Which choice matters to you?

Shoppers who want to check organic credentials

If organic is a requirement for you, look beyond words such as ‘natural’ or ‘eco’. The EU organic logo, control code and indication of origin can help you assess the claim on the packaging.

Families comparing labels

If you’re planning several breakfasts at your holiday home, you’ll want to know how many portions a pack provides. The nutrition information per 100 g and the ingredients list also let you compare chocolate varieties on a like-for-like basis.

Holidaymakers checking for allergens

If someone needs to avoid gluten, nuts, milk or possible traces, the information on the packaging is key. The main ingredients or product name don’t always give you enough detail.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the product meets your organic and allergen requirements. Then compare the nutrition information and choose a pack size that suits the number of breakfasts you need.

What to check What to look for when buying Who it matters to
Organic labelling Check the EU organic logo, control code and indication of origin on the packaging. According to the European Commission and Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU. If organic is a firm requirement for me, I want to be able to check the label on the packaging. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Allergens Check both which allergens the product contains and the warnings about the possible presence of other allergens on the current label. If someone in my party needs to avoid certain allergens, the packaging determines which products are suitable. Around 27% of consumers prioritise allergen information.
Nutrition information Compare sugars and fibre per 100 g, and check the ingredients list. Consider any stated portion size separately from the values per 100 g. If I want to compare the nutritional value of chocolate breakfast cereal, I need figures on the same basis. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this comparison.
Portions and storage Check the pack weight, stated portion size and storage instructions before deciding how much to buy for your stay. When catering for several people, I want to bring enough for breakfast without having too much left over. Around 20% of consumers put planning their supplies first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means low in sugar

    Organic labelling doesn’t tell you how much sugar breakfast cereal contains. Jumbo lists 6.6 g of sugars per 100 g for its organic crunchy muesli with dark chocolate; the product information for mjam Choco balls gives 18 g per 100 g.

    Compare the nutrition information per 100 g, and check the ingredients list if added sugar is important to your choice.

  • Assuming a maize or oat base means there are no allergens

    A maize base or oats in the name doesn’t mean a product is free from gluten or nuts. For example, the product information for mjam Choco balls warns that gluten and nuts may be present.

    For the pack you’re buying, check both the allergens it contains and any warnings about possible traces.

  • Looking only at pack size

    A pack that looks large enough may not suit the number of people or breakfasts you’re catering for. An opened pack also needs to be stored properly.

    Work out how much you need using the portion size on the pack, and follow the storage instructions once it’s opened.

  • Treating an online label as definitive

    Ingredients, nutrition values and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn also points this out in its product information.

    Use online information to compare products, but check the label on the pack you’ve actually bought before eating it.

Brands compared

These examples show the differences that may matter when choosing organic chocolate breakfast cereal. The features listed apply to the specific products, not every breakfast cereal from that brand.

Jumbo

Jumbo Biologisch Krokante Muesli Pure Chocolade is a 350 g chocolate muesli.

  • Jumbo lists 11.3 g of fibre and 6.6 g of sugars per 100 g for this product.
  • The muesli contains gluten-containing cereals; the product information also mentions the possible presence of nuts, milk, peanuts and soya, among other allergens.

Albert Heijn

AH Biologisch Krokante muesli chocolade & hazelnoot, 350 g, is an option if that particular combination of ingredients appeals to you.

  • Albert Heijn lists the EU organic logo, 4% hazelnuts and 3% dark chocolate for this product.
  • The product contains hazelnuts and gluten-containing cereals; the listed amount of sugars is 11 g per 100 g.

mjam

mjam Choco balls are a chocolate-flavoured maize option rather than a muesli.

  • Ekoplaza’s product information lists organic ingredients and 72.9% maize.
  • Ekoplaza lists 18 g of sugars per 100 g and the possible presence of gluten, milk and nuts, among other allergens.

Allos

Allos Crunchy amaranth choco combines ingredients including oats, amaranth, linseed and dark chocolate.

  • Ekoplaza’s product specification lists 8% dark chocolate and 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The product contains gluten and lists 17 g of sugars per 100 g; milk, nuts, sesame and soya may also be present, among other allergens.

Barnhouse

Barnhouse Krunchy muesli chocolade hazelnoot is an organic muesli option in the range described by Ekoplaza.

  • According to Ekoplaza, organically grown ingredients are used for the Barnhouse Krunchy range.
  • Check the current label on your chosen pack for nutrition values, nuts and other allergens.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether chocolate breakfast cereal is organic?

Check the organic claim, EU organic logo, control code and indication of origin on the packaging. According to the European Commission and Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU; general terms such as ‘natural’ are no substitute for checking this.

Does organic labelling tell me anything about sugar or fibre?

No. Organic labelling doesn’t tell you how much sugar or fibre a product contains. To compare these, check the nutrition information per 100 g and read the ingredients list for the variety you’re considering.

Are maize-based Choco balls gluten-free?

A maize base alone doesn’t prove that Choco balls are gluten-free. Ekoplaza’s product information says that mjam Choco balls may contain gluten, so check the claims and allergen information on the current packaging.

How should I store an opened pack at my holiday home?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the pack securely after opening. When shopping, take into account the number of people and breakfasts so you buy an amount that suits your stay.

Can I compare chocolate breakfast cereal using Nutri-Score alone?

No. Any Nutri-Score shown doesn’t replace the ingredients list, allergen information or nutrition values per 100 g. It’s a food-choice label for comparing products within a category, not a label indicating that breakfast cereal is organic.