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Are there different types of Weetabix?

4 min read

With over 90 years of history, Weetabix is more than just the original biscuit. A wide range of variants has been developed over the decades, offering something for every palate. So, are there different types of Weetabix? The answer is a resounding yes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

Quick Summary

A guide to the extensive Weetabix product range, covering popular varieties like Original, flavored options, protein-fortified biscuits, and gluten-free alternatives made from sorghum.

Key Points

  • Diverse Product Range: The Weetabix brand includes more than just the Original biscuit, offering various flavours, forms, and compositions to cater to different tastes and diets.

  • Flavoured and Mini Options: Popular variants include Weetabix with chocolate or banana flavours, as well as bite-sized Crispy Minis in Chocolate Chip and Fruit & Nut.

  • Protein and On-The-Go: The company offers protein-fortified biscuits and cereals, along with a line of 'On The Go' breakfast drinks for a quick, convenient option.

  • Oat and Gluten-Free Choices: Oatibix, made with wholegrain oats, is a heart-healthy alternative, while Weet-Bix Gluten Free is made with sorghum for those with celiac disease.

  • Nutritional Variation: While all products are generally whole-grain based, nutritional profiles differ, particularly regarding protein content and fortifications, with the Organic version being chemical-free.

In This Article

Weetabix Original and its Organic Counterpart

At the core of the brand is the classic Weetabix Original. This iconic breakfast biscuit is made from 95% whole grain wheat, providing a simple yet high-fiber start to the day. Its mild, wholesome flavour makes it a versatile base for various toppings, from fresh fruit and honey to milk and yogurt. The Original variety is low in sugar and saturated fat, a cornerstone of a balanced diet for millions.

For those who prefer their food produced with natural, chemical-free methods, Weetabix offers an Organic variant. This version is made from 100% whole-grain wheat grown organically to Soil Association standards. The Organic biscuits are an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans, providing the same high-fiber benefits without added fortifications found in some other versions. Some customers note a slightly different, flakier texture compared to the Original, but the core taste remains familiar.

A World of Weetabix Flavours

Beyond the classic, the brand has explored a range of flavours to add excitement to the breakfast bowl. These flavoured variants offer a change of pace from the traditional biscuit:

  • Chocolate: For a more indulgent start, chocolate-infused biscuits are a popular choice. They deliver a cocoa taste that pairs well with milk for a comforting breakfast.
  • Banana: The banana-flavoured version adds a fruity twist, ideal for those who love the taste of bananas in their cereal.
  • Baked with Golden Syrup: This sweeter option blends the classic Weetabix with the distinct caramelised flavour of golden syrup. However, it is worth noting that this product has been discontinued in some markets.
  • Crispy Minis: These bite-sized versions come in popular flavours like Chocolate Chip and Fruit & Nut. They offer a different texture and are a big hit with children and adults alike, staying crunchy even in milk.

Protein and On-The-Go Options

Recognising the growing demand for protein-enriched breakfast foods, Weetabix introduced specific protein products. The Weetabix Protein biscuits and Protein Crunch cereals are aimed at providing extra fuel to power through the morning. These products contain added wheat gluten protein granules to increase their protein content. While they offer a protein boost over the Original, it's important to remember that Weetabix Protein is not considered 'high protein' by some regulatory standards, just missing the 20g per 100g benchmark. Still, they provide more protein than the standard variety.

For busy mornings, the 'On The Go' drinks offer a quick and convenient alternative. These breakfast drinks are available in several flavours, including Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Banana. Packed with vitamins, iron, and fibre, they provide a balanced breakfast in a bottle, perfect for those who eat on the move.

The Oat and Gluten-Free Alternatives

Recognising the diversity in dietary preferences, the company has expanded its portfolio to include non-wheat options. Oatibix, a distinct brand under the Weetabix Food Company umbrella, is a great example. Oatibix biscuits are made from 100% wholegrain oats and offer a different taste and texture. They are known for being high in oat fibre, which has been proven to help lower cholesterol levels.

For those with gluten sensitivities, there is a dedicated solution. The Weet-Bix Gluten Free is a variant made in a separate, dedicated facility to avoid cross-contamination. Instead of wheat, it uses sorghum, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain. The gluten-free product is available in various flavours, including plain, berry, and coconut with cinnamon.

A Comparative Look at Weetabix Variants

Feature Weetabix Original Weetabix Protein Weetabix Organic Oatibix Weet-Bix Gluten Free
Core Grain Wholegrain Wheat Wholegrain Wheat & Wheat Protein Organically Grown Wholegrain Wheat Wholegrain Oats Sorghum (Gluten-Free)
Protein Content (per 2 biscuits) 4.5g (approx.) 7.6g (approx.) Similar to Original 6g (approx.) 3.2g (approx.)
Added Fortifications Yes (Vitamins & Iron) Yes (Vitamins & Iron) No (Chemical-free) Yes (Vitamins) Yes (Vitamins & Iron)
Flavoured Options Yes (Chocolate, Banana, etc.) Yes (Protein Crunch Chocolate) No Yes (Flakes Red Berries) Yes (Coconut & Cinnamon, Berry)
Key Benefit High Fibre, Classic Taste Increased Protein Organic & Natural Heart-Healthy Oats Naturally Gluten-Free
Best For Everyday breakfast Added muscle maintenance Natural-food preference Cholesterol support Gluten intolerance

Conclusion: A Weetabix for Everyone

The range of Weetabix products demonstrates the brand's evolution from a single, classic biscuit to a diverse family of cereals and drinks. Whether you are looking for the familiar comfort of the Original, the added protein to fuel your active lifestyle, a specific flavour to excite your taste buds, or a gluten-free alternative, the Weetabix company has a product to meet your needs. By offering whole-grain wheat, oat-based, and sorghum-based options, they effectively cater to different nutritional priorities and dietary restrictions, ensuring a healthy and delicious start to the day for a broad range of consumers. You can find more detailed nutritional information and product specifics on the official Weetabix UK website at https://weetabix.co.uk/.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while both are made by the same company, Oatibix is a different product. Weetabix is made from wholegrain wheat, whereas Oatibix is made from 100% wholegrain oats, offering different nutritional benefits like cholesterol support.

Yes, the company produces Weet-Bix Gluten Free. It is made from sorghum, a naturally gluten-free ancient grain, and is produced in a separate facility to prevent cross-contamination.

Weetabix Protein has approximately 3.1g more protein per two-biscuit serving than the Original. This is achieved by adding wheat gluten protein granules during production.

The Crispy Minis range offers several bite-sized options, including popular flavours like Chocolate Chip and Fruit & Nut.

The Weetabix Baked with Golden Syrup product has been discontinued in some markets. This is often done by manufacturers when a product is in low demand.

Like the Original, most Weetabix biscuits, including the flavoured ones, can be enjoyed with hot or cold milk, depending on your preference.

Weetabix On The Go drinks are formulated to have significantly less sugar than the average dairy breakfast drink. They contain the same amount of sugar as a glass of milk, making them a healthier on-the-go choice.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.