Are you looking for a healthy breakfast option that is both delicious and nutritious and wondering if Alpen muesli is the right choice for you? This Swiss-inspired cereal has become increasingly popular in recent years as people look to add more whole grains and natural ingredients into their diets. But what exactly is Alpen muesli, and is it really good for your health?
In this blog post, we’ll explore all the benefits of adding Alpen muesli into your daily routine. We’ll discuss its nutritional value, potential health benefits, and how to incorporate it into your diet.
What is Alpen muesli?
Alpen muesli is a Swiss-inspired breakfast cereal that consists of whole grains, nuts, dried fruits, and other ingredients. The recipe was first invented by a Weetabix executive in 1971, who discovered the cereal on a family skiing holiday in Switzerland. Since then, Alpen muesli has become a popular and delicious way to start the day.
Ingredients in Alpen muesli
The ingredients in Alpen muesli vary slightly, depending on the flavour. However, in general, it is rich in whole grains (wholegrain wheat, wholegrain oats), nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), dried fruits (raisins or freeze-dried berries) and contains skimmed milk powder and milk whey powder.
Some versions of Alpen have added sugar, including the Original and Chocolate flavours. There is no extra sugar in Alpen No Added Sugar, only natural sugars.
| ALPEN FLAVOUR | INGREDIENTS |
| Alpen The Original | Wholegrain Wheat (39%), Wholegrain Rolled Oats (36%), Raisins (12%), Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Milk Whey Power, Roasted Sliced Nuts (2.5%) (Hazelnuts & Almonds), Salt. |
| Alpen No Added Sugar | Wholegrain Wheat (43%), Wholegrain Rolled Oats (37%), Raisins (15%), Skimmed Milk Powder, Milk Whey Powder, Roasted Sliced Nuts (2.0%)(Hazelnuts & Almonds), Salt. |
| Alpen Simply Berries | Wholegrain Rolled Oats (42%), Wholegrain Wheat (39%), Raisins (12%), Skimmed Milk Powder, Freeze Dried Fruit Pieces (2.5 %) (Strawberry, Raspberry, Cranberry), Roasted Sliced Nuts (Hazelnuts, Almonds), Salt, Flavouring. |
| Alpen Chocolate | Wholegrain Wheat (35%), Wholegrain Rolled Oats (34%), Raisins (11%), Dark Chocolate (10%) (Cocoa Mass, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Milk Butter Oil, Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavouring), Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Milk Whey Powder, Roasted Sliced Nuts (1.7%) (Hazelnuts, Almonds), Salt |
Nutritional information
Alpen muesli is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. It is also high in dietary fibre, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy and regular. Furthermore, Alpen muesli is low in saturated fat, salt, and cholesterol, making it a great choice for those who want to stay healthy and active.
Calories in Alpen muesli
Calories in Alpen muesli will vary slightly depending on the flavour, but generally speaking, a 45g serving of Alpen muesli contains between 165 and 174 calories. The Simply Berries flavour has the least amount of calories (165kcal), while the Chocolate flavour has the most (174kcal).
If you eat your muesli with 150ml of full-fat milk, that will add an extra 93 calories to your breakfast. So, a bowl of Alpen muesli (45g) with milk will be at least 258 calories but if you have the Chocolate flavour, it will be a total of 267 calories.
Eating a bowl of No Added Sugar Alpen muesli with full-fat milk will result in a total of 259 calories (166kcal per 45g serving plus 93kcal for 150ml of full-fat milk).
Fat content
Alpen muesli is generally low in fat, with a 45g serving containing around 2.5g of fat. The Chocolate flavour has the highest fat content, at 3.7g per 45g serving.
Saturated fat
Alpen muesli is also low in saturated fat. The Original, No Added Sugar and Simply Berries flavours contain 0.4g of saturated fat per 45g serving. The Chocolate flavour has a slightly higher saturated fat content (1.3g per 45g serving). This is still very low, making Alpen muesli a good choice for those who want to reduce their intake of saturated fat.
Protein content
Alpen muesli is a good source of protein, with a 45g serving containing around 5g of protein. The Simply Berries and No Added Sugar flavours have the highest protein content, at 5.4g per 45g serving.
Fibre content
Alpen muesli is high in dietary fibre, with a 45g serving containing between 3.5g and 3.8g of fibre. The Simply Berries flavour has the highest fibre content at 3.8g per 45g serving.
