Many of us consider muesli a wholesome breakfast choice, but recent findings suggest that not all muesli options are as healthy as they seem. A study conducted by Which? looked into 86 well-known muesli products available in supermarkets and revealed that some premium brands may contain higher sugar levels than typical chocolate cereals. This might lead you to rethink your morning routine.
While muesli is often chosen for its perceived health benefits, the investigation showed that expensive packaging doesn’t always correlate with better nutrition. In fact, some high-end muesli options performed worse than Nestlé’s KitKat cereal, which packs in 24.9g of sugar per 100g and has a health score of merely 56 out of 100.
The assessment was based on the 2004 Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM), a system that evaluates a product’s healthiness by analyzing its fibre, protein, sugar, and saturated fat content to assign a definitive score, as reported by Hannah Geissler in the Express.
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The Muesli Brands Scoring Lower Than Chocolate
The study revealed that several ‘wholesome’ muesli brands actually struggled to outperform sweeter processed treats in terms of sugar and fat content. Here are a few surprising findings:
- Mornflake Classic Fruit and Nut Muesli: Scored 60, mainly due to a high sugar level of 18.5g per 100g from dried fruit.
- Eat Natural Gluten Free Buckwheat Toasted Muesli: Received a score of 50, with 15.3g of sugar and 7.4g of saturated fat per 100g.
- Raw Gorilla Keto Mighty Muesli: The lowest scorer at 46, criticized for its high calorie and saturated fat content (12.2g per 100g).
Shefalee Loth, a nutritionist with Which?, commented: “Muesli is generally a solid breakfast choice due to its convenience and fiber content. However, not all blends are created equally.”
She further noted, “Just because a product is expensive or marketed with wellness terms doesn’t necessarily mean it’s nutritionally superior. Often, the healthiest choices are the simplest and the least expensive, making it worthwhile to scrutinize the labels for sugar and saturated fat content.”
Hidden Sugars and the ‘Keto’ Catch
The investigation also pointed out how labels like ‘no added sugar’ can be misleading, as the sugar from dried fruits can still lead to significant overall sugar levels. Moreover, diets such as Keto often substitute sugar with high-fat ingredients, which can negatively affect heart health.
A spokesperson for Mornflake defended their product range, revealing that over 90% complies with HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt) regulations. They emphasized, “The reviewed product is one of the few low in added sugar but high in fiber. Our clear labeling helps consumers make informed choices.”
On the other hand, a representative from RawGorilla stated: “Comparing specialist keto products with sugary, ultra-processed cereals reveals the limitations of the NPM method, which tends to take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Unlike refined cereals that can cause quick sugar spikes, our ingredients offer slow-release energy. Consumers should focus on ingredient quality rather than merely calorie counts.”
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In summary, while muesli is often perceived as a healthier breakfast option, it is essential to look beyond branding and packaging. By carefully reading labels and understanding what goes into each product, consumers can make better choices that align with their health goals. The key takeaway? Not all mueslis are created equal, and sometimes the pricier options are not the best for your diet.
