Yahoo LifestyleYou Won't Believe How Much Sugar Breakfast Cereals Still Contain
The war on sugar has been raging for a few years now but food manufacturers are still packing the sweet stuff into their products - despite calls for a reduction
It's time we really addressed our addiction to cereals.
There's no denying they're a staple breakfast option for millions, a satisfying after school or work snack and even a late night hunger banisher. But with worryingly high amounts of sugars found in more than 30 common supermarket cereals, it might be time to make a big breakfast switch.
No Better Than Biscuits?
The levels of sugar are particularly worrying for parents as many of the highest amounts are found in cereals marketed at children - which are promoted as good breakfast choices.
A survey by Warburtons found that 43 per cent of children start each school day with a sugary breakfast.
And popular cereals are one of the biggest culprits.
The cereal with the highest sugar content was found to be Aldi Harvest Morn Choco Rice. With 39g per 100g (or 12g in a single serving), that's three teaspoons of sugar in a single bowl - almost half of an ADULT's maximum recommended sugar intake for the whole day, yet it's aimed at children.
It also had one of the highest levels of salt, with 0.8g per 100g.
What's worse is levels in many of the most unhealthy options have gone UP since they were last checked in 2012.
“You wouldn’t give your child chocolate biscuits for breakfast, yet certain manufacturers are effectively doing that for us," said Kawther Hashem, Nutritionist at Action on Sugar.
"It is highly concerning that many parents are still buying cereal products for their children thinking they are choosing healthier products only to find these items are laden with excess sugar and calories.
Surprise Additions
Some of the worst offenders are to be expected - most of the chocolate-based cereals are high up on the list. But others, that many of us might see as reasonably healthy, are there too. Adult fave Kellogg's Crunch Nut had a whopping 11g per serving, while both Morrisons and Sainsbury's Honey Nut Corn Flakes had only slightly less - 10.9g apiece.
Another surprise on the list is Alpen Original Museli. Who knew that something with museli in could be so bad for you? But with 6.9g per serving, it comes in the red category.
Slightly further down on the list another supposedly healthy choice, Dorset Cereals Simply Delicious Museli, also had an unhealthily high amount of sugar, coming in at joint 15 on the list with more than 5g of sugar per serving.
Coming out for National Breakfast Week, the results put further pressure on food manufacturers and the government to curb added sugar in products - particularly those aimed at children - as it's increaingly accepted that sugar is one of the biggest causes of the current obesity epidemic.
Action on Sugar, which conducted the research, has called for parents to make sugar swaps on behalf of their children, and for the government to increase regulation over the food industry.
Healthier Breakfasts?
Wanting a healthier option for you or your children doesn't mean you have to ditch cereals. There are plenty of wholegrain options without added sugar that can be enjoyed by everyone. Adding fresh fruit can provide a touch of sweetness but stick to small portions such as a handful of berries or half a banana to prevent the sugar count from creeping up.
Oats are also a good option as they have a low GI and will keep you full up all morning.
Alternatively, wholegrain toast with whole peanut butter is nice if you want to stear clear of cereal, or go eggs. Eggs are ideal because they're packed with nutrients and protein, which takes longer to digest, so keeps you full for longer. Pair with whole grain toast or try a smoked salmon or tomato omlette if you have time.
Or, try one of our food writer's eggcellent ways with eggs.
