Health officials in Liverpool publish list of most sugary breakfast cereals
Health officials in Liverpool have published a list of the most sugary breakfast cereals in a bid to encourage parents and children to make healthier food choices.
Representatives from Public Health Liverpool have put together a list based on research into the sugar content of popular cereals. Bestsellers, Kellogg’s Frosties and Coco Pops, were among the worst offenders, with a sugar content of more than 3.5 cubes per 40g serving. The recommended maximum daily intake for a child aged between 7 and 10 years old is 6 cubes.
The list was published as part of the Save Kids from Sugar campaign. It lists a number of popular cereals, and divides them into high and medium categories, with recommendations for low-sugar alternatives. In the high category, you’ll find Nestle Krave, Coco Shreddies and own brand versions of Coco Pops and Frosties, as well as the original Kellogg’s products. In the medium category, cereals including Cheerios, Shreddies, Weetos and Rice Krispies, are listed. Recommendations for healthier options include Bran Flakes, Weetabix and porridge oats.
A spokesperson for Kellogg’s said that sugar content has been reduced in many of the most popular products over the course of the last couple of years. Coco Pops now contain 14% less sugar. Kellogg’s also recommends a 30g serving for children. Despite the improvements, Coco Pops still comes out as one of the most sugary cereals on the list, and a 40g serving provides children with more than 50 percent of their total recommended sugar intake.
Excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and dental health issues, as well as child obesity. The most recent statistics show that more than 20 percent of reception age children are either overweight or obese.
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