This week's Shopping Trolley Hotline has answered the age-old question: which Corn Flakes are the best?
Newstalk's Simon Tierney took up the challenge for The Hard Shoulder.
He taste-tested three brands on the Irish market: Kellogg's, Aldi own-brand and Dunnes Stores own-brand.
There was a large price differential found: the most expensive product is 173% pricier than the cheapest.
- Kellogg's Corn Flakes 500g - €3.25
- Dunnes Stores Corn Flakes 500g - €1.19
- Aldi Corn Flakes 500g - €1.19
Taste test
"Aldi’s cornflakes are the crunchiest of the lot, real jawbreakers," Simon said.
"They are bubbly, hard and dark in colour.
"Dunnes offering is by far the blandest of the three, with little to know flavour.
"Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering the cost differential, the Kellogg’s product is the tastiest.
"Their flakes are light and crispy, without being too crunchy. They are rich, buttery and with notes of candy.
Simon noted: "This may come down to the fact that this option contains the most sugar, double the salt of the other two products and the most saturated fat content also".
What’s the difference?
"Size and shape is really important when it comes to cereal boxes," he said.
"The Kellogg’s box is very problematic, as it doesn’t fit in my press.
"It’s just too tall, even though it has the same volume as the other two".
Simon said Kellogg's also topped the list for other things.
"Interestingly, the Kellogg’s is the sugariest, on 3% of your daily intake," he said.
"Kellogg’s is also by far the saltiest, with double the amount of the other two - on 6% versus 3%"
"Kellogg’s has marginally more sat fats than the other two.
The verdict: "Overall Kellogg’s is the least healthy option here - but this also means it is the tastiest too, or at least the least bland".
No prizes
Simon said there is also one big difference with cereals you buy today.
"One of the tragedies of modern breakfast cereals is the absence of a little toy falling into your bowl," he said.
"These were everywhere when I was a kid but you rarely see them anymore. The reason for this is a combination of cost and a choking hazard.
"I remember Kellogg’s Cornflakes used to come with a small model airplane at one point.
"Now, all we get is a collaboration between Kellogg’s and the GAA, promoting their Cul Camps over the summer holidays, and a chance to enter a lottery for your club," he added.
Listen back here:
