Updated on March 11, 2025
Muesli is one of the simplest and healthiest breakfasts you can have. You can eat it just like any other cereal—add milk or a spoonful of yoghurt—but have you ever wondered if you’re truly eating muesli the best way? More importantly, is muesli as healthy as it’s claimed to be? If you’re health-conscious, you’re probably keen to know the ideal way to enjoy it for maximum nutrition and flavour. Let’s discover the best way to eat muesli!
What’s Muesli
If you’re unfamiliar with muesli, it’s a nutrient-dense mix of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit—a wholesome, ready-to-eat breakfast cereal.
The easiest way to eat muesli? Just pour milk over it and enjoy it cold. But soaking it overnight in milk or fruit juice is another popular method, similar to overnight oats.
Prefer something warm? No problem! You can cook muesli in milk or water and enjoy it like traditional oatmeal.
One thing to note — muesli is not the same as granola. If you’re unsure of the difference, check out this article explaining granola vs. muesli.
How Healthy is Muesli
Before we explore the different ways to eat muesli, let’s first answer the big question — how healthy is it?
Muesli is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fibre, making it a better choice than most processed cereals. Plus, it’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Let’s break it down:
1. Oats
- High in fibre and a great source of protein.
- Packed with thiamin (Vitamin B1), iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese.
- Contains beta-glucan, which may help lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels.
- A study suggests oats can aid in weight loss.
2. Nuts
- Muesli often contains walnuts or almonds, both of which are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Help lower bad LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High in antioxidants, Vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.
3. Seeds
- Common ones include pumpkin, sunflower, flax, and chia seeds.
- Excellent source of fibre, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids.
- May help regulate blood sugar and reduce heart disease risk.
4. Dried Fruits
- Though higher in natural sugars, they boost fibre and nutrient intake.
- Contain concentrated vitamins and minerals that aid digestion.
How to Eat Muesli
Do you prefer a cold or warm breakfast? The great thing about muesli is its versatility — you can enjoy it in different ways. Let’s look at both options.
1. Cold Muesli (Quick & Refreshing)
- Basic Method: Mix equal parts muesli and milk (e.g., 1/2 cup muesli + 1/2 cup milk).
- Eat it immediately or let it sit for a few minutes for a softer texture.
- For an even creamier consistency, soak it overnight in the fridge.
- Swap milk for fruit juice like apple or orange for a different flavour.
- Add yoghurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of raw honey for extra taste.
💡 Pro Tip: The longer you soak, the softer it gets. If you like some crunch, a 10-minute soak is perfect!
2. Hot Muesli (Comforting & Hearty)
- Stovetop: Simmer equal parts muesli and milk/water over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.
- Microwave: Heat equal parts muesli and milk/water in a bowl for 1 minute, stir, and let sit for 2 minutes.
Perfect for cold mornings when you crave something warm and nourishing!
Now you know the ways to eat muesli but I’m sure you have some questions in mind. Continue reading…
To Soak or Not to Soak Your Muesli
Soaking muesli softens it, making it easier to digest and allowing your body to absorb more nutrients. But is it necessary? Let’s break it down:
1. Taste & Texture
- If you like creamy textures, soaking is for you.
- If you prefer crunchy and chewy, skip the soaking!
2. Nutritional Value
- Soaking reduces phytic acid, which can block mineral absorption.
- You need to know grains and nuts contain phytic acid, often referred to as anti-nutrients. It hinders the absorption of certain minerals thus may promote mineral deficiencies (1).
- Your body absorbs iron, zinc, and calcium more efficiently from soaked muesli.
What’s your take? To soak or not? Tell us in the comments section below.
While I dislike mushy food, the nourishment it gives is worthy. I soak muesli in fruit juice, at times honey water, giving it additional flavour. On top of that, when I make my own muesli — rolled oats and nuts are lightly toasted. The rolled oats crisp a bit and retain more texture.
All that said, you still can enjoy nourished soaked muesli by simply adjusting the soaking time. The first thing you do in the morning is to soak your muesli. By the time you get yourself ready to go out for work or errands, it’s done. Say, 20 minutes?
Also, if you’re not a fan of mushy food, soaking it for just 20 minutes instead of overnight, you’ll get some softness while keeping a bit of bite!
Still in doubt? Read more about overnight oats here. Maybe, after reading it, it’ll change your mind.
Can You Eat Muesli Raw
Yes! Muesli can be eaten straight from the bag — just keep in mind the texture is quite dry. Some muesli blends with puffed rice, chocolate shavings, or dried fruit make for a more enjoyable raw snack.
Other ways to enjoy raw muesli:
- Keep a small bag in your desk or car for a quick, healthy snack.
