Families planning their breakfast supplies
If several people regularly eat granola, the net weight can help you estimate how long a pack will last. When comparing packs, don’t assume they’re all the same size.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families comparing ingredients
If you’re specifically looking for granola with wholegrain cereals, check the ingredients list to see which flakes are wholegrain. The nutritional information per 100 g lets you compare fibre and sugars across different varieties.
Households that need to check allergens
If someone in your household needs to avoid certain ingredients, the ingredients list and any warnings on the current packaging are what matter. The flavour name or product photo won’t give you enough information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much granola your household gets through and which ingredients are suitable for everyone. Then compare the wholegrain cereals and nutritional information of the varieties that meet your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and supplies | Compare the net weight and estimate how quickly your household will get through the pack. | If several family members often eat granola, I want to know roughly how many breakfasts one pack will provide. For around 42% of consumers, stock levels would be the first consideration. |
| Wholegrain cereals and nutritional information | Look for wholegrain cereals specifically named in the ingredients list, and compare fibre and sugars per 100 g. | I want to see which cereals are wholegrain, rather than relying on the product name alone. Around 33% of consumers would put the ingredients first. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. | If someone at home needs to avoid certain ingredients, I first need to check whether the chosen variety is suitable. For around 25% of consumers, checking allergens would come first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘granola’ means ‘all wholegrain’
The word granola doesn’t tell you what proportion of the ingredients are wholegrain cereals. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a wholegrain cereal product is made from the whole grain; granola can also contain other ingredients.
Look for specific wholegrain flakes in the ingredients list and assess the full list of ingredients.
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
A variety with no added sugar may still contain sugars that occur naturally. The wording on the front of the pack therefore won’t tell you how much sugar is listed in the nutritional information.
For the varieties you’re considering, also compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
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Trying to identify allergens from the flavour name
Granola may contain cereals containing gluten or nuts, and the packaging may also warn of the possible presence of other allergens. The flavour name won’t give you the full picture.
If a family member has a relevant allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack every time.
Brands to consider
Quaker Cruesli
The cereals and ingredients vary between the Zero Sugar Added varieties. The Naturel variety described by Jumbo lists 69% wholegrain oat flakes.
- The ingredients for each specific variety give you a useful guide to its wholegrain cereals.
- Don’t assume the information for Naturel also applies to Apple, Choco or Nuts & Seeds; check the ingredients and allergens on each pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells granola in a range of pack sizes. According to Jumbo’s product information, its Granola Noten variety contains wholegrain oat, spelt and barley flakes.
- Jumbo’s nutritional information for Granola Noten lists 19 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This nut variety contains nuts and cereals containing gluten, so check the allergen information on the pack you choose.
Zonnatura
Zonnatura Classic Crunchy names its wholegrain cereals specifically: the ingredients described by Jumbo list 35% wholegrain spelt flakes and 34% wholegrain oat flakes.
- These percentages show how much of Classic Crunchy consists of these two wholegrain ingredients.
- The product information also lists allergens and the possible presence of other allergens; check the current packaging.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
ALDI Netherlands lists both Golden Bridge Granola and a separate Golden Bridge Volkoren muesli. These are different product categories.
- The granola is listed in a 500 g pack, so you can factor its size into your stock planning.
- Don’t assume the granola is wholegrain based on the name of the separate muesli; check the granola’s own label.
Granola on Joybuy
These Cruesli varieties come in 400 g, 450 g and 720 g packs, so you can compare them with how much a large household gets through. When choosing, also check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for the variety in question.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, pecan and cinnamon 400 g
This apple, pecan and cinnamon variety is worth considering if you’re looking for different flavours for family breakfasts. Compare the 400 g pack with how much you get through at home, and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural 400 g
This Natural variety is an option to compare with flavours containing nuts, fruit or chocolate. The pack contains 400 g; read the label for this specific variety before comparing its ingredients.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Nuts & Seeds 720 g
If you’re looking for one larger pack for several people at breakfast, compare the 720 g size with the smaller varieties here. For this nut and seed variety, also check the current label, especially if allergens are a concern.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar 400 g
This Choco variety offers your household another flavour to consider in a 400 g pack. As well as checking the product name, look at the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens on the current packaging.
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Quaker Cruesli 4 Nuts 450 g
If you’re looking for a nut variety, compare this 450 g pack with the other sizes. Don’t rely on the flavour name alone: check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for 4 Nuts itself.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify wholegrain cereals in granola?
Look in the ingredients list for terms such as wholegrain oat flakes, wholegrain spelt flakes or wholegrain wheat flakes. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products are made from the entire grain; also consider the other ingredients in the granola you choose.
Is granola with no added sugar also sugar-free?
No, it may still contain sugars that occur naturally. So, as well as checking the wording on the pack, look at the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information per 100 g.
Which allergens should I check in granola?
Check the current packaging for allergens relevant to your household, including any cereals containing gluten, nuts, milk, soya and sesame. Also read any ‘may contain’ warnings; don’t rely on the flavour name alone.
How should I store an opened pack of granola?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the variety you choose. Jumbo’s product information for the Jumbo and Quaker varieties discussed recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and sealing the pack well after opening.