If you’re looking for strictly sugar-free products
You want a product that meets your limit for total sugars, not just one with ‘no added sugar’ on the pack. So check the nutrition information per 100 g.
Who are these options for?
If you’re looking for a simple cereal base
You’d rather choose for yourself what to add to your porridge oats. The ingredients list and the sugar and fibre values per 100 g can help you compare products.
If you’re looking for crunch or convenience
You might be considering muesli, crunchy muesli or a single-serve pack for a quick breakfast. In that case, sweeteners, allergens and preparation time also matter.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether sugar-free is a strict requirement for you or whether you mainly want to compare products with no added sugar. Then check the nutrition information per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Total and added sugars | Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g; don’t confuse this with a statement that no sugar has been added. | If I want to order something strictly sugar-free, ‘0% added sugar’ isn’t enough for me. Around 36% of consumers say they prioritise this strict requirement. |
| Wholegrains and fibre | Check the types of grain in the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g. See whether the values are for the dry or prepared product. | For my everyday breakfast, I’m mainly looking for a simple cereal base that I can add to myself. This is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Crunch and sweeteners | For muesli or crunchy muesli, check the ingredients for sweeteners and nuts, and compare the nutrition information too. | I want something crunchy, but I also want to choose whether sweeteners suit the recipe. This is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Portion and preparation | Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens. Compare total sugars even if the pack highlights protein. | On a busy morning, a measured portion or quick preparation time matters most to me. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘0% added sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
A product can contain sugars even if none have been added. Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Krokante muesli noten, but 1.3 g of total sugars per 100 g.
If you have a strict sugar limit, always compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g with your criteria.
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Looking only at sugar
The sugar information doesn’t tell you which grains have been used or how much fibre the product contains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing breakfast cereals per 100 g for factors including sugars and fibre.
As well as checking the nutrition table, read the ingredients list if you want to choose wholegrains.
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Overlooking sweeteners in crunchy varieties
Recipes with no added sugar can vary. Albert Heijn lists polyols in AH Krokante muesli noten, while the product information for Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Nuts & Seeds doesn’t list any sweeteners.
Check the ingredients for the exact variety you want to order.
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Relying only on the online product description
If you have a strict sugar limit or a relevant allergy, the information on the exact pack is important when making your choice.
Check the product information before you pay, and read the label when your order arrives.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers porridge oats and crunchy cereals to suit different preferences for preparation and texture.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Oats Express Naturel Protein is made from wholegrain porridge oats and contains no added sugars. The information for Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Nuts & Seeds also lists no added sugars or sweeteners.
- No added sugars doesn’t prove that a variety is strictly sugar-free. Check the total sugars and allergens on the pack you choose too.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is a simple oat base for anyone who wants to choose the other ingredients in their breakfast themselves.
- Albert Heijn lists the ingredient in Brinta Havermout as 100% oat flakes.
- The product information notes that it may contain wheat and rye. Don’t compare the nutrition values for the dry and prepared product as if they were based on the same thing.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes a crunchy muesli variety that clearly shows the difference between added and total sugars.
- For AH Krokante muesli noten, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 1.3 g of total sugars per 100 g.
- The product information lists polyols. Read the ingredients and allergen information if they’re relevant to your choice.
Porridge options at Joybuy
These porridge products are worth considering if you’re looking for a simple cereal base. If you have a strict sugar limit, check the total sugars on the product page and packaging before choosing.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A porridge option for anyone who likes to decide what to add to their breakfast. The pack contains 600 g; check the total sugars and ingredients for this variety before ordering.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
A porridge option for anyone who wants to prepare a simple base and add their own toppings. The pack contains 450 g; check the latest nutrition information and allergen details for this variety.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘0% added sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. This refers to added sugar, not all the sugars in the product. For example, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 1.3 g of total sugars per 100 g for AH Krokante muesli noten.
How can I compare breakfast cereals when ordering online?
Compare the nutrition values per 100 g and check the ingredients too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights sugars and fibre as some of the things to compare in breakfast cereals. Also check whether the values are for the dry or prepared product.
Should I check for allergens in porridge oats and crunchy muesli?
Yes, check the allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying. Albert Heijn notes that Brinta Havermout may contain wheat and rye. For crunchy muesli with nuts, it’s also important to check the ingredients list. Read the packaging when your order arrives too.
Is ‘no added sugar’ enough to choose a breakfast cereal?
No, that statement alone doesn’t give you the full nutritional picture. Also compare total sugars, fibre and other relevant values per 100 g. Read the ingredients if, for example, you’re looking for wholegrains or a variety without sweeteners.