Milk

    Cereal and milk: a match made in heaven

    There’s something really comforting about the sound of milk being poured into a bowl of crunchy cereal. It’s like they’re made for each other. And in many ways, they are! It’s a combination that, when you add some fruit and a drink, gives you a balance of hydration, vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrate to give you a great start to the day.

    Great for growing up

    Milk is rich in calcium, which is particularly important for children because they need it for the growth and development of their bones. And, while some children might not drink a glass of milk on its own, a bowl of cereal with milk is a tasty way to encourage them to get some dairy into their diet. In fact, studies show that children who eat breakfast cereal regularly consume a lot more milk.[1]

    A good breakfast is great for growing up

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    Mighty milk

    Delicious and satisfying, milk contains many of the nutrients our bodies need, including:

    • Protein. Contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass – which is good for daily wear and tear!
    • Calcium. helps keeps your teeth and bones in normal condition.
    • Vitamin B2. You might also know this as 'riboflavin' – and, if you didn’t know it before, you now have something to show off about! It helps release energy from our food.
    • Vitamin B12. It plays a part in maintaining oxygen carrying red blood cells.
    • Iodine. Contributes to normal function of nervous system.

    Did you

    know?

    Wheat almighty!

    Wheat is the most widely grown cereal grain. It’s grown on over 17 per cent of the total cultivated land in the world, and is the staple food for 35 per cent of the world’s population. It provides more calories and protein in the world’s diet than any other crop.

    A whole lot of grains

    One bushel of wheat contains around a million individual whole grain kernels.

    Different types of milk

    Milk and cereal may be a perfect couple, but what if you want a lactose-free alternative? Well, there are plenty to choose from. They taste great and are often calcium-enriched, so you won’t miss out on all those nutrients – just check out the labels to see what good stuff’s included.

    • Soy milk: Super-rich soy is a good source of protein, and is low in saturated fats.
    • Coconut milk: Rich and creamy, coconut milk contains a significant amount of saturated fats though, so best drunk in moderation
    • Almond milk: Low in saturated fat, almond milk has its very own light, crisp flavour.
    • Rice milk: Sweet and thinner in consistency than other milks – rice milk also tastes sweet with cereals.

    Find out more about what makes a balanced breakfast

    TOP TIP: For all these milk alternatives, choose fortified versions, whenever possible.

    Weekend breakfast time - Fun for all the family

    Make breakfast fun and unique for all the family by creating games and activities - or by simply using some of Nestlé's other breakfast ideas

    Read moreWeekend breakfast time - Fun for all the family

    Scrummy ways to mix ‘n’ match milk and cereal

     

      Your children probably don’t need any encouragement to mess about with their cereal, but just in case, here are a few ideas:

      • Go stir crazy – For a super-soggy cereal treat, leave milk to soak in, then stir, stir, stir.
      • Keep it crispy – Pour on cold milk and crunch away.
      • Turn up the heat – Give milk a short burst in the microwave and turn a bowl of cereal into a warming breakfast.
      • Add a dash of flavour – Turn up the taste by adding a drop of cinnamon syrup or honey.
      • Go rainbow – Add chopped pieces of fruit to create a colourful breakfast.
      • Bowl them over – Who says cereal has to be eaten out of a bowl? Is it possible that it could taste even nicer out of their favourite mug? You be the judge.

      Check out our tips for a fun weekend

      Footnotes

      1. • INCA2 (2008) French National Dietary Survey. • Michels N, De Henauw S, Breidenassel C et al (2015) European adolescent ready-to-eat-cereal (RTEC) consumers have a healthier dietary intake and body composition compared with non-RTEC consumers. Eur J Nutr. Jun;54(4):653-64.

      Also Interesting

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      Let'stalk

      Do Nestlé products in emerging countries have more salt than products in developed/developing countries?

      For the last 15 years we’ve been working to reduce the sodium (which is the major component of salt) in our breakfast cereals across the world, because we want to keep on making them more nutritious. Achieving consistency on all products, in all countries, takes time - so some may have more sodium than others. Our aim is for all our cereals – globally – to have the same reduced levels of sodium, with a target of less than 135mg per serving in all our children’s products.

      What are the health and nutritional benefits of Nestlé Gluten Free Corn Flakes?

      As well as being a healthy choice for people who want to reduce the amount of gluten in their diet, or have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance, Gluten Free Corn Flakes are fortified with B-vitamins, folic acid and iron

      How can I find foods made with whole grain?

      Two things to remember: • Look for food labels where the word 'whole' appears in front of the name of the grain, like “whole wheat” or “wholemeal bread”. • For foods with more than one ingredient, make sure whole grain is listed towards the top of the ingredients list. The further up the list it is, the more whole grain has been used in the recipe. And look out for the percentage of whole grain. You should find this in the ingredients list too.

      I’ve heard a low GI diet can help me lose weight. Is this true?

      It’s too early to say. The science in this area is still emerging. There is evidence that low GI foods take longer to digest and help you feel satisfied for longer, but none that you’ll eat fewer calories at the next meal.