Choice, the consumer advocacy group, says anyone who thinks muesli automatically means a healthy, low kilojoule, low sugar breakfast needs to carefully check the nutritional information panel on the box.
In a test of 159 types of muesli, Choice found that one brand contains twice the amount of fat of a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder.
Choice spokesperson Ingrid Just said: “While much of the fat content in muesli is the ‘good’ unsaturated type, coming from oats, seeds and nuts, the high-fat varieties can still pack a high number of kilojoules.”
Two gluten-free varieties – Sunsol Gluten Free and Nu-Vit Low Fat Fruity Muesli Gluten Free – were found to contain 43% sugar, which is 7% more than a bowl of Coco Pops, Choice claims.
Of the 159 mueslis tested by Choice, 10 met Australian food regulator FSANZ’s definition of low fat (no more than 3%) and 11 met FSANZ’s definition for low sugar (no more than 5%).
Three quarters of the mueslis Choice reviewed came with nutrition claims on the packaging, some of which are potentially confusing for consumers.
Just said: “Muesli is a clear example of how traffic light labels can benefit consumers, helping us make quick and healthy choices on products we often assume are low in sugar and fat.”
Source: Choice
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