Choose your own level of sweetness
You want a sweet breakfast, but would rather add the flavour yourself with fruit than choose a muesli with sources of added sugar.
Which choice is right for you?
Compare wholegrains and fibre
You’re looking for a wholegrain base and comparing fibre per 100 g, even if a simpler muesli has a milder flavour.
Add crunch or nuts to your bowl
You prefer a crunchy texture or a mix with nuts and seeds. In that case, check the ingredients list, nutritional values and allergens for the variety you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what matters most to you in a wholegrain muesli for a sweet breakfast: limiting sources of added sugar, comparing the grain base and fibre, or choosing a particular texture.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness and sources of sugar | Check the ingredients list for things like sugar, honey and syrup. Compare total sugars per 100 g and any information about added sugars. | If I’d rather choose my own level of sweetness with fruit, I want to know what has already been added to the muesli. For around 39% of consumers, checking for sources of added sugar is a top priority. |
| Wholegrain cereals and fibre | See which cereals make up the base and compare fibre per 100 g. Don’t compare a per-portion value with a per-100 g value. | I’m mainly looking for a wholegrain cereal base and want to compare the fibre content of different varieties. Around 38% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Crunch, nuts and seeds | Check the types of nuts and the allergen information. For crunchy varieties, also compare sugars, fat and energy per 100 g. | The texture of nuts, seeds or toasted flakes matters most to me, as long as the ingredients suit my needs. This is the main priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholegrain means no added sugar
Wholegrain describes the cereal, not all the other ingredients. Voedingscentrum points out that sugar or honey, for example, may be added to crunchy muesli and cruesli.
Read the ingredients list for the exact variety and compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Confusing total sugars with added sugars
Raisins and other dried fruit can contribute to the total sugar content, even when a muesli is sold as having no added sugars.
Check the ‘sugars’ line in the nutrition table as well as the ingredients that give it its sweet flavour.
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Looking only at the nuts shown on the front
A muesli may contain different types of nuts and cereals containing gluten. A warning about possible cross-contamination may also be important if you have an allergy.
Before eating, check the allergen information on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ statement.
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Relying on a product page instead of the label
A product’s composition can change. That makes the packaging especially important if you’re checking ingredients because of an allergy or a specific dietary choice.
Compare products beforehand, but check the label again when you buy or receive the product.
Brands and product ranges to compare
These brands offer a range of breakfast options. Always compare the exact variety, as ingredients and nutritional values can differ within the same product range.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers plain, nut and fruit muesli, as well as a crunchy wholegrain variety.
- For AH Wholegrain Muesli Plain, Albert Heijn lists 0 g added sugars and 9.5 g fibre per 100 g.
- The organic crunchy four-nut variety also lists glucose syrup and sugar. The information for the plain variety therefore doesn’t apply to every AH muesli.
Quaker Cruesli
Crunchy cereal mixes for anyone looking for a toasted texture.
- The product information for Quaker Cruesli 4 Nuts lists 95% wholegrain cereals.
- The ingredients in Quaker Cruesli Light include sugar and glucose syrup. Check the sources of sugar in each variety.
Brinta
Brinta Wholegrain Cereal Breakfast is a base for hot porridge if you prefer a soft, warm breakfast to individual muesli flakes.
- The variety reviewed is made with wholegrain wheat and lists 10 g fibre per 100 g.
- This isn’t a muesli with fruit, nuts or crunch, and it contains wheat. Check the label if you have allergies.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Golden Bridge Wholegrain Muesli is a muesli range made with cereal flakes and raisins.
- ALDI lists oat flakes, wheat flakes and raisins in its wholegrain muesli.
- Check the full ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 300 g ‘7-grain breakfast with wholegrains’. This isn’t necessarily the same type of product as muesli.
- The pack lists wholegrains as one of the ingredients in this breakfast variety.
- Before comparing it with muesli, check the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on the pack in store.
Muesli and crunchy muesli on Joybuy
These products mainly include crunchy wholegrain varieties with fruit, nuts, cocoa or a plain flavour. For a sweet breakfast, compare the flavour you want with the ingredients and allergens listed on the pack.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Apple, Pecan and Cinnamon, 400 g
A crunchy option if you like apple, pecan and cinnamon in your breakfast. If you have a nut allergy, check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statement on the label. Also read the nutritional information rather than relying on the product name.
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Holie's Crunchy Muesli Mixed Nuts, 400 g
For anyone looking for crunchy muesli with mixed nuts. If you have allergies, check which nuts and cereals are listed on the pack, and look out for any warnings about other allergens.
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Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach, 400 g
A crunchy fruit variety if strawberry and peach suit your breakfast better than nuts. Check the amount of fruit in the ingredients list and the total sugars in the nutrition table; the product name alone doesn’t tell you enough.
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Quaker Cruesli Choco Zero Sugar, 400 g
For anyone looking for a cocoa flavour in a crunchy breakfast. As well as the name, check the ingredients and nutritional information for this variety. If you have allergies, also check for milk, cereals and nuts.
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Quaker Zs Cruesli Natural, 400 g
A plain, crunchy base if you’d like to add your own fruit for a sweeter bowl. Compare its ingredients and nutritional values with those of regular plain muesli: crunchy cruesli and loose muesli flakes aren’t the same product.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify wholegrain muesli for a sweet breakfast?
Check which wholegrain cereals are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre and sugars per 100 g. Then see whether the sweetness comes from dried fruit, for example, or whether sugar, honey or syrup has also been added. Voedingscentrum recommends checking breakfast cereals for added salt and sugar.
Is crunchy muesli always free from added sugar if it says wholegrain?
No. Wholegrain and added sugar are separate things. Albert Heijn’s organic crunchy four-nut muesli lists both wholegrain cereals and glucose syrup and sugar; other crunchy varieties may have different ingredients. So always check the exact pack.
Can I choose muesli with nuts or cereals if I have an allergy?
Only choose it after checking the allergen information on the exact pack. Nut varieties may contain different types of nuts, and muesli may also contain cereals with gluten. Check for any ‘may contain’ statement too.
How should I store muesli once it’s open?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it securely after use. For the AH varieties described, the advice is to store the muesli in a cool, dark and dry place.