the grains, nuts or other ingredients meet my requirements. This is the first consideration for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Ordering online | Check whether you can add the variety you’ve chosen to your basket and which delivery or collection options are available for your postcode. | I want to complete my grocery shopping online without unknowingly replacing a product with a similar one. For around 10% of shoppers, current availability to order is the most important factor. |
These statements mean different things: fruit and other ingredients can contain naturally occurring sugars. For example, Jumbo lists 6.3 g of sugars per 100 g for Jumbo’s Granola Rood Fruit, despite stating that it contains 0% added sugar.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g before choosing a flavour.
A high value for one nutrient doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s nutritional value. Holie Low Carb Granola, as listed by Jumbo, contains 16 g of fibre and 22 g of protein per 100 g, as well as 490 kcal and 33 g of fat.
Compare the values per 100 g, then check the portion size you plan to use.
Fruit, nut and plain varieties can differ in their sugars, grains and allergens. Information for one variety doesn’t automatically apply to another.
If you’re choosing a replacement, check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergens for the exact pack again.
A product being visible doesn’t necessarily mean you can add it to an online grocery basket. Lidl’s granola page stated ‘In store only’, while ALDI’s granola page directed shoppers to visit a store.
For the granola you’ve chosen, check its basket status and the delivery or collection options available for your postcode.
Albert Heijn lists its own AH Granola Noten with 0% added sugar in its online range.
Jumbo lists its own nut and red fruit granola with no added sugar and offers online grocery shopping with delivery and collection options.
The Zero Sugar Added range includes plain, nut and fruit varieties.
Holie offers a Low Carb Granola for shoppers who want to compare carbohydrates and protein as well as the sugar information.
Zonnatura offers an organic Amandel Cashew granola labelled as containing 0% added sugar.
Lidl lists granola in its Dutch range; the granola reviewed was marked ‘In store only’.
ALDI lists granola in its Dutch range, and the product page reviewed directs shoppers to a store.
These granolas cover the choice between nut, seed, protein and fruit varieties. Use the product page to check the current sugar information, nutritional details, allergens and ordering options for your chosen variety.
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A variety to consider if you want to compare carbohydrates, protein and fibre as well as added sugar.
350 g pack. Before buying, check the current ingredients and allergens on the pack; don’t rely on a gluten claim without checking.
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An almond and speculaas variety to compare if protein, fibre and overall nutritional value matter to you.
350 g pack. Check the current allergen information and take energy and fat per 100 g into account too.
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A nut and seed variety for anyone comparing the sugar information with fibre and ingredients.
400 g pack. Check the current information about grains, nuts and potential allergens for this variety.
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A fruit variety for anyone who wants to take flavour into account without losing sight of total sugars.
400 g pack. Read the ‘of which sugars’ value and check the current ingredients and allergens; Zero Sugar Added in the name doesn’t mean the granola is sugar-free.
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A nut variety to compare with fruit granola if flavour, total sugars and ingredients are key to your choice.
400 g pack. Check the current allergen information and the ‘of which sugars’ value; don’t take Zero Sugar in the product name as confirmation that the granola contains no sugar.
No. Grains, fruit and other ingredients can contain naturally occurring sugars. So also check the ‘of which sugars’ value in the nutrition table and compare products per 100 g.
First compare the total sugars per 100 g, then check the values that matter for your choice, such as fibre, protein, carbohydrates, fat and energy. The per-serving value can then help you assess how much you typically eat.
Check the information again for the exact variety you’re ordering. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergen information may change; also read any relevant ‘may contain’ statements on the current pack.
Don’t assume you can just because a product page is visible. Lidl marks the granola reviewed as ‘In store only’, and the ALDI granola page reviewed directs shoppers to visit a store. Check whether you can actually add the specific variety to an online basket.
