Take salt with your breakfast?

May 10 2009 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

IT’S pitched as the most important meal of the day but, with only eight per cent of cereals getting a green light for healthy sugar levels, many Britons are waking up to poor nutrition, as MIEKA SMILES finds out

ADULTS and children have a hard job finding a healthy start to the day, as cereal companies continue to add large amounts of sugar to their top brands according to a new Which? survey.

Thirty-one cereals out of the 100 examined contained more than four teaspoons of sugar per recommended serving and only one of the 28 cereals specifically marketed to children was found not to be high in sugar but was still high in salt.

And many brands thought of as healthy did little to bowl over Which? researchers.

The Which? Going Against the Grain report analysed 100 leading UK cereals.

Although sugar levels remained high, positive changes could be seen with reductions in salt content.

Other issues included confusing labelling and questionable health and nutrition claims allowing some companies to promote a wholesome image for their brand, while failing to emphasise the high sugar or salt content.

Dr Amelia Lake, dietician at Newcastle University, said it’s important to be label aware when it comes to breakfast cereals.

She said: "It’s really important for people to check the labels and become label aware.

"Look out for cereals that are very high in sugar or salt and try to focus on those that are high in fibre.

"I’d also say for people to look at breakfasts that are going to be filling like porridge and oats - adding fresh fruit to these is a very good way to start your day but it all very much depends on the individual and what you like and what you don’t like.

"If you are going to have toast then try and have wholemeal or brown bread. It’s also important to think about toppings. Try to opt for low fat spread and make sure to spread it thinly.