The majority of cereals have too much sugar to be healthy choices, according to research by Australian consumer magazine Choice.
The study by the online publication found that most breakfast cereals contain “far too much sugar, salt or both” to be healthy choices for everyday eating, while cereals aimed at kids can be among the “worst” for nutrition.
The research of 152 breakfast cerealsalso found that wholegrains and dietary fibre have proven health benefits, but other health claims are more “marketing hype than nutritional science”.
Choice said that little has changed since it last looked at cereals in 2007, and the few changes that have occurred aren’t necessarily for the better.
The publication said that while Nestlé had reduced the amount of sugar and salt and increased the level of dietary fibre in its Milo cereal, the amount of salt in Cheerios and Nesquik cereal had increased.
Kellogg was also pinpointed. Choice found that, while the company had reduced the amount of sugar and salt in its Crunchy Nut Clusters, it had increased the amount of salt in Frosties, a cereal aimed at kids.
Only Lowan gained praise from the publication for reducing the levels of sugar and salt and increasing the amount of dietary fibre in its Honey O’s.
The report mirrors that from UK consumer watchdog Which? that today (29 April), released a study claiming that 31 cereals out of the 100 looked at contained more than four teaspoons of sugar per recommended serving.
The study also pinpointed Kellogg as one of its top offenders, as well as Tesco’s Special Flakes and Morrisons Choco Crackles.
