Strict sugar checker
You’re looking for cornflakes that meet the threshold for ‘sugar-free’. That’s why you check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, rather than relying solely on the wording on the front of the pack.
Who are these cornflakes for?
Breakfast without added sugar
You want to avoid added sugars, but a small amount of naturally occurring sugars isn’t a reason for you to rule out a product.
Family breakfast planner who compares labels
You’re serving cornflakes to several people and checking the fibre, ingredients and allergens as well as the sugars.
Which features matter when choosing?
For Sunday breakfast, the first thing to consider is whether you want strictly sugar-free cornflakes or a product with no added sugars. Then check the other label information that matters for your breakfast table.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar threshold | Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g per 100 g. Don’t confuse this with ‘no added sugars’. | I want cornflakes that genuinely meet the ‘sugar-free’ threshold. For around 33% of consumers, this sugar threshold is the main requirement. |
| Fibre | Compare the fibre content per 100 g; figures per serving aren’t directly comparable if the serving sizes differ. | When choosing a breakfast with sugar in mind, I also want to be able to compare the fibre content. Fibre is the most important factor for around 27% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statement on the pack. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I can’t rely on the word ‘maize’ alone. Allergens or dietary requirements come first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Taste and ease of serving | Think about which cornflakes the people at your table will enjoy, and compare the stated serving size with the amount you want to serve. | When I’m making breakfast for several people, I look for familiar cornflakes that are easy to serve. This practical preference is the deciding factor for around 20% of consumers. |
Where do people often go wrong?
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet contains no added sugar, but Jumbo lists 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g. That’s above the maximum of 0.5 g per 100 g that the Netherlands Nutrition Centre sets for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.
Decide which of the two requirements matters to you. For strictly sugar-free cornflakes, check the sugar figure per 100 g; if you want no added sugars, check the ingredients too.
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Assuming that cornflakes made from maize are allergen-free
Ingredients and allergen information vary by product. AH Biologisch Cornflakes is labelled gluten-free but contains soya; ordinary AH Cornflakes lists barley malt extract, while Smaakt warns that several allergens may be present.
Every time you buy, check the pack for ingredients, relevant allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Cornflakes and ordinary AH Cornflakes have different sugar levels and ingredients, so assess the two products separately.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Biologisch Cornflakes contains 0.3 g of sugars and 5 g of fibre per 100 g; the product is labelled gluten-free.
- AH Biologisch Cornflakes contains soya. Ordinary AH Cornflakes lists 4.4 g of sugars and 2.6 g of fibre per 100 g, and contains sugar and barley malt extract.
Smaakt
Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet suits anyone who prefers cornflakes with no added sugar, but it doesn’t meet the ‘sugar-free’ threshold.
- According to Jumbo, this product lists organic maize as an ingredient, contains no added sugar and provides 3.1 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Its listed sugar content of 1.0 g per 100 g is above the ‘sugar-free’ threshold. Jumbo also warns that it may contain, among other things, cereals containing gluten, milk, nuts, peanuts, sesame and soya.
Kellogg's
Kellogg's Cornflakes is a classic option for anyone who isn’t looking for a strictly sugar-free choice.
- According to Albert Heijn, this product is fortified with iron and several vitamins; it contains 3 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Its listed sugar content of 8 g per 100 g doesn’t meet the ‘sugar-free’ threshold. The ingredients include sugar and barley malt extract.
Cornflakes on Joybuy
Related products will appear here soon.
Frequently asked questions
When can cornflakes be called ‘sugar-free’?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the nutritional claim ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the pack; ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t indicate the same sugar threshold.
Are cornflakes made from maize automatically gluten-free?
No. Check the label of the specific product. AH Biologisch Cornflakes is labelled gluten-free but contains soya; ordinary AH Cornflakes and Kellogg's Cornflakes list barley malt extract, while Smaakt warns that cereals containing gluten may be present.
How should I store cornflakes once opened?
Keep them tightly sealed in a cool, dark and dry place. Albert Heijn and Jumbo give this storage advice for AH Biologisch Cornflakes and Smaakt Bio Cornflakes Ongezoet respectively; follow the instructions on the pack of the product you buy.