Brits say their mornings are 'ruined' if this one thing happens at breakfast
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults, discovered that while 48% enjoy a bowl of cereal most mornings, 32% admit to panicking about it going limp in too much milk. For 15%, beginning the day with a soggy serving is enough to spoil their entire morning.
However, not everyone is averse to a bit of sogginess – 14% actually favour their cereal fully drenched, whereas 51% insist on maintaining the crunch for maximum enjoyment.
This research was commissioned by Kellogg's to celebrate the launch of Oaties – a new oat-based cereal.
Food scientists have dedicated the past 18 months to developing the cereal, resulting in what is thought to be the first 'sog-defying' cereal, courtesy of its unique shape and high fibre ingredients.
Seven in ten parents said that cereal helps create a smoother routine for their children in the morning. The majority of parents prefer to give it to their kids as it is quick to prepare and 49% admitted it's one of the only meals their kids will actually eat.
The study also uncovered a strong allegiance to dairy with 91% choosing cow's milk for their cereal. In terms of dairy alternatives, oat milk has been sampled by 38%, almond milk by 33% and 18% have even contemplated using hot chocolate.
Cereal toppings are becoming increasingly adventurous too, with 13% contemplating adding ice cream, while 10% may add avocado, and 8% have flirted with toppings like cheese or even a hard-boiled egg.
Meanwhile, traditional toppings still reign supreme, with 33% opting for fresh fruit, 23% favouring a drizzle of honey and 21% stirring in yoghurt. In addition, 7% are adding a scoop of protein powder to their morning meal for an extra boost.
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Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Daily Record
Three-minute cereal rule for perfect breakfast
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 48% regularly enjoy a bowl of cereal for breakfast Cereal lovers have a mere three-minute window to eat their breakfast before it turns too soggy, according to a recent survey. A poll of 2,000 adults disclosed that nearly half regularly savour a bowl of cereal for breakfast, but almost a third admit to fretting about it becoming overly soft due to an excess of milk. For 15%, starting the day with a soggy bowl of cereal can completely ruin their morning. Yet while over half insist their cereal must maintain its crunch to be truly enjoyed, some actually confessed they prefer a softer texture (14%). The study was commissioned by Kellogg's to celebrate the launch of Oaties – an oat-based cereal. Food scientists have spent the past year and a half developing the cereal, resulting in what they believe is the first "sog-resistant" cereal, thanks to what they say is its unique shape and high fibre ingredients. Seven out of ten parents stated that cereal makes for a smoother morning routine for their children. The majority of parents choose to serve their children cereal due to its quick preparation time. What milk people use on cereal and which toppings An additional 49% admitted it's one of the few meals their children genuinely enjoy. The research also discovered that most Brits still favour dairy milk with their cereal, but many are branching out and trying alternatives such as oat and almond milk, reports Surrey Live. Some are even contemplating the use of hot chocolate for a unique spin. When it comes to cereal toppings, people are becoming increasingly adventurous, with ice cream, avocado, cheese, and even hard-boiled eggs being considered by cereal enthusiasts, according to Kellogg's. Despite these creative choices, traditional toppings remain the favourites, with fresh fruit, honey, and yoghurt being popular. Additionally, there's a rising trend of adding protein powder into cereal. NHS guidance on cereal The NHS website advises: "Cereal products are made from grains. Wholegrain cereals can contribute to our daily intake of iron, fibre, B vitamins and protein. Higher-fibre options can also provide a slow release of energy. "Wheat, oats, barley, rye and rice are commonly available cereals that can be eaten as wholegrains. This means cereal products consisting of oats or oatmeal, such as porridge, and wholewheat products are healthy breakfast options. "Barley, couscous, corn and tapioca also count as healthy cereal products. Many cereal products in the UK are refined, with low wholegrain content. They can also be high in added salt and sugar. "When you're shopping for cereals, check the food labels to compare different products." The late Dr Michael Mosley had strong opinions regarding cereals, advising slimmers to slash their intake of certain foods. He said: "That includes most breakfast cereals, which are usually full of sugar, as well as most commercial smoothies." Further warning against misleadingly healthy options, he cautioned: "Be cautious as even the ones with high fibre ingredients, like bran and oats, are still laden with sugar."
