People who want to tailor their breakfast portion
You want to assess the carbohydrates in your usual bowl in line with your personal dietary advice. The information on the front of the pack isn’t a substitute for the nutritional information.
Who is this comparison for?
People who want to buy certified organic products
You’re looking for organic granola and check the label on the specific pack, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’.
People comparing granola by sugar content and ingredients
You want a crunchy breakfast, but you also want to know what different varieties contain. The Diabetes Fund points out that the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals can vary considerably between products and brands.
What should you look for when choosing?
Consider the organic label and nutritional values as two separate questions. First compare products per 100 g, then see what your own portion, including anything you eat with it, means for your breakfast.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates, sugars and portion size | Compare carbohydrates and of which sugars per 100 g, then work out the values for your own portion. | If you want to tailor your breakfast, you need to know what your usual amount of granola adds. Around 50% of consumers put portion size and carbohydrates first. |
| Organic label | Check the organic label, EU organic logo and control code on the specific pack. | If you want to make sure the granola you choose is labelled organic without making assumptions about its sugar content, this check is the first priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fibre, ingredients and allergens | Compare fibre per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. | If ingredients or allergens determine your choice, don’t rely on the product name alone. This is the most important buying consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming organic means low in sugar
An organic label doesn’t tell you how much sugar or how many carbohydrates a granola contains. According to the Diabetes Fund, the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals varies between products and brands.
As well as checking the organic label, check the nutritional information and ingredients for the variety you’re planning to buy.
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Looking only at the values per 100 g
The per-100 g table makes it easier to compare varieties, but the amount of granola in your own bowl may be different. Milk, yoghurt, fruit and other toppings are also part of the breakfast you put together.
Measure your usual portion and use that amount to assess the nutritional value of your breakfast.
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Prioritising an appealing ingredients list over allergen information
Nuts or wholegrain cereals in a product name don’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy. For Granola Amandel Cashew, Zonnatura lists wheat, gluten, almonds, cashews and soya, among other ingredients.
If you have a relevant allergy or intolerance, read the up-to-date allergen information on the specific pack.
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Relying on outdated product information
Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and dietary or allergy information can change.
Check the pack for the variety you’re actually buying, even if you’ve looked at a product page before.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists products including AH Biologisch Granola fruit and AH Biologisch Granola rozijn & amandel.
- The product descriptions make it clear which of the varieties listed are sold as organic.
- Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change, so check the current packaging.
Smaakt
Jumbo lists Smaakt Biologisch Granola Granen Noten 350 g, with an EKO-Skal label.
- The label helps you identify this specific organic variety.
- Before deciding whether it suits your breakfast, compare the current nutritional and allergen information for this variety.
Zonnatura
For Granola Amandel Cashew, Zonnatura lists ingredients from organic farming, including wholegrain spelt, wholegrain oats, cashews and almonds.
- The manufacturer names the ingredients in this specific variety.
- The manufacturer also lists wheat, gluten, almonds, cashews and soya. Check the allergen information and whether the pack labels the entire product as organic.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists granola varieties Super Berry and Super Nutty, as well as a separate organic range.
- These varieties give you a specific starting point for comparing packs.
- The existence of an organic range doesn’t mean these granola varieties are labelled organic themselves; check each pack.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is organic granola automatically suitable if you have diabetes?
No. An organic label doesn’t tell you how much sugar or how many carbohydrates a granola contains. According to the Diabetes Fund, the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals varies considerably between products and brands. Compare the nutritional information for the specific variety and consider your own portion.
What should I look for on the label when comparing granola?
Start with carbohydrates, of which sugars and fibre per 100 g, then work out the values for the amount you eat. Also read the ingredients list and allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking breakfast cereals for added salt and avoiding too much added sugar.
How can I identify organic granola on the packaging?
Check the organic label and EU organic logo on the specific pack. The European Commission says that this logo is compulsory for most pre-packaged organic foods; on its own, it doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional value.
Should I avoid granola if I have diabetes?
Not necessarily. Whether a particular variety and portion are right for your breakfast depends on the nutritional information and your personal dietary advice. Compare the carbohydrates in your usual portion and, if needed, discuss questions about your diet with your diabetes care provider or dietitian.