Sugar content of German breakfast cereals for children – recommendations and reality
- 15.06.2013
- English Articles
- Stephanie Germer
- Carolin Hilzendegen
- Nanette Ströbele-Benschop
Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: December 11, 2012 | Revision accepted: March 07, 2013
Introduction
Many studies indicate that children in Germany consume too many low energy dense foods that are high in fat and sugar [1]. This applies not only to snacks but also to breakfast items [2]. Although the consumption of breakfast cereals has been shown to be related to higher fiber consumption, better concentration and a lower probability to suffer from overweight, breakfast cereals have also recently received criticism given their high sugar content [3–8]. In Germany, however, it is still unclear how much sugar breakfast cereals contain. It is also unclear whether conventional breakfast cereals differ from organic breakfast cereals in sugar content and whether differences can be found between generic breakfast cereals and those breakfast cereals specifically advertised to children.
Breakfast is often rated as the most important meal of the day [9]. Eating breakfast has been shown to be related to better academic performance in children [10–12], to higher intake of fiber and micronutrients [12, 13], and to have a positive relationship with weight status [12]. People that eat breakfast also seem to consume more fruits and vegetables [13] and appear to be more physically active [12].
Summary
This study examined the sugar content per 100 g of 664 different breakfast cereals found in supermarkets in the Stuttgart area as well as via internet search. The study divided the cereal products into those specifically advertised to children and also separated the products into organic vs. non-organic cereals. The results show a significantly higher sugar content in cereals advertised to children compared to generic cereals (on average 28 g versus 18 g per 100 g). In addition, the average sugar content in organic breakfast cereals as well as organic children’s breakfast cereals was significantly lower than the sugar content in conventional breakfast cereals (on average 16 g versus 23 g per 100 g) and conventional children’s breakfast cereals (on average 19 g versus 31 g per 100 g).
Keywords: Sugar content, children, breakfast cereals, organic products
