If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake because of diabetes, don’t choose muesli based on the word ‘organic’ alone. Compare wholegrain ingredients, fibre, added sugar, and the amount of carbohydrate and sugars per 100 g as well as in your own portion. For varieties with fruit, nuts or seeds, the ingredients and allergen information matter too; organic certification tells you nothing about these nutritional values.
They’re looking for breakfast muesli and want to compare wholegrain ingredients, fibre, added sugar and their own portion. The Diabetes Fund lists wholegrain breakfast cereals and no added sugar as points to consider.
They want to check for an organic label on the packaging rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo is linked to certification.
They read the latest ingredients and allergen information before choosing. Depending on the variety, gluten-containing cereals, nuts, sesame, soya or milk may be relevant.
Start with the ingredients and nutritional values, then check the organic labels and any allergen information separately. Values per 100 g are useful for comparing packs, but they also need to suit the portion you choose for breakfast.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and fibre | Check the types of grain in the ingredients list, fibre per 100 g and any added sugar. | When I choose muesli for a regular breakfast, I want to know what the grain base is made of. Around 36% of consumers give this combination of wholegrain ingredients, fibre and added sugar the highest priority. |
| Carbohydrates and portion size | Compare carbohydrates and of which sugars per 100 g, and take your own portion into account. | When I have muesli for breakfast, I want to be able to assess how many carbohydrates my chosen portion contains, especially if it includes dried fruit. For around 29% of consumers, portion size is the most important consideration. |
| Organic certification | For pre-packed organic muesli, check the EU organic logo, the control body code and the origin statement. | I want to choose a product that can be verified as organic, rather than relying on the look of the packaging. This check comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and any warning about cross-contamination. | If I need to avoid an allergen, I need to know before buying what this particular muesli contains or may contain. Around 14% of consumers put this check ahead of the other selection criteria. |
Organic production doesn’t tell you how many carbohydrates or sugars a muesli contains. Jumbo’s listing for Organic Wholegrain Muesli with Raisins gives 67 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of sugars per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then consider what they mean for the portion you plan to have.
Muesli with no added sugar can still contain sugars from its ingredients. Jumbo’s listing for Zonnatura Organic Muesli with Nuts & Seeds states 0% added sugar and 11 g of sugars per 100 g.
Also check total sugars, carbohydrates and the ingredients list, including any dried fruit.
Muesli varieties may contain different allergens or carry a warning about possible cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.
Check the latest packaging for any allergens relevant to you.
Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn notes in its product information.
Compare the latest product information just before buying, and read the packaging before use.
Jumbo sells organic wholegrain muesli with raisins in a 500 g pack.
Zonnatura’s Organic Muesli with Nuts & Seeds combines grains with nuts and seeds.
Albert Heijn lists organic wholegrain muesli in its online range.
These options are muesli with fruit and nuts, or with nuts and seeds. Compare the nutritional information and allergens for each variety. If organic certification matters to your choice, check the EU organic logo, control code and origin statement on the packaging.
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An option if you’re looking for muesli with nuts and fruit. Check the carbohydrates and sugars on the packaging for your own portion too.
If you have an allergy, read the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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An option if you’re looking for muesli with nuts and seeds. Check the fibre, carbohydrates and sugars on the packaging for this variety.
Check the ingredients list for added sugar and, if you have an allergy, read the latest allergen information.
No. Organic certification describes how a product is made, not how much carbohydrate, sugar or fibre it contains. Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the portion you plan to eat. For personalised dietary advice, speak to a dietitian.
Start with the ingredients list and nutritional values per 100 g. The Diabetes Fund lists wholegrain breakfast cereals and no added sugar as points to consider; also check the fibre, carbohydrates, of which sugars, and your own portion.
No. Jumbo’s listing for Zonnatura Organic Muesli with Nuts & Seeds states 0% added sugar, but also 11 g of sugars per 100 g. So read the full nutritional information and ingredients list.
For pre-packed organic muesli, check the EU organic logo, the control body code and the origin statement for the agricultural ingredients. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an authorised control body.
Read the allergen information on the specific pack. Depending on the variety, gluten-containing cereals, nuts, sesame, soya and milk may be relevant; also look out for any warning about cross-contamination.
