Brekkie battle
Toasted or natural muesli? Instant or rolled oats? Confused? We thought so. Here’s a simple way to
choose the healthiest breakfast bowls.
What’s quick, nutritious and sets your day up with long-lasting energy? A nourishing bowl of muesli or porridge for breakfast. But when you’re in the cereal aisle, the choices can be pretty overwhelming. You know when you see chocolateflavoured porridge (yes, it’s a thing) that not all options are equally good for you. We break it down here so you can find the healthiest choices.
Toasted muesli is usually coated in either sugar or fat and baked until golden, so it can be high in kilojoules. Chunky clusters or granola are clumps of muesli that have been bound together, usually with honey or oil. This tends to make them higher in kilojoules, sugar and/or fat than untoasted muesli. Bircher or Swiss muesli is a combination of oats with fruit, nuts and seeds that you then soak in juice or water overnight, giving it a creamy texture. It’s often the healthiest choice, but it pays to check the label (see right) to know the sugar and fat content.
Instant sachets of porridge that you can pop in the microwave for 90 seconds are handy for breakfasts on the run. Just be aware that the flavoured varieties are often sweetened, so they can be high in sugar. Because these oats have been cut so they microwave quickly, they also digest more rapidly than regular rolled outs, so they won’t keep you feeling full for as long as the traditional rolled variety. Rolled oats will give you sustained energy for the longest. These plain and simple oats don’t contain any added sweeteners or fats, plus they have a milder flavour and softer texture.
Health kick
Table Of Plenty Immunity+ Porridge Ginger, Honey & Coconut
Contains immune systemboosting vitamin C from Australian native Kakadu plum, as well as spicy ginger and crispy coconut.
Old classic
This time-tested blend of oats, rye, puffed millet and quinoa has a nutty taste and texture. It goes perfectly with fresh fruit or honey.
Uncle Tobys Oats Ancient Grains