Families with a toddler who eats with them
If everyone eats the same breakfast product, pay particular attention to the pieces and allergens. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that young children can choke on whole nuts and peanuts.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers keeping an eye on added sugar
Compare the ingredients list and nutritional information rather than relying on the wording on the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholegrain breakfast cereals with no added sugar or salt as an option to vary the diet of children aged 1 to 3.
Families looking to reduce waste
A larger bag makes most sense when several family members eat the same variety and you can keep it dry and properly sealed after opening.
What should you look for?
First, check the ingredients and texture to make sure they’re suitable for your toddler. Then compare the nutritional content and choose a pack size that suits how much your family will eat.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Pieces and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information, and consider whether your toddler can chew the pieces easily. | If my toddler still struggles with hard pieces, I want to know exactly what’s in the granola before we share it. Around 42% of consumers prioritise texture and allergens. |
| Ingredients and nutritional content | Compare the grain base and added ingredients with the nutritional information per 100 g. | For a regular breakfast, I don’t want to rely on a description such as ‘crunchy’; I also want to be able to compare the ingredients. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the ingredients and nutritional content. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and storage instructions, and see whether everyone at home eats the same variety. | A large bag only makes sense for me if we can share it before it’s been open for too long. Pack size is the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a family-size pack is suitable for toddlers
A 500 g or 800 g pack tells you nothing about the ingredients, allergens or size of the pieces. A larger bag may also go unused if not everyone at home can or wants to eat the same granola.
Compare the variety itself first, then choose a pack size that suits your family. Follow the storage instructions and seal the pack properly after use.
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Relying only on the front of the pack
A claim about wholegrain cereals or fibre doesn’t tell you what other ingredients have been added. The nutritional information is also worth checking when comparing products.
Read both the ingredients list and the nutritional information per 100 g. For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wholegrain breakfast cereals with no added sugar or salt as an option to vary their diet.
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Checking for allergens only when you’re serving it
Ingredients and allergens vary between varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens specified by law must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods.
Check the label on the pack you’re buying. If you’re sending granola in with your child, also check the policy at their childcare setting or school.
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Assuming all crunchy granola is easy to chew
The size and hardness of the pieces can make a difference for a toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre specifically warns about the risk of choking on whole nuts and peanuts.
Consider the pieces in relation to your own child and stay with them while they’re eating. If the texture isn’t suitable, choose a softer breakfast cereal instead.
Brands to compare
Quaker Cruesli
Albert Heijn lists an 800 g pack of Quaker Cruesli 4 nuts, which you can use to compare this specific crunchy muesli variety.
- The pack size may suit several family members who eat the same variety.
- This variety, which was reviewed, contains nuts, gluten, sugar, honey and glucose syrup, among other ingredients. Check the ingredients and pieces separately to see if they’re suitable for your toddler.
Zonnatura
Zonnatura offers several granola varieties, including Classic Crunchy and a variety with nuts and seeds.
- The ingredients of individual varieties give you a specific basis for comparison.
- The nuts and seeds variety listed by Albert Heijn contains gluten-containing cereals, nuts and sesame, among other ingredients. Don’t assume that every Zonnatura variety has the same allergen profile.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists 500 g granola with nuts, kernels and seeds, as well as a 350 g nut variety.
- The different pack sizes let you choose an option to suit how much your family eats.
- Check the nuts, other allergens and texture for each variety. Pack size alone won’t tell you whether a product is suitable for your toddler.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists several own-brand options, including granola with oat flakes and a variety with nuts and kernels, both in 500 g packs.
- The same pack size makes it easy to compare the two varieties.
- The ingredients differ, so check the label of each variety separately: the oat flake version and the nut and kernel version.
Golden Bridge bij ALDI
ALDI lists 500 g packs of Golden Bridge granola in varieties with nuts and seeds or red fruit.
- The listed pack size may suit a shared family breakfast.
- For a toddler, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists granola in Super Berry and Super Nutty varieties, available in store only.
- The different varieties let you choose between different ingredient combinations.
- Check the label of the variety in store before choosing it for a shared breakfast.
Products for sharing at breakfast
This selection includes multipacks of granola and crunchy muesli for families who eat breakfast together, as well as individual 400 g packs. A larger total pack size or a product name featuring ‘Zero Sugar Added’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the pieces or allergens are suitable for your toddler.
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Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Chocolate, 6 x 400g
A multipack for a household that enjoys crunchy muesli together. It contains six 400 g bags; check the pieces and allergen information on the label to see if it’s suitable for your toddler.
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Holie's Granola Nuts & Seeds, 6 x 350g
For sharing if nuts and seeds are suitable for everyone eating it. The pack contains six 350 g bags; check the label for allergens and consider the pieces before serving the granola to a toddler.
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Holie's Granola Protein Amandel Speculaas, 6 x 350g
A multipack to consider if your family wants to eat the same variety. The six 350 g bags need to be used by the whole family; check the allergens and granola texture to see if they’re suitable for your toddler.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach, 400 g
An individual 400 g pack for anyone who doesn’t want a multipack. As well as reading the product name, check the ingredients and nutritional information, and consider the crunchy pieces and allergens to see if they’re suitable for your toddler.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural, 400 g
An individual 400 g bag if you’re looking for a smaller quantity than a multipack. Check the full allergen information on the pack and consider whether the crunchy texture is suitable for your toddler.
Frequently asked questions
Can granola replace bread every day for a toddler?
Don’t assume it can. For children aged 1 to 3, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists porridge oats, muesli and other wholegrain breakfast cereals with no added sugar or salt as options to vary their breakfast. Check the ingredients of the granola you’re planning to serve.
Where can I find allergen information for pre-packed granola?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens specified by law must be listed on the label. If you have an allergy, always check the label on the pack you’re actually using.
Can a toddler eat granola with nuts?
That depends in part on the size of the pieces and whether there are any allergies. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns about the risk of choking on whole nuts and peanuts, so consider the texture for your child and stay with them while they’re eating. Choose a softer option if the pieces aren’t suitable.
How should I store a large bag of granola once it’s open?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. A larger bag is most practical when your family can use it all while it’s still in good condition.