Ingredients: A Deeper Look at Each Cereal
To understand the fundamental distinction between these two breakfast staples, we must first look at their ingredients. The difference is more than just the word "multigrain" on the box; it's a difference in composition and complexity.
The Simplicity of Original Weet-Bix
Original Weet-Bix is known for its straightforward and simple recipe, making it a reliable and low-processed breakfast option. It is made predominantly from one type of wholegrain and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Wholegrain Wheat (97%): The primary ingredient is wholegrain wheat, providing a high concentration of this single grain.
- Sugar & Salt: Added in minimal quantities for flavour.
- Barley Malt Extract: Used for a subtle touch of sweetness.
- Vitamins & Iron: Fortified with key nutrients like B vitamins (B1, B2, B3) and electrolytic iron.
The Diverse Blend of Multigrain Weet-Bix
Multigrain Weet-Bix, on the other hand, lives up to its name with a more complex blend of ingredients. It combines four distinct wholegrains with additional components that contribute to a richer flavour and different texture.
- Wholegrain Cereals (73%): A blend of wheat, rye, sorghum, and oats makes up the wholegrain base.
- Rice & Puffed Wheat: Added to provide a different texture and mouthfeel.
- Sugar, Honey & Coconut: These ingredients are included for a sweeter, nuttier flavour profile and are responsible for its higher sugar and fat content compared to the original.
- Vegetable Oils: Used in the baking process, contributing to a higher fat content.
- Vitamins & Iron: Also fortified with similar vitamins and minerals, though at slightly different concentrations due to the recipe variation.
Nutritional Comparison: A Closer Look Per 100g
While comparing nutritional information per serving can be misleading due to varying biscuit sizes, comparing the content per 100g gives a more accurate picture of the nutritional value. The differences are quite notable, particularly in wholegrain percentage, fibre, and sugar content.
- Wholegrain Percentage: Original Weet-Bix contains 97% wholegrain wheat, while multigrain has 73% wholegrains from a blend of four types.
- Fibre: Original Weet-Bix contains a higher concentration of fibre per 100g (approx. 12.9g) compared to multigrain (approx. 9.2g).
- Sugar: Multigrain Weet-Bix has significantly more sugar per 100g (approx. 9g) than the original (approx. 3g), providing a sweeter taste.
- Fat: Due to the inclusion of coconut and vegetable oils, multigrain has a higher fat and saturated fat content.
- Taste: The original offers a mild, classic wheaty flavour, whereas the multigrain is richer and nuttier from the added honey and coconut.
- Texture: The original biscuit softens quickly in milk, while the multigrain version is designed to remain crunchier for longer due to the different grain mix.
| Feature | Original Weet-Bix | Multigrain Weet-Bix |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain Content | 97% Wholegrain Wheat | 73% Wholegrain Blend (Wheat, Rye, Sorghum, Oats) |
| Key Added Ingredients | Sugar, salt, barley malt extract | Sugar, salt, honey, coconut, vegetable oils, puffed wheat |
| Fibre (per 100g) | ~12.9g | ~9.2g |
| Sugar (per 100g) | ~3g | ~9g |
| Fat (per 100g) | Lower (~1.3g) | Higher (~3.2g) |
| Taste Profile | Mild, wheaty, classic | Richer, nuttier, sweeter with hints of honey and coconut |
| Texture | Softens quickly in milk | Maintains crunch longer in milk |
| Health Star Rating | Generally higher | Generally lower due to higher sugar/fat |
Flavour and Texture: Beyond the Nutritional Label
Beyond the numbers on the nutrition panel, the eating experience is a major differentiating factor. Your personal preference for taste and texture will play a big role in which variety you prefer. Original Weet-Bix is the purist's choice, offering a clean, simple flavour that acts as a blank canvas for your preferred toppings like fruit or honey. In contrast, multigrain Weet-Bix provides a more flavour-forward experience straight out of the box with its nutty undertones from the oats and rye, and the added sweetness from honey and coconut.
The difference in texture is also significant. The original biscuits absorb milk and soften almost instantly, which some people enjoy for its comforting, porridge-like consistency. The multigrain variety, with its different grain blend and larger biscuit size, maintains a greater amount of crunch and structure when milk is added, offering a more satisfying, hearty bite.
Making Your Choice: Which Weet-Bix is Best for You?
Choosing between original and multigrain Weet-Bix depends on your priorities. Both are excellent sources of wholegrains, fibre, and fortified vitamins. However, the ideal option depends on what you value most in your breakfast cereal.
- Choose Original if: You prefer a simpler, less sweet taste; you want the highest wholegrain and fibre content per 100g; you prefer a softer, faster-to-prepare cereal; you want a healthier option with lower sugar and fat.
- Choose Multigrain if: You enjoy a richer, nuttier, and sweeter flavour; you prefer a crunchier texture that doesn't go soft immediately; you appreciate a wider variety of grains in your diet; you don't mind a trade-off of slightly more sugar and fat for enhanced flavour.
It's important to remember that misleading per-serve comparisons can happen. Always check the 'per 100g' nutritional information on the packaging to get a true comparison of the contents. For a full overview of Sanitarium's products, you can visit their website.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single 'best' choice between original and multigrain Weet-Bix. While original Weet-Bix holds the edge in wholegrain percentage and lower sugar content, multigrain offers a richer flavour and more complex texture from its blend of four different grains, honey, and coconut. Your decision should be based on your personal taste preferences and nutritional goals. Both cereals provide a healthy, fibre-rich start to the day, ensuring you get a solid dose of wholegrain goodness.
