If you’re looking for a base for several breakfasts
You want to stock up on wholegrain muesli and choose what to add at each breakfast, such as fruit, yoghurt or a plant-based alternative.
Who are these options for?
If you like a crunch and compare ingredients
You’re looking for a crunchy mix but want to check the added ingredients and sugars in your chosen variety.
For households planning a week’s supply
You check the pack size and whether the ingredients and allergen information are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating it.
What should you look for when choosing?
Loose wholegrain muesli
A good choice if: you want to have your muesli with milk, yoghurt or fromage frais, and add your own fruit or nuts.
The trade-off: a plain mix won’t have the crunchy texture of a toasted mix. Check the ingredients on the exact pack you’re buying, even with fruit varieties.
Crunchy muesli or Cruesli
A good choice if: a crunchy texture is your top priority.
The trade-off: according to the Voedingscentrum, sugar, honey or chocolate is added to many crunchy muesli and Cruesli products. Ingredients vary between varieties.
Warm cereal breakfast
A good choice if: you’d rather prepare a smooth, warm cereal breakfast than eat loose muesli flakes.
The trade-off: Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is not a muesli mix and contains wheat. Add your own fruit, nuts or other ingredients for a different texture.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and fibre | Check which wholegrains are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g. | If I eat the same base on several mornings, I want to know which grains it contains. Around 33% of consumers are said to prioritise wholegrains and fibre. |
| Added ingredients and sugars | Read the ingredients list, checking for sugar, honey and syrup, and look at sugars per 100 g and per serving. | With a crunchy mix, I don’t want to judge by the name alone; I want to assess the ingredients for myself. Added ingredients and sugars are said to be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Amount for the week | Check the net weight, your usual portion size and the storage instructions once opened. | When I’m stocking up for the whole household, I want to choose a pack we’ll actually use. The amount needed is said to be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Texture and mix contents | Choose between loose muesli, a crunchy mix and a warm cereal breakfast. If the mix contains added ingredients, check the allergen information too. | I might want fruit or nuts in the mix, or a warm breakfast, but I also need to consider what everyone can eat. For around 17% of consumers, this combination of eating style and ingredients is said to matter most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all muesli and Cruesli are the same
The Voedingscentrum points out that sugar, honey or chocolate is added to many crunchy muesli and Cruesli products. Quaker lists different ingredients for Cruesli 4 Nuts and Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel.
Compare the ingredients list and sugars per 100 g for the specific variety you want to buy. A product name doesn’t tell you everything about what’s in it.
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Overlooking allergens because it’s a cereal product
Muesli can contain nuts as well as grains. The packaging may also carry warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients, allergen information and warnings on the pack of the variety you’ve chosen.
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Treating Brinta as loose muesli
Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is a finely milled wheat product for a warm breakfast. It’s prepared differently and has a different texture from muesli made with loose flakes.
First decide whether you want warm porridge, loose muesli or a crunchy mix. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients of products in that category.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren muesli naturel is a muesli you can enjoy with yoghurt, milk, fromage frais or a plant-based alternative.
- Albert Heijn says this plain variety contains wholegrains and no added sugar.
- The ingredients in this variety don’t tell you anything about other AH muesli products, so check the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers plain muesli as well as a mix with fruit, seeds and kernels.
- The fruit, seed and kernel variety lists wholegrain cereal flakes.
- Check the added ingredients and pack size for each variety.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Golden Bridge is an ALDI breakfast cereal range that includes wholegrain and crunchy muesli.
- For the wholegrain muesli reviewed, ALDI lists oat and wheat flakes and raisins.
- The wholegrain and crunchy varieties aren’t the same mix, so check the full product name and ingredients.
Quaker Cruesli
Quaker Cruesli is a range of crunchy breakfast cereals available in different flavours.
- According to Quaker, Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel is made without added sugars or sweeteners.
- Quaker Cruesli 4 Nuts has a different ingredients list, including glucose syrup and sugar. Compare the specific variety.
Brinta
Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is designed for a smooth, warm cereal breakfast rather than loose muesli.
- According to the product information, the variety reviewed contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt.
- The product contains wheat and doesn’t have the texture of a muesli mix.
Muesli and Cruesli on Joybuy
This selection mainly features crunchy muesli and Cruesli varieties, along with a muesli containing fruit and nuts. If you’re stocking up for the week, compare the contents and ingredients of each pack.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural 400 g
A crunchy Cruesli variety if you want to use the same mix for several breakfasts.
The product name states 400 g. If you’re comparing it with other Cruesli varieties, check the ingredients and sugars on the label.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, Pecan and Cinnamon 400 g
For anyone looking for a crunchy mix with apple, pecans and cinnamon.
The product name states 400 g. If you have a nut allergy, check the current allergen information on the packaging.
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Holie's Crunchy Muesli Mixed Nuts 400 g
A crunchy muesli for anyone who wants nuts already in the mix.
The product name states 400 g. If you have an allergy, check which nuts and other allergens are listed on the packaging.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar 400 g
A crunchy Cruesli variety if you want to compare a chocolate flavour with other breakfast cereals.
The product name states 400 g. Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for this specific variety.
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B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit
A muesli for anyone who wants fruit and nuts in one mix.
Before stocking up for the week, check the net weight on the packaging; the available product information lists different quantities. If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and warnings too.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if muesli is wholegrain?
Check which grains are described as wholegrain in the ingredients list, then compare fibre per 100 g. Also check whether you’re buying loose muesli or a crunchy mix: they have different textures and may contain different added ingredients.
Does muesli with no added sugar contain no sugars at all?
No. Ingredients such as raisins can contain naturally occurring sugars. As well as checking the product description, read the ingredients list and the sugars information in the nutritional details.
How should I store an opened pack of muesli?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and reseal the pack after use. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Volkoren muesli naturel in a cool, dark and dry place. Check the advice for the variety you’re buying.
What should I check if I have an allergy?
Read the allergen information on the exact pack, including any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. Muesli made with grains may also contain nuts, so don’t rely on the name of the mix alone.