Telegraph
21-06-2025
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The healthiest cornflakes (and the ones to avoid)
Back in 1969, Neil Armstrong's one small step for man was fuelled by one big bowl of cornflakes, according to Kellogg's, who sent cubes of their cereal into orbit for his Apollo 11 trip to the moon. The cereal was already a favourite back on firmer ground in Britain, having been a staple on supermarket shelves since 1922 – and it's still going strong today. Around 60 million boxes are produced in the UK every year – and that's for Kellogg's alone. Despite the rise of smashed avocado on toast and fancy Greek yogurt and berries, a bowl of simple cereal remains the go-to breakfast for around a quarter of the population, providing around half of fibre intake for the average adult, according to the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey. But how healthy is the perennially popular breakfast? 'Cornflakes are generally low in fat and calories and often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and B vitamins, which is a positive,' says Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a nutritionist and author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed (£16.99, Telegraph Books). 'However, they are also fairly low in fibre and protein, and some versions contain added sugars.' Plus not all cornflakes are equal, so it's important to choose your box wisely. It's for this reason that we gathered the nutritional information and ingredients for 10 different types of cornflakes – from the classic Kellogg's to an 88p box from Aldi – and asked our nutritionist to rate them based on their nutritional values. Although each box has near identical calorie counts (from 111 to 118 per 30g portion), as well as fat and protein levels, Ludlam-Raine sifted through the sugar, fibre and salt content to unpick the best from the worst. Skip to: Nestlé Sainsbury's M&S Kellogg's Tesco (Free From) Waitrose Aldi Asda Tesco Lidl 10) Nestlé GoFree Cornflakes The main ingredient in cornflakes is, unsurprisingly, corn, but they also contain barley, which is a source of gluten. This gluten-free option, made without barley, is high in sugar, with 2.6g per 30g portion, making them more sugary than Kellogg's. 'These have the highest sugar content on the list, still fortified and gluten-free, but worth noting if keeping sugar intake low is a priority,' Ludlam-Raine says. 9) Kellogg's The original Kellogg's cornflakes is not the healthiest as it contains 2.4g of sugar per 30g portion (0.7g more than the top-ranked cornflakes). 'It's higher in sugar than supermarket own brands, though well fortified,' Ludlam-Raine notes. It is also one of the highest in salt, with 0.34g per 30g portion. This organic cereal from Sainsbury's contains 0.6g of sugar per 30g portion, around a third of the sugar found in most other own-brand cornflakes. However, as it is organic, it is not fortified, Ludlam-Raine notes. It's a good option if you're trying to reduce your sugar intake but it won't offer the vitamins and minerals that many people are lacking in, such as vitamin D, adds Alison Clark, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. 7) M&S Only 1 Ingredient Corn Flakes Part of the M&S range made with few ingredients, the one-ingredient cornflakes contain only corn and naturally-occurring sugars. As a result, they are the lowest sugar cornflakes from major supermarkets, with 0.2g per 30g portion. However, their ranking has been nudged down because they are not fortified. 'This option is good if you're specifically looking to avoid sugar, but lacks the micronutrient benefits of fortified options,' Ludlam-Raine says. 6) Tesco Free From Cornflakes This gluten-free option from Tesco has a similar calorie and fat level to standard cornflakes but is higher in sugar (2g per 30g) than most other options. However, it is also higher in fibre (1.2g) and lower in salt (0.08g) than other cornflakes. 'This is a good gluten-free option with moderate sugar content and full fortification – a strong choice for those with dietary needs,' Ludlam-Raine says. 5) Waitrose Waitrose Essential cornflakes contain slightly higher sugar than the option from Aldi (2g per 30g) but have a bit more fibre (0.8g per 30g). 'It is still a reasonable choice with fortification,' she says. 4) Aldi The cornflakes from Aldi contain a slightly higher amount of sugar (1.9g per 30g) and they're also lower in fibre, with 0.5g compared to the 0.8g found in most of the other supermarket own brand versions. 'But the sugar level is still low overall and the cereal is fully fortified,' Ludlame-Raine notes. 3) Asda ' This option from Asda is comparable to other supermarket own-brand offerings, low in sugar (1.8g per 30g) and fully fortified – a good choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. 2) Tesco The cornflakes from Tesco contain slightly more sugar (1.8g per 30g) than the top-ranked cornflakes, but less than most options on this list, with 1.8g per 30g serving. 