We all need at least 30g of fibre a day, so adding a bowl of Alpen muesli to your diet is a great way to increase your fibre intake.
Sugar content
Alpen muesli contains between 6.8g and 9.9g of sugar per 45g serving depending on the flavour. The Chocolate flavour is the highest in sugar content, with 9.9g of sugar per 45g serving while the Simply Berries flavour has the least amount of sugar, at 6.8g per 45g serving. This includes natural and added sugars but it’s not specified how much of each is included.
The UK Government recommends that adults should not have more than 30g of sugar a day and children aged 4-6 years old should have no more than 19g of sugar a day.
So, a 45g serving of Alpen muesli with the Chocolate flavour would contain around 2.5 teaspoons of sugar and a bowl with the Simply Berries flavour would contain around 1.5 teaspoons of sugar. This is still relatively low compared to some other breakfast cereals, making Alpen muesli a good choice if you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake.
Health benefits of Alpen muesli
Alpen muesli has many health benefits including:
Rich in Fibre
Alpen muesli is an excellent source of dietary fibre. Fibre helps regulate digestion and can also help you feel fuller longer so you don’t overeat later on in the day. Eating fibre-rich foods such as Alpen muesli can also reduce your risk for certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Low Glycemic Index
Another benefit of eating Alpen muesli is that it has a pretty low glycemic index rating which means it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to spike like other sugary cereals would do. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes or those who are trying to lose weight.
Good Source of Protein
Alpen muesli is also a good source of protein which helps build and maintain muscle mass, as well as keeping your bones and teeth strong. Protein is also important for providing energy throughout the day so having a bowl of Alpen muesli for breakfast will give you the energy to power through your day.
Low in Saturated Fat
Alpen muesli is also low in saturated fat, making it a healthier choice than other breakfast cereals that are high in saturated fat. This is important for keeping your cholesterol levels balanced and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Energy booster
Finally, Alpen muesli is an excellent source of energy. It’s packed with slow-release carbohydrates which give you a steady stream of energy throughout the day. This means you won’t experience sudden drops in energy or sugar crashes later on.
Side effects of Alpen muesli
Although Alpen muesli is generally a healthy breakfast option, it’s important to note that it does contain some added sugars depending on the flavour. It’s always important to read the nutrition label before consuming any food so you can be sure of its nutritional content.
In addition, some people may experience minor side effects such as bloating or gas when eating Alpen muesli due to its high fibre content. If this is an issue for you, it’s best to start with a smaller serving size and increase it over time as your body adjusts.
Is Alpen good for constipation?
Yes, Alpen muesli is a good choice for those who are suffering from constipation as it is high in dietary fibre which helps keep your digestive system regular.
The fibre content assists in keeping your bowel movements soft and regular, making it easier for your body to pass stool. It is also low in sugar and saturated fat, which can help reduce the symptoms of constipation.
Is Alpen good for diabetics?
According to Diabetes UK, Alpen – No Added Sugar has moderate amounts of sugar (which comes from dried fruits) therefore it’s not the best cereal choice for diabetics. A better option would be Weetabix or Ready Brek.
However, everybody is different and some may find that Alpen muesli is a good option so it’s always important to consult your doctor or dietitian first.
Is Alpen muesli fattening?
Alpen muesli contains a variety of healthy ingredients including whole grains which can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer. It is low in saturated fat and sugar so it won’t contribute to weight gain when eaten in moderation.
However, it is important to note that if you eat large portions of it, you may end up consuming more calories than necessary and thus, leading to weight gain.
Is Alpen muesli low FODMAP?
No, Alpen muesli is not considered low FODMAP overall, since it contains wheat which is a high FODMAP ingredient. However, some of the varieties may be low FODMAP in smaller servings so it is important to check the nutrition label for individual products.
Is Alpen muesli good for you?
Yes, Alpen muesli is generally a healthy breakfast choice for most people. It is low in saturated fat and has a low glycemic index which helps to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. It is also an excellent source of fibre, protein and slow-release carbohydrates for sustained energy.
However, it is important to read the nutrition label before consuming any food to ensure that you are aware of its nutritional content. Additionally, some people may experience minor digestive side effects such as bloating or gas when eating Alpen muesli due to its high fibre content – so it is best to start with a smaller serving size and increase it over time as your body adjusts.
