If you’re looking for a simple breakfast base
You want a quick weekday breakfast of muesli with yoghurt, milk or a plant-based alternative. A wholegrain variety may suit you if you also want to check the label for added sugar.
Which type of muesli is right for you?
If you want fruit and nuts in the mix
You’d like dried fruit, nuts or seeds without having to add them separately each morning. The exact ingredients and allergen information will help you decide which variety is suitable for you.
If you’re mainly after a crunchy texture
You prefer a crunchy muesli that’s ready to serve. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, some crunchy breakfast cereals contain added ingredients such as sugar or honey, so compare the individual packs.
What should you look for when choosing?
First check the organic certification, then compare plain wholegrain muesli, fruit and nut muesli, and crunchy muesli by ingredients, nutritional information and allergens. The preferences below reflect those of people choosing organic muesli for a weekday breakfast.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Look for the EU organic logo on the pack, and check the control code and origin information too. | If organic certification is the deciding factor for me, I want to be able to recognise the logo on the pack. Around 36% of these consumers check this first. |
| Wholegrains and added sugar | Check the proportion of wholegrains, the ingredients list and the nutritional information per 100 g; distinguish total sugars from added sugars. | For my regular breakfast, I want to add my own flavour and have no added sugar in the muesli. This is the main priority for around 27% of these consumers. |
| Fruit, nuts and seeds | Check which ingredients are included and read the allergen information, including any warnings about cross-contamination. | I want a mix that already contains fruit or nuts, without needing separate toppings, as long as the ingredients suit me. Around 19% of these consumers prioritise this combination. |
| Crunchy texture | Compare the ingredients and the sugar, fat and fibre per 100 g with those of a non-crunchy variety. | On busy mornings, I mainly want a crunchy muesli that’s ready to serve. This texture is the top priority for around 18% of these consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming organic means no added sugar
The EU organic logo relates to organic certification, not the amount of sugar. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Krokante muesli naturel contains 9 g of added sugar per 100 g.
If you want to avoid added sugar, check the organic certification as well as the ingredients and nutritional information on the specific pack.
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Choosing a fruit and nut mix without reading the label
Fruit and nut muesli can contain several gluten-containing grains and nuts. Zonnatura Muesli Rijkgevuld lists wheat, barley, oats, rye and cashew among its ingredients; other varieties may have a different composition.
If you have a relevant allergy, read the current ingredients list before buying and check the clearly listed allergens and any cross-contamination warnings.
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Comparing crunchy and regular muesli unfairly
Comparing only the name or organic label overlooks differences in ingredients and nutritional value. Crunchy varieties may, for example, contain oil or syrup.
Compare the nutritional information for both products per 100 g, then decide whether a simple base, a fruit and nut mix or a crunchy texture matters most to you.
Brands to consider
These examples show why it’s worth comparing organic muesli variety by variety: ingredients and nutritional information can differ even within the same brand.
Albert Heijn Biologisch
This range includes a wholegrain fruit and nut muesli as well as a crunchy organic variety.
- Albert Heijn states that its wholegrain fruit and nut variety is 100% wholegrain and contains no added sugar.
- The plain crunchy variety lists glucose syrup and sunflower oil among its ingredients, and contains 9 g of added sugar per 100 g. So the organic label is no substitute for comparing varieties.
Jumbo
The organic varieties reviewed include a wholegrain fruit and nut muesli and a crunchy muesli with four nuts.
- Jumbo states that Biologisch Volkoren Muesli Fruit en Noten contains 9 g of fibre and 15 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The crunchy four-nut variety has a different composition and contains 21 g of fat per 100 g. Check the allergen information for both varieties too.
Zonnatura
Muesli Rijkgevuld is a mix of fruit, nuts and seeds for anyone looking for all these ingredients in one product.
- Zonnatura states that this variety contains 73% wholegrain cereals, as well as dried fruit, seeds and cashew.
- According to Zonnatura, this variety contains gluten-containing grains and cashew, among other ingredients. Check the current label for all relevant allergens.
Muesli on Joybuy
These fruit and nut, and nut and seed, mueslis are for anyone looking for a mix that doesn’t need separate toppings. If you specifically want to buy certified organic muesli, check the organic certification on the current pack; don’t base your decision on the product name alone.
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B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit
A fruit and nut mix for a breakfast where you don’t want to add those ingredients separately.
Before buying, check the net weight on the pack and read the current allergen information. If you’re looking for an organic option, check the details on the label too.
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Bio+ B+ Muesli Nuts and Seeds 450g
A nut and seed muesli for anyone who wants these ingredients in their breakfast bowl.
If nuts, milk, peanuts or soya are relevant to you, read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you’re looking for an organic option, check the details on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How can I recognise certified organic muesli?
For prepacked muesli, look for the EU organic logo and check the control code and origin information alongside it. According to the European Commission, the logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control body. Compare the ingredients too: certification doesn’t tell you which mix is right for your breakfast.
Does organic also mean no added sugar?
No. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Krokante muesli naturel contains 9 g of added sugar per 100 g. Check the ingredients and nutritional information separately when making your choice; the sugars in a product and added sugars are not the same thing.
What should I look for if I have a nut or gluten allergy?
Read the allergen information for the specific muesli before choosing or eating it. Fruit and nut mixes and other types of muesli may contain nuts or gluten-containing grains; also check the current pack for any cross-contamination warnings.
How should I store crunchy muesli?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it tightly after use. The product information consulted from Albert Heijn and Jumbo recommends storing their muesli varieties in a cool, dry, dark place.