Families planning their food shop
If several members of your family eat muesli, the pack size will affect how often you need to buy more. Compare the pack size with how much you get through.
Who is this relevant for?
Families looking for a simple wholegrain option
If you want to serve muesli with milk or yoghurt, start by checking which cereals are listed, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends checking the amount of added salt and sugar in breakfast cereals.
Families for whom allergens influence the choice
If an allergen is relevant to anyone at the table, check the current label for the specific variety you choose. Look at both the ingredients and any statement about possible traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the wholegrain ingredients and whether the muesli is suitable for everyone who will be eating it. Then compare the nutritional information, the texture you prefer and the pack size.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Family-sized supply | Compare the weight in grams with how much muesli your family uses and how often you want to restock. | If several people eat from the same pack every day, I don’t want to have to buy a new one all the time. Having enough in the cupboard is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain content and nutritional information | Look for cereals explicitly described as wholegrain in the ingredients list, and compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g. | I want to see which cereals the muesli contains and how its nutritional values compare with other varieties. Around 29% of consumers say this comparison is their top priority. |
| Allergens | Check both the ingredients and any statement about possible traces of relevant allergens on the current packaging. | If not everyone at the table can eat the same ingredients, you need to choose a pack for the family carefully. Suitability for everyone eating it is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Flavour and texture | Choose between loose muesli and a crunchy variety; if you’re considering one with fruit, nuts or cocoa, check the ingredients too. | If several family members eat from the same pack, I want to choose a flavour and texture they’ll enjoy. Around 14% of consumers put this preference ahead of the other considerations. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack size
A large pack isn’t automatically the right wholegrain muesli for everyone at the table. A smaller pack may simply mean you need to restock more often.
As well as the pack size, check the ingredients and allergens, and choose a number of packs that suits how much your family uses.
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Assuming ‘wholegrain’ tells you everything about the ingredients
Crunchy cereal mixes can contain ingredients such as honey, syrup or oil as well as wholegrains. The name alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar, fat or fibre the product contains per 100 g.
Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g before choosing plain muesli or a crunchy variety.
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Buying a nut variety without reading the label
Ingredients and statements about possible traces vary between products. That means the product category alone isn’t a reliable basis for choosing if someone has a relevant allergy.
For every relevant allergen, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statement on the pack you’re buying.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers, among other options, organic wholegrain muesli with raisins and a variety with fruit and nuts, both in 500 g packs.
- For the varieties mentioned, you can compare the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens for each product.
- Don’t choose based on pack size alone: check which cereals are wholegrain in each variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers, among other options, an organic crunchy wholegrain muesli with four types of nuts.
- The product information lists the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for this variety.
- This is a crunchy nut variety with honey, so it isn’t necessarily a direct substitute for plain muesli without sweetening ingredients.
Quaker Cruesli
Quaker Cruesli includes crunchy cereal mixes such as Zero Sugar Added Naturel.
- Quaker lists 3.7 g of sugars and 26 g of fibre per 100 g for Zero Sugar Added Naturel.
- It’s still a toasted mix containing oil; check the ingredients and possible allergens in the variety you choose.
ALDI / Golden Bridge
ALDI has featured Golden Bridge Wholegrain Muesli in a 1 kg pack.
- That size may suit a household that gets through a lot of muesli.
- Check the current packaging and product information before choosing this variety for your family.
Lidl
Lidl describes a policy of offering wholegrain alternatives in relevant product categories.
- This makes wholegrain content something to look out for when browsing the range.
- The policy doesn’t tell you which specific muesli is suitable, so check the product’s own label.
Crunchy varieties at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are 400 g varieties of Quaker Cruesli for anyone considering a crunchy cereal mix. When buying for your family, compare the flavours, ingredients and allergens; none of these packs is a generous family-sized supply on its own.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural, 400 g
For anyone looking for a plain crunchy Cruesli. The pack contains 400 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach, 400 g
For anyone looking for a crunchy variety with strawberry and peach flavour. For this 400 g pack, compare the nutritional information per 100 g too, and read the allergen label.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar, 400 g
For anyone who wants a crunchy variety with a chocolate flavour. The pack contains 400 g; check the nutritional information and allergens for this Choco variety separately.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, Pecan and Cinnamon, 400 g
For anyone looking for a crunchy mix with apple, pecan and cinnamon. This variety contains 400 g; pay particular attention to the nut information if allergens are relevant to your family.
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Quaker Cruesli Nuts Zero Sugar, 400 g
For anyone considering a crunchy nut variety. The pack contains 400 g; before buying it for the family, check which nuts and other allergens are listed on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify wholegrains in muesli?
Look in the ingredients list for explicit descriptions such as wholegrain oat, wheat, barley or rye flakes. Also compare the nutritional information per 100 g; the product name or image won’t show you the full ingredients.
Is muesli with dried fruit sugar-free?
Not necessarily: dried fruit can contain naturally occurring sugars. Also check whether sugar, honey or syrup has been added as an ingredient, and look at the total sugars per 100 g.
What should I check for allergens in muesli?
Read the allergen information on the current packaging for the specific variety, including any ‘may contain’ statement. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly identified on labels of pre-packed foods; relevant allergens in muesli may include cereals containing gluten, nuts, peanuts, milk and soya.
How should I store several packs of muesli?
Follow the storage instructions on each pack. The product information for the Jumbo varieties mentioned recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place; seal an opened pack tightly to protect the contents from moisture.