According to a recent report from the World Obesity Atlas, the prevalence of obesity is projected to affect more than half of the global population by 2035. This alarming statistic calls for immediate action and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including the food industry, health professionals, policymakers, and other relevant parties, to address the escalating health risks associated with obesity.
At Cereal Partners Worldwide, the maker of Nestle Breakfast Cereals, we are committed to being part of the solution and promoting more nutritious and sustainable diets. Our company’s purpose of “Making Breakfast Better” drives us to consistently explore three essential allies in the fight against obesity and its related health issues: breakfast, breakfast cereals, and wholegrain. These allies play a crucial role in promoting positive nutrition and health outcomes.
Breakfast - The Key to Unlocking Nutrition and Health
Breakfast is widely recognized as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It kickstarts our metabolism, provides essential nutrients, and fuels our brains and bodies for the day ahead. Research has consistently shown that individuals who regularly consume breakfast experience a range of improvements in cognitive function, a good start with the right energy levels, better weight management, and a reduced risk of non-communicable diseases.
Our published research on dietary intake across multiple European countries revealed that, on average, 80% of individuals have breakfast regularly, with slightly lower rates among teenagers and higher rates among children and the elderly. By incorporating a balanced breakfast into our daily routine, we can set ourselves up for success in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Wholegrain Breakfast Cereals: Start Your Morning Right
Breakfast cereals are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and contain significant amounts of fiber, making them a valuable source of these essential nutrients in the diet. Furthermore, the consumption of breakfast cereals is associated with an increase in the consumption of other essential food groups, providing a convenient way to incorporate whole grains, fruits, and dairy into our diets.
In the face of the growing global obesity epidemic, breakfast, breakfast cereals, and wholegrain emerge as simple yet powerful allies
Research in adults has shown that the consumption of breakfast cereals is associated with a reduced risk of obesity and other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
To maximize the positive nutrition and health impacts of breakfast cereals, reformulation plays a crucial role. Gradually reducing added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats allows manufacturers to create more balanced options without compromising on taste and quality. It is essential for manufacturers to drive the evolution of nutritional profiles, ensuring that breakfast cereals align with the changing needs and expectations of consumers. Policymakers also play a vital role in shaping a regulatory landscape that encourages and incentivizes reformulation efforts.
Highlighting the stepwise reduction of public healthsensitive nutrients and emphasizing the added nutritional value, such as the benefits of wholegrain and fiber, presents an opportunity to develop meaningful nutrition and health claims that inform consumers’ choices.
Wholegrain Benefits Beyond Fiber
Wholegrains are an essential component of healthier and more sustainable diets, offering a wealth of benefits beyond their fiber content. Rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, wholegrains contribute to improved digestion, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced overall wellbeing. The Global Burden of Diseases report consistently ranks “a diet low in wholegrains” as one of the top three dietary risk factors for deaths, surpassing the risks associated with excessive sugar intake.
Incorporating wholegrains into breakfast cereals not only increases their nutritional value but also provides individuals with a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the numerous benefits of wholegrains. Cereal-based products offer an excellent solution to strike a balance between increasing nutritional value and reducing public healthsensitive nutrients, such as added sugars and sodium. Since 2003, Nestle Breakfast Cereals has gradually increased the wholegrain content in its recipes, with more than 90% of the global portfolio now featuring wholegrain as the predominant ingredient.
Importance of Initiatives for Breakfast Education and Wholegrain Promotion
Education and awareness initiatives play a crucial role in promoting the importance of breakfast and wholegrains in maintaining a healthy diet. Our collaboration with organizations like the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) on the Balanced Breakfast Toolkit and our participation in the celebration of International Wholegrain Day, in collaboration with the Wholegrain Initiative Platform, exemplify our commitment to these initiatives. These initiatives aim to provide individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices about their breakfast and increase their wholegrain consumption, addressing the significant gap between current intake and recommended levels globally.
In the face of the growing global obesity epidemic, breakfast, breakfast cereals, and wholegrain emerge as simple yet powerful allies. At Cereal Partners Worldwide, we will continue to call upon all relevant stakeholders to collaborate and harness the potential of these allies to support healthier generations through the power of nutrition.
