Sugar Content of Children’s Breakfast Foods in Mediterranean Diet Patterns

Background: Breakfast habits in Mediterranean countries often include processed products with hidden sugars, which may compromise children’s oral and general health. Objectives: This study assessed the sugar content of breakfast foods commonly consumed by children using °Brix refractometry and examined its implications for dental caries and obesity. Methods: Forty-nine breakfast food samples (processed products, homemade alternatives, and fresh fruits) were analysed using a digital °Brix refractometer to quantify soluble sugar concentrations. Comparative statistical analyses were performed to evaluate differences among food categories. Results: Processed foods consistently exhibited significantly higher °Brix values (mean ± SD: 14.1 ± 4.9), reflecting greater levels of extrinsic sugars, compared with homemade preparations (10.9 ± 1.1) and fresh fruits (10.7 ± 5.2) (p < 0.01). Processed items contained on average 25% more sugar than the other categories. Fresh fruits and homemade options demonstrated moderate °Brix levels, with no added sugars, whereas processed products—despite some being marketed as “no added sugars”—frequently contained substantial sugar content. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for educational strategies and clearer labelling to reduce sugar intake during childhood breakfasts. Promoting natural and homemade alternatives could be a key preventive approach to lowering the risk of dental caries, obesity, and other diet-related conditions.