'This is a good low-sugar option from Tesco, with full fortification,' Ludlam-Raine says. Best overall for health: 1. Lidl It's the Crownfield Corn Flakes from Lidl that come out on top, according to Ludlam-Raine. They are low in sugar, containing 1.7g per 30g portion, she notes. This is the lowest out of all other options, apart from M&S Only 1 Ingredient cornflakes, which are not fortified. As these are fortified with vitamins, they are the best choice. How much should you eat? The portion size listed on the box of cornflakes, and other cereals, is 30g. But pour out your usual bowl and weigh it for a shock about how little 30g is. 'In reality, many adults naturally pour a larger portion (closer to 40–50g),' Ludlam-Raine confirms. In fact, most adults will need more than a 30g portion to not only keep them full but provide enough nutrients, as cornflakes are low in fibre and protein, she explains. 'If you want a larger portion, that's OK, especially if you're quite active – but be mindful of balancing it by adding protein fibre, and healthy fats.' How to boost the healthiness of your cornflakes Obviously, milk is the first addition to start with. Around 150ml to 250ml is a good guide, as it's enough to moisten and cover the flakes, but the exact amount you choose to add depends on preference and if you are drinking more milk later in the day, she notes. Choosing semi-skimmed or whole milk will provide protein and fat to support fullness, or you could try combining your flakes with Greek yoghurt or kefir (a fermented milk drink) for extra protein and gut-friendly probiotics, Ludlam-Raine says. 'Unsweetened fortified plant-based milks (such as soya or pea milk) can also be good options, as they provide protein and contain added calcium and vitamin D (note that organic versions do not have nutrients added),' she says. 'We use fortified oat milk at home.' For toppings, she recommends fresh fruit such as berries, sliced banana or grated apple and pear for extra minerals, fibre and natural sweetness. A small handful of nuts or seeds, for example chia seeds, flaxseeds or almonds, will add even more healthy fat, protein and fibre. 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'These are cereals which can be added to easily too – from different milks to fruits and nuts too.' For a healthier everyday breakfast that isn't cereal, she recommends porridge oats with milk, fruit and seeds; wholegrain toast with nut butter and fruit; Greek yoghurt with fruit, seeds and muesli; and wholegrain cereals with a good fibre content, mixed with fruit and seeds. 'These options provide more lasting energy, better support blood sugar control and help meet your fibre needs, which many people (over 90 per cent) in the UK fall short on,' Ludlam-Raine says. Verdict: Are cornflakes healthy? 'Cornflakes can form part of a healthy breakfast, but on their own they aren't the most balanced choice,' Ludlam-Raine says. 'They are low in fibre and protein, meaning they may not keep you full for very long, which can lead to impulse or excessive snacking later in the morning.' Clark agrees. 'I wouldn't recommend cornflakes as a healthy cereal due to the low fibre content,' she says. While most options are fortified with vitamins, this is the case for most cereals so it doesn't make cornflakes especially healthy, she adds. 'If you enjoy cornflakes, choose those that are fortified with added nutrients,' Ludlam-Raine adds. 'Pair them with a protein source (such as milk or kefir, yoghurt and nuts) and fibre (fruit and seeds),' for an extra health boost.
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits say their mornings are 'ruined' if this one thing happens at breakfast
Cereal enthusiasts have a mere three-minute window to polish off their bowl before the dreaded sogginess sets in, ruining what is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, reveals a recent survey. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults, discovered that while 48% enjoy a bowl of cereal most mornings, 32% admit to panicking about it going limp in too much milk. For 15%, beginning the day with a soggy serving is enough to spoil their entire morning. However, not everyone is averse to a bit of sogginess – 14% actually favour their cereal fully drenched, whereas 51% insist on maintaining the crunch for maximum enjoyment. This research was commissioned by Kellogg's to celebrate the launch of Oaties – a new oat-based cereal. Food scientists have dedicated the past 18 months to developing the cereal, resulting in what is thought to be the first 'sog-defying' cereal, courtesy of its unique shape and high fibre ingredients. Seven in ten parents said that cereal helps create a smoother routine for their children in the morning. The majority of parents prefer to give it to their kids as it is quick to prepare and 49% admitted it's one of the only meals their kids will actually eat. The study also uncovered a strong allegiance to dairy with 91% choosing cow's milk for their cereal. In terms of dairy alternatives, oat milk has been sampled by 38%, almond milk by 33% and 18% have even contemplated using hot chocolate. Cereal toppings are becoming increasingly adventurous too, with 13% contemplating adding ice cream, while 10% may add avocado, and 8% have flirted with toppings like cheese or even a hard-boiled egg. Meanwhile, traditional toppings still reign supreme, with 33% opting for fresh fruit, 23% favouring a drizzle of honey and 21% stirring in yoghurt. In addition, 7% are adding a scoop of protein powder to their morning meal for an extra boost.
