The Best Instant Bircher Muesli

Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast items. Some families struggle to get kids to eat oatmeal on a regular basis. One way of making oatmeal taste better, is to add natural sweetness.

[Disclaimer: This recipe was modified from an original recipe shared by a cookbook author in a workshop sponsored by the Canadian Sugar Institute. I received free groceries sent by CSI and compensation for the time spent attending the workshop; however, this post is not sponsored.]

Speaking of adding sweetness, two years ago I shared a 2000-calorie menu and have briefly mentioned about the then-upcoming Health Canada new sugar label. Fast forward to 2021, you may noticed that many food companies have since adopted this new labeling guideline. The new measure will be in effect starting 2022.

In a nutshell, a %DV (Percent Daily Value) is now printed right next to the amount of sugar. This new Daily Value percentage for sugar is set at 100 grams per day; it is equivalent to 20% of a 2,000 calorie diet. Now, this is NOT a recommended level of intake. In other words, you do not need to aim at eating 100 grams of sugar; but if you are at 100 grams or less at the end of the day, it is consistent with a healthy eating pattern.

When I first shared this 100-gram sugar value, I received many reactions from some of you. Many felt that eating 100 grams per day is too much so let’s clarify this.

100-Gram DV = Natural Sugar + Added Sugar

First and foremost, 100 grams per day is not a recommended amount. It is simply a percentage of total calories. So let’s say if you are on an average 1600-calorie diet, your sugar DV would be 80 grams. Similarly, if you are eating 2400-calorie per day, your DV would be 120 grams per day.

Most importantly, 100-Gram DV is not just added sugar; it indeed includes both natural sugar found in foods such as fruits and dairy, as well as the added sugar. Let me share a delicious Bircher muesli breakfast recipe that is made with deliciously sweet whole foods. Let me know how you like it!

For more information about the 100-Gram daily value for sugars, check out Canadian Sugar Institute resources.