Sugar Puffs
What’s there to say? They’ve crossed generations and are still loved by so many little ones (and big ones) around the world. To be honest with you, I thought the Honey Monster had died or gone to Africa or something. And funnily enough, he did (as part of Sugar Puff’s Hive Action against poverty campaign). The natural wheat puffs glazed with honey and brown sugar are not only a fun way to get the kids into breakfast but also one of the healthiest. Just tell them the Honey Monster will come and get them! That always worked on me, even though I really admire him now for all the work he’s doing!
Sugar per 100g: 35g
Price: £1.39
Cookie Crisp
I was slightly hesitant when I picked this one up but the name caused curiosity to get the better of me. I needed to know if there were real cookies in there and if they really did have chocolate chips. Conclusion? There are indeed chocolate chips on the tiny cookies but the cookies themselves are flakes. I didn’t get a biscuit-y taste in my mouth, like I expected, but could see why a young child would prefer them to a bog standard cereal. With calcium, iron and eight basic vitamins, they’re not a bad option but do contain a tad more sugar than most.
Sugar per 100g: 36.2g
Price: £1.75
Mallow Cups
I think Cyprus’ own Golden Choice thought they would try something completely different to the norm when they decided to introduce this to the market. Although it did nothing for my taste when I saw it on the shelf, I could imagine a child kicking and screaming until they got it. So, Mallow Cups is a cereal with chocolate flakes and marshmallows. Doesn’t sound like a very healthy breakfast but the good thing is that the marshmallows are available in a separate little bag, so I suppose you could hide it and use it as bribery.
Sugar per 100g: 38g
Price: £1.39
Ready Brek
I could barely control myself when I spotted Ready Brek on the top shelf at Orphanides. I loved Ready Brek as a child and it is has been one of the healthiest breakfast options available for over 20 years. The finely milled porridge oats, calcium, vitamins and minerals provide you and your little ones with a steady release of energy to keep you going until lunchtime. As part of the Weetabix family, you should know that all their breakfast cereals are made with natural wholegrain. Try it with water or better yet, milk and the kids will be eternally grateful. I know I am!
Sugar per 100g: 1g
Price: £1.10
Cheerios
I can never resist anything associated with honey and judging from my little brothers, I think kids have more or less the same fondness. Honey Nut Cheerios are tiny, wholegrain, honey-coated rings that boast the same nutrients as Cookie Crisp as they are both under the Nestle umbrella. If you’re adamant about keeping the kids away from chocolate, especially at breakfast, these are definitely a good (but no less sugary) substitute.
Sugar per 100g: 36.2g
Price: £1.45
Corn Flakes
How could we leave out the most notorious cereals out? Corn Flakes are definitely a brand you know you can trust without having to check out the small print and nutritional table. Parents the world over swear by this brand and refuse to give into the new, sugary versions that have dominated the market but if you’re having trouble getting your little one to like them, try cutting up a banana and mixing it in, just to make it more interesting.
Sugar per 100g: 8g
Price: £1.18
Weetos
I couldn’t get enough of these! I had never heard of them before even though my colleagues were already fans and declared their love by fighting over the packet. Based on Weetabix’s wholegrain goodness, Weetos are the chocolate alternative. But unlike most of the brands I tried, the sweet sensation was subtle and there was no reason to feel bad because in comparison to the rest, sugar was at quite low levels. You can feel safe feeding your kids this brand every morning.
Sugar per 100g: 29g
Price: £1.98
