Weekly shopper who wants to check organic credentials
You want to recognise the organic certification on the packaging, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’. Skal Biocontrole explains when the EU organic logo is mandatory.
When choosing organic cornflakes, first look for packaging that lets you check the organic label. Then compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details for the exact variant. An organic certification on its own does not give you the full picture of the nutrition label. If you’re buying enough for the week, check the pack size too, and read the label again when you buy.
You want to recognise the organic certification on the packaging, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’. Skal Biocontrole explains when the EU organic logo is mandatory.
As well as checking the organic label, you look at the ingredients, sugars, salt, fibre and allergen information before choosing cornflakes for the week.
You compare pack sizes with how much cornflakes you use during the week. Check the serving size too: the number of servings shown on a pack is not necessarily comparable between products.
If buying organic is a requirement for you, start with the certification. Then use the label and pack size to decide which cornflakes suit the way you shop and eat.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic label | Look for the EU organic logo, the inspection code and an indication of the agricultural origin on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the logo is mandatory for pre-packaged foods produced in the EU and sold as organic. | If organic certification is the deciding factor for me, I want to be able to check it on the packaging. For around 42% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and allergen information, and compare sugars, salt and fibre per 100 g. For allergens, also check for warnings about possible traces. | When choosing a larger pack, I want to know what’s in it and which allergens are listed. Ingredients and label information come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight in grams and check the serving size used. Albert Heijn lists a 40 g serving for AH Biologisch Cornflakes; Jumbo lists 30 g for Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet. | I want to work out how many packs I’ll need for a week, without treating different serving sizes as equal. For around 25% of consumers, planning their weekly stock is the first consideration. |
The certification confirms the organic status, but cornflakes can still vary in their ingredients and nutritional value.
After checking the certification, read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact variant.
Jumbo lists organic maize as the ingredient in Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet, but also warns that several allergens may be present. Albert Heijn lists soya in AH Biologisch Cornflakes.
Read both the ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ warnings on the packaging.
Albert Heijn says that product information, including ingredients and allergen details, may change. So a description you read earlier may not match the packaging you buy.
Check the packaging again when you buy, especially if a particular ingredient or allergen affects your choice.
Albert Heijn lists AH Biologisch Cornflakes in a 300 g pack with the EU organic logo.
Jumbo lists Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet as organic cornflakes with maize as the only ingredient.
Ekoplaza lists cornflakes from your organic nature made with organic maize and organic sunflower lecithin.
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes are included here as a comparison with conventional fortified cornflakes for when organic isn’t a firm requirement.
Check the organic label on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is mandatory for pre-packaged foods produced in the EU and sold as organic. To use the logo, a processed product must meet the requirement that at least 95% of its ingredients are organic.
No, organic certification is no substitute for nutritional information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking breakfast cereals for things such as added salt and sugar, so compare the figures and ingredients of the products you’re considering.
Read the ingredients, allergen details and any warnings on the current packaging. Albert Heijn lists soya in AH Biologisch Cornflakes, while Jumbo warns that Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet may contain several allergens.
Seal the pack tightly and follow the storage instructions on the packaging you’ve bought. Albert Heijn and Jumbo advise storing the cornflakes mentioned above in a cool, dry place away from light.