Researchers confirm most children's cereals still too high in sugar

YOUNGSTERS love crunchy, yummy bite-sized pieces, but some children's cereals contain so much sugar, they belong in the confectionery aisle.

Zak Hemmerling tips sugar out of Fruit Loops cereal box

YOUNGSTERS love crunchy, yummy bite-sized pieces, but some children's cereals contain so much sugar, they belong in the confectionery aisle.

A report by consumer watchdog CHOICE documenting an investigation of 195 ready-to-eat cereals reveals 73 per cent, or 30 of the 41 cereals marketed to children, were high in sugar.

Nine of the 10 most sugary cereals reviewed were products aimed at children and teens.

One of the worst sugar offenders was Kellogg's Frosties, with more than 40 per cent sugar - equal to three teaspoons per 30g serve.

Others high in sugar include Kellogg's Froot Loops, Woolworths Homebrand Cocoa Puffs, Kellogg's Coco Pops and Coles Cocoa Puffs.

Dietitian Giordana Cross from UniSA advises parents to feed their children wholegrain cereals.

She said other healthy brekkie options were wholegrain or high-fibre white bread with Vegemite or peanut butter or yoghurt and fruit.

Mum Monique Hemmerling, of Fulham Gardens, said her son Zak loved eating Coco Pops.

"I try not let him have it every day," she said.

She said she encouraged her son to eat Weet-Bix as a healthier option.