In our household, lazy Sundays are non-negotiable. Most shops are closed or only open later in the day, so we embrace the slower pace. Michael often occupies himself in the kitchen, whipping up an elaborate breakfast while I relax on the couch, tending to baby Liam and planning our afternoon stroll through nature. Meanwhile, our son, Oliver, entertains himself with his Duplo in his room.
Today, the bright autumn sun and refreshing air have lifted our spirits. Michael is busy making wentelteefjes, the Dutch take on French toast, served with goat cheese, strawberries, mango, and blueberries. I’m researching local trails to search for the enchanting fly agaric mushrooms—those vivid red fungi with white spots that I once thought only existed in video games and fairy tales. To our delight, we discover they thrive here, albeit with a reputation for being toxic and hallucinogenic. Our goal is simply to marvel at their beauty from afar.
“Hey love, check this out!” Michael calls from the kitchen-dining area. I glance over to see Oliver in his high chair, beaming with delight. Our three-year-old has decided to help himself to breakfast, with a slice of bread slathered in unsalted butter and topped with hagelslag—Dutch chocolate sprinkles.
“No wonder Dutch kids are the happiest in the world,” I think. “Who wouldn’t grin ear to ear with chocolate for breakfast?”
I can almost hear the disapproving gasps from the online parenting community. Chocolate in the morning? Starting the day with a sugar high seems questionable. And the mess! Butter smudges his high chair, his face, and hands are coated, and chocolate sprinkles are scattered everywhere.
Michael and I exchange glances. Should we scold him? Instead, we laugh it off as another parenting mishap. Oblivious to the chaos, Oliver devours his hagelslag sandwich, and Michael captures a photo of his gleeful expression.
Breakfast Brilliance
So, what is it about eating hagelslag that contributes to the happiness of Dutch children? A fascinating BuzzFeed video revealed the reactions of American kids trying international breakfasts, and it was clear that the Dutch choice was a hit. Which child wouldn’t look forward to breakfast if chocolate is involved? Yet, kids from other cultures also indulge in sugary breakfast options—Coco Pops, anyone? I believe the secret lies in the Dutch tradition of family breakfasts.
The 2013 UNICEF report that labeled Dutch kids as the happiest in the world noted that 85% of children aged 11, 13, and 15 surveyed eat breakfast every day. In the Netherlands, family breakfasts are a cherished routine, unlike in many American and British households where this meal is often skipped amid morning chaos.
The Dutch seem to grasp the significance of regular family meals, starting with breakfast. Numerous studies highlight the advantages of eating breakfast daily: it helps curb unhealthy snacking, lowers obesity risk, and enhances concentration in school. The Dutch excel in this regard, which contributes to their children’s happiness and overall health. Most importantly, they prioritize the experience of gathering around the table, fostering connection and calmness.
A Simple Yet Effective Diet
I was taken aback to learn that chocolate sprinkles are a breakfast staple in the Netherlands. Don’t they prioritize a well-balanced diet low in sugar and fat? While the Dutch have a reputation, particularly among expats, for unexciting meals, their approach to food is refreshingly pragmatic. Meals should be quick, affordable, and nutritious. The only real difference between a typical Dutch breakfast and lunch is the time of day. Dinner is the sole hot meal, generally comprising meat, vegetables, and carbs—a simple and hearty combination.
Despite this simplicity, recent studies suggest the Dutch way may actually be the healthiest. A 2014 Oxfam report declared the Netherlands as having “the best food in the world,” judging factors like food availability, affordability, quality, and obesity rates. The UK ranked 10th, while the US fell to 21st place due to high obesity and diabetes rates, despite good food quality and affordability.
Supporting Oxfam’s findings, the UNICEF report confirmed that Dutch children have the lowest obesity rates among 29 industrialized nations. Only 8.36% of Dutch kids aged 11, 13, and 15 were classified as obese. In contrast, childhood obesity exceeds 10% in nearly every other country, except for three: the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland. It turns out that the best dining experience isn’t found in France or Japan, but right here in the Netherlands. Even with butter, bread, and hagelslag, the Dutch manage to maintain a healthy and balanced diet accessible to everyone.
This morning, as we watch Oliver savor his breakfast, swaying joyfully and kicking his legs, I finally grasp the essence of hagelslag. Pausing to admire him, I quiet the anxious thoughts racing through my mind. Beyond his obvious delight in the sweet chocolate, Oliver’s independence in choosing and preparing his breakfast fosters self-confidence. In the end, it truly is about the hagelslag.
For more insights into family life and parenting, check out our other blog posts, such as this one on the fertility journey. They offer valuable resources and tips for those on their own paths to parenthood. You can also find helpful information on pregnancy through this excellent resource.