Too much sugar – this applies to three-quarters of the children's cereals tested by Stiftung Warentest. Only 24 of the 110 products in the check comply with the recommendation for sugar and fat.
- Stiftung Warentest tested 110 children's cereals (further test reports at a glance).
- As many as 86 of the cereals in the check exceed the WHO guideline values for sugar.
- The basis of the declaration check was the information for sugar and fat on the packages.
"They awaken the tiger in you!" – with promises like this, cereal manufacturers always lure young audiences in particular. Colorful cartoon characters also adorn the packaging that fills the shelves of supermarkets. Advertising slogans such as "With vitamin D" or "rich in fiber" are intended to reassure parents and sound like a healthy breakfast. Unfortunately, however, most cereals are far from this.
| Name | Stiftung Warentest |
| Kind | Consumer Magazine |
| Seat | Berlin |
| Foundation | 4 December 1964 |
Stiftung Warentest warns of sugar shock for breakfast
In Germany, 15 percent of children are considered overweight – of course, this is due, at least not exclusively, to the cereal manufacturers. However, according to the WHO, 100 grams of cereals should contain a maximum of 12.5 grams of sugar and 17 grams of fat. And this limit was exceeded by several of the products tested. All products tested by Stiftung Warentest in issue 06/2023 count as cereals despite different designs.
Some cereals come in the shape of bears or balls, others in popcorn style. All chocolate cereals and also colorful rings such as the popular Froot Loops contain an excess of sugar. Some chocolate pillows flop twice: not only do they have too much sugar, but they also have an excessive amount of fat. Kellogg's Frosties, however, top them all: they consist of 37 percent sugar. Oatmeal is a healthy alternative – but you shouldn't eat it every day.
Cereals for children in the test 2023: Why parents have to pay attention to the numbers, according to Stiftung Warentest
More and more cereal manufacturers are advertising vitamin fortifications such as "With iron". Although the added amounts of these ingredients listed on the packaging of some products in the check correspond to the highest recommendation, they unfortunately do not make these sugary treats healthier either. Even the Nutri-Score, which is often listed on packaging, does not give any guarantee.
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For a realistic assessment of the nutritional values, the only thing that helps is to look at the package information. Here, both the fat and sugar content of foods are listed in detail. Classic oatmeal offers a healthy alternative. As a so-called "superfood", oatmeal is all the rage in 2023.
Stiftung Warentest compares children's cereals and uncovers sugar bombs
From the variety of 110 cereals in comparison, Stiftung Warentest can only recommend 24 products. The cheapest are the Kinder Crunchy Muesli without Raisins from dmBio for 0.57 euros and two organic Crunchy Mueslis from Lidl Crown-field, which are available for 0.66 euros. For toddlers, the inexpensive product from Rossmann Babydream for 0.72 euros per 100 grams is best. The consumer magazine Öko-Test had already taken a close look at other fruit mueslis in 2021.
- Rewe: Yes! Mini Zimtos – Not recommended: too much sugar (23.3 grams
- Nestlé Nat Chocolate Hazelnut Pillow – Not recommended: Too much sugar and too much fat (17.5 grams/ 17.4 grams)
- Kellogg's Unicorn Froot Loops – Not recommended: Too much sugar (25.0 grams)
- Denns Biomarkt Dennree Chocolate Balls – Not recommended: Too much sugar (29.0 grams)
- Kellogg's Choco Krispies Chocos - Not recommended: Too much sugar (27.0 grams)
- Kellogg's Smacks – Not recommended: Too much sugar (34.0 grams)
- Seitenbacher Muesli 556 Extra for children – Not recommended: Too much sugar (19.0 grams)
The overall result of the children's cereal test is available directly from Stiftung Warentest. (for a fee).
Cereals for children in the test 2023: The conclusion of Stiftung Warentest
Products that are recommended for toddlers are usually suitable for older children as well. Some vendors recommend 30 grams as a serving. Realistic and satisfying would probably be a portion of 60 grams. Among the cinnamon cereals tested, some were very high-calorie, which is why no recommendation is made for this.
The tested chocolate pillows are the most high-calorie products, which is why they are even discouraged. The title of the most sugar-rich cereal group is secured by cereals with sugar and/or honey. Even the sugary rings and the cereals with chocolate do not represent a balanced breakfast. In addition, mineral waters from Stiftung Warentest were also compared in the current issue. (mos)
