For those who like to build their own wholegrain breakfast bowl
You want a simple base and to add yoghurt, fruit or nuts as you like. Plain muesli that clearly names its wholegrain cereals lets you choose your own toppings.
Which option is right for you?
For those who want instant variety on a Sunday
You like choosing a mix with fruit, nuts or a crunchy texture. Check the ingredients list too: fruit and nut muesli and a roasted cereal mix are made differently.
For those who need to check allergens or dietary restrictions
You need to know which cereals, nuts or other allergens are in your chosen variety. Check the current packaging, even if you have bought the same product before.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to add your own toppings or would rather buy a mix with extras or a crunchy texture. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the varieties that suit your preference.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain cereals and fibre | Look for clearly named wholegrain cereals in the ingredients list and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If I want a simple cereal base, I need to be able to see which cereals it contains on the label. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a wholegrain base they can check and its fibre content. |
| Sugars and your own toppings | Compare total sugars per 100 g and check which sweet ingredients, such as dried fruit, are in the mix. | I prefer to add my own fruit and want to distinguish between added sugars and the total sugars in my bowl. For around 29% of consumers, having that choice is the top priority. |
| Allergens and cereals | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any cross-contamination warning for this specific variety. | If I need to avoid certain allergens, an appealing flavour or nutritional value cannot override that. Allergens and suitability come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Flavour and texture | Choose between loose flakes, a fruit and nut mix or a roasted crunchy mix, and check the ingredients for your choice. | For my Sunday breakfast, I want fruit, nuts or crunch already in the mix, without having to add much myself. That ready-made variety is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholegrain means gluten-free
Wholegrain muesli may contain wheat, barley or other cereals containing gluten. Fruit and nut varieties may also contain nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety. If you need to eat gluten-free, don’t rely on the word ‘wholegrain’ alone.
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Only checking the sugar claim on the front
A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars, for example from dried fruit. On its own, the claim tells you nothing about the total sugars per 100 g.
Compare the nutrition table and check which ingredients provide the flavour before choosing between plain, fruity and crunchy varieties.
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Treating crunchy cereal mix and plain muesli as the same thing
A roasted mix may contain different ingredients from a simple muesli made with flakes. The texture you want should therefore be part of your decision about ingredients and allergens.
First decide which texture you want, then compare the labels of products in that category.
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Relying on a product page you looked at earlier
Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn points out in its product information.
Read the packaging of the product you are actually buying, especially if you need to avoid an allergen or are looking for a specific nutritional value.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
A supermarket own-brand option for anyone looking for simple plain wholegrain muesli.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Volkoren muesli naturel contains wholegrain wheat, oat and barley flakes; the product information lists 9,5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change. Check the packaging of the variety you buy.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-brand option that includes organic wholegrain muesli with fruit and nuts.
- According to Jumbo, its organic fruit and nut variety combines several wholegrain cereals with dried fruit and nuts; the product information lists 9,0 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The same variety lists 15,0 g of sugars per 100 g and contains nuts and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. If you are choosing between this and plain muesli, compare the current packaging.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
An ALDI own brand with wholegrain muesli varieties.
- ALDI lists oat and wheat flakes and raisins among the ingredients in Golden Bridge Volkoren muesli.
- Before choosing a variety, compare the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on the packaging in store.
Quaker Cruesli
A crunchy roasted cereal mix for anyone looking for a different texture from loose muesli flakes.
- Quaker describes Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Naturel as a mix with roasted wholegrain oats and no added sugars or sweeteners.
- This variety also contains oil and wheat-based ingredients. Quaker says the product may contain milk and various nuts; check the current allergen information.
Brinta
A wholegrain breakfast cereal for anyone who would rather make a warm, smooth bowl than eat a muesli mix.
- ALDI describes Brinta in its range as a wholegrain breakfast cereal.
- Brinta is a different type of product from muesli. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the relevant packaging before you decide.
Lidl
A supermarket option with fruit muesli and crunchy muesli among its breakfast range.
- Lidl lists fruit muesli as one of its breakfast products.
- When choosing a Lidl variety in store, check which cereals, nutritional values and allergens are listed on the packaging.
Crunchy breakfast products at Joybuy
These products are all suited to a crunchy breakfast bowl: four Cruesli varieties and one granola. Granola is a related product type, not plain muesli, so first decide whether a roasted mix suits your Sunday breakfast.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, Pecan and Cinnamon 400 g
For anyone who wants a crunchy mix with apple, pecan and cinnamon in their breakfast bowl. The pack contains 400 g; if you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
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Quaker Cruesli Nuts Zero Sugar 400 g
For anyone looking for a nut variety for a crunchy Sunday breakfast. The pack contains 400 g; check the allergen information if you need to avoid nuts or other ingredients.
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Holie's Granola Glutenfree Peanut Chocolate 330 g
For anyone who wants granola with peanut and chocolate flavour rather than muesli. The pack contains 330 g; check the current labelling if the Glutenfree claim or allergen information is important to your choice.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach 400 g
For anyone looking for a fruity, crunchy mix with strawberry and peach. The pack contains 400 g; compare fibre and sugars using the nutrition table on the packaging.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar 400 g
For anyone who wants a crunchy mix with chocolate flavour. The pack contains 400 g; check the nutritional information per 100 g and the allergens if milk, cereals or nuts are a concern for you.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if muesli is wholegrain?
Read the ingredients list and look for clearly named wholegrain cereals. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes wholegrain cereal products as products made from the entire grain; also compare the fibre per 100 g of the muesli varieties you are considering.
Is wholegrain muesli also gluten-free?
No. Wholegrain does not mean that muesli is gluten-free. A variety may contain wholegrain wheat or barley, for example; if you need to avoid gluten, check the labelling of the specific product.
Where can I find allergen information for muesli?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of your chosen muesli. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be listed and clearly identifiable on the labels of prepacked foods; also read any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
How should I store muesli after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on your pack and seal it properly after use. Albert Heijn recommends storing its Volkoren muesli naturel in a cool, dark and dry place; Jumbo also advises keeping its organic fruit and nut variety cool, dry and dark.
When should I choose fruit and nut muesli instead of plain?
Choose fruit and nut muesli if you want those ingredients already in the mix and they are suitable for you; choose plain if you would rather add your own toppings. Also compare the total sugars per 100 g and check the label for nuts and other allergens.