We’ve discussed before the importance of a healthy diet and how that can tie into both your oral health and your overall health. But sometimes foods can sneak up on you, and when you think that you and your family are starting the day off right with breakfast, you may actually be eating far more sugar than you realize. The following breakfast foods have as much or even more sugar than a candy bar, so keep a watchful eye as you and your family decide what’s for breakfast this week.

Bars

Energy and granola bars are a nice, quick morning option, but they can pack a pretty strong sugary punch. Check the nutrition labels before you assume that these easy options are the best morning choice.

Fruit Flavored Yogurts

Natural sugars in yogurts are completely fine for breakfast; but a lot of fruit flavored yogurts add a lot of artificial sweeteners to the mix as well. Plain or Greek yogurts are a better option. If you and your family still crave the sweetness, try adding some fresh blueberries or a dab of honey to the healthy yogurt mix.

Muffins

Some muffins can be healthy, but watch out: Plenty of muffins are packed with sugar. Check the nutrition info if you can, or opt for a healthier option when you’re not sure how much sugar might be packed into your local bake shop’s muffin choices.

Smoothies

Smoothies can be an incredibly healthy breakfast option when they’re done correctly. Some brands of smoothies pack more than 100 grams of sugar in a serving. The safest bet for smoothies is to make it yourself at home so you know exactly what’s going into your breakfast drink.

Cereals

Most people know that cereals can be packed with sugar, so just keep an eye out for the sugar count when you’re choosing the right cereals for your family. The best bet is to find a cereal with at least three to five grams of fiber.

Frozen Waffles

A serving of frozen waffles can contain as much sugar as a Twinkie. When you add syrup to that waffle, that’s a huge, sugary breakfast.

Keep your eyes peeled as you shop for breakfast for you and your family. What may seem like a healthy option may actually be filled with sugar. And when you’re in doubt, it’s always a good bet to stick with some healthy fruit for breakfast.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Sugary Breakfasts: Morning Meals with More Sugar than a Snickers Bar,” June 15, 2013