Who are these options relevant to?

Shoppers looking for strictly sugar-free options

You’re looking for cornflakes that meet the EU requirements for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. According to EUR-Lex, this means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Shoppers avoiding added sugars

You want to avoid added sugars at breakfast in your holiday home, while checking separately for naturally occurring sugars and any sweeteners.

Holiday home breakfast planners

You’re shopping for several people and want to check the quantities you’ll need, pack sizes and labels for each variety before you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must-have or whether you mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then think about what you’ll need for everyone.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Strictly sugar-free Check the ‘sugar-free’ claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to EUR-Lex, this EU claim is only permitted when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. If I need strictly sugar-free cornflakes, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘unsweetened’ alone; around 42% of consumers prioritise this strict sugar limit.
No added sugars Read the full claim, the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g; also check whether the product contains sweeteners. I want to avoid added sugars at breakfast in my holiday home, but still decide whether naturally occurring sugars and sweeteners suit my preferences. For around 33% of consumers, avoiding added sugars is the main priority.
Supplies for everyone Check how much you’ll need, the storage instructions and the allergens listed on each pack you choose. When I’m planning breakfast for several guests, I want to take enough and check the labels of different varieties; around 25% of consumers put this practical planning first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘unsweetened’ means ‘sugar-free’

    ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t automatically mean sugar-free either: the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars.

    For a strictly sugar-free option, check the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the same pack. According to EUR-Lex, the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim is only permitted when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

  • Only reading the front of the pack

    The product name doesn’t tell you which grains, sweeteners or allergens a variety contains. For example, Jumbo describes its Special Flakes as wheat and rice flakes with a sweetener and naturally occurring sugars.

    Before buying, check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the current packaging.

  • Assuming all cornflakes are gluten-free

    The name ‘cornflakes’ doesn’t confirm that a specific variety is gluten-free or suitable for someone with an allergy.

    Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the exact pack you plan to take with you.

Brands to consider

Smaakt

Jumbo lists Smaakt Organic Unsweetened Cornflakes 300 g in its range.

  • The ‘Unsweetened’ product name makes this variety worth considering if you’re looking for unsweetened cornflakes.
  • ‘Unsweetened’ doesn’t confirm that the product is sugar-free; check the claim and sugars per 100 g on the pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers cornflakes and Special Flakes; according to Jumbo, Special Flakes are made from wholegrain wheat and rice flakes.

  • Jumbo describes Special Flakes as having ‘no added sugars’.
  • According to the same product description, this variety contains naturally occurring sugars and a sweetener. It is also not made exclusively from maize.

Kellogg's

Kellogg's Corn Flakes is a standard cornflake variety for which Kellogg's Netherlands publishes nutritional information.

  • Kellogg's Netherlands lists added B vitamins and iron for this variety.
  • Kellogg's Netherlands lists 8.0 g of sugars per 100 g, so this variety does not meet the EU requirements for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

Golden Bridge

ALDI Netherlands lists Golden Bridge Cornflakes in a 500 g pack.

  • The listed pack size may help when planning breakfast for several people.
  • Check the current ingredients and nutritional information before choosing this variety to meet a specific sugar preference.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are cornflakes with no added sugars also sugar-free?

No, that doesn’t follow from the claim. According to EUR-Lex, the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim is only permitted when a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Jumbo describes its Special Flakes as having ‘no added sugars’, but they also contain naturally occurring sugars.

Is ‘unsweetened’ enough if I’m looking for strictly sugar-free cornflakes?

No. Check the claim and the nutritional information on the packaging too. ‘Unsweetened’ in a product name doesn’t on its own confirm that the product meets the EU limit of no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

What should I check if a guest has an allergy or needs to eat gluten-free?

Check the current packaging for every variety for ingredients, allergens and any gluten-free claim. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling on food packaging; the generic name ‘cornflakes’ doesn’t confirm that a variety is suitable for a specific dietary need.

How should I store flakes in my holiday home?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose and seal it well after use. Jumbo says its Special Flakes should be stored in a cool, dark place.