- Sprinkle it over yoghurt, smoothie bowls, pancakes, or salads.
In a Nutshell
Muesli is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be eaten cold, hot, soaked, or raw. Each ingredient adds valuable nutrients, making it a great choice for energy and overall health.
Whether you prefer a chilled, creamy muesli bowl or a warm, hearty breakfast, it all comes down to personal taste. If you’re not keen on mushy textures, a shorter soak time might be your best option.
Though muesli is a breakfast food, it can be enjoyed any time of the day. Say a bowl of warm hearty muesli breakfast. Then it can be a cold powerful yoghurt muesli lunch. A cold refreshing smoothie muesli bowl any time you desire. Or simply eat it on its own.
Regardless of which your preference is, consuming muesli gives you loads of energy without feeling overly full or sluggish. Not forgetting the nutritional values it provides.
At the end of the day, the best way to eat muesli is the way you enjoy it most! What’s your favourite method? Let us know in the comments below.
If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend who might love muesli too! Click the Share button.
👉 Want to know the difference between granola and muesli? If you find muesli too dry or bland, you may prefer granola, which is baked with a natural sweetener. Read more here!
Before I end this post.
For US Shoppers, there are plenty of muesli choices on Amazon (Affiliate link*) and to make it easier for you, I found a few which you might be interested in.
- Alpen Muesli Cereal, No Sugar Added, 14 Ounce (Pack of 6) → Non-GMO Project Verfied, Vegan and Certified Kosher. A perfect mixture of whole grain oats, whole grain wheat, raisins, almonds and hazelnuts.
- If you like breakfast cereal with a tropical flavour, try this → Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Tropical Muesli, 14-ounce (Pack of 4). Contains whole grain oats, coconut flakes, whole grain sorghum, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, freeze-dried strawberry pieces and mango, quinoa flour crisps.
- This is for the chocolate lover. Seven Sundays Muesli Cereal, Early Riser Dark Chocolate Almond, 32 Oz Bag, Gluten Free, 0g Refined Sugar → enjoy warm, cool or as overnight oats.
- Specifically for overnight oats, take a look at this → Oats Overnight Variety Pack – High Protein, High Fiber Breakfast Protein Shake – Gluten Free Oatmeal, Non GMO High Protein Oatmeal – Cookies & Cream, Coconut Cream Pie & More Flavors (8 Pack). You get to have different flavours too.
For my fellow Malaysian, buy on Shopee* or Lazada*. The selection is wider on Shoppe but if you’re used to buying on Lazada, there’s a few with good reviews. Click on the link. It will take you directly to the page.
Alternatively, you can purchase from us. Check out our Muesli Mixes → Shop Now!
*I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows me to enjoy a cup of coffee while writing and sharing more articles like this one. Read about the Affiliate Disclosure here.
Learn more:
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links as part of the Amazon.com Services LLC Associate Programs and other affiliate services. This means that meyourhealthycorner.com receives a small commission by linking to amazon.com and other sites at no extra cost to the readers.
Nice of you to discuss about Muesli, its ingredients and what are their benefits.
The process of preparing before eating and how it gives nourishment due to process is also a great work!
This article will now lead the eater on how to prepare Muesli. Prioritize getting more of the benefits or enjoy the meal? Getting both is a plus.
I personally want them with freshly boiled milk. Letting cool and absorb a little, love spooning, chewing and sipping.
That sounds delicious, Rose.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Thanks for this. I was worried that you were going to slate muesli!
Thankfully you didn’t, as I love it and have it every other morning for breakfast. I always have it cold and just pour the milk on prior to eating it. I have never let it soak overnight and don’t think I’d like it that way, as it would be like porridge.
There are healthy sugar free versions, but like the original with the sugar added.
You must consider trying overnight muesli, Geoff. Like you, I thought it’ll be porridge but it turned out not so. Best have it during the summer months. Cold and fresh breakfast to start the day!
If you have not read my Overnight Oats post, here it is. Find out what makes overnight oats healthy.
Hi. Having grown up eating Cornflakes at breakfast and occasionally when we were lucky and our mother experienced a rare moment of rash impulse buying – Rice Crispies, I distinctly remember the time when I went away to college and discovered previously unheard of exotic foods one of which was muesli. At the time in the UK, there was one brand, Alpen of what claimed to be Swiss muesli that dominated the market. I remember it was considered to be very sophisticated to eat muesli for breakfast. Thinking about it I am quite sure it was laced with sugar and probably not that healthy. It was only a few years later when I traveled to mainland Europe that I discovered there were other kinds of muesli, different from the Alpen brand which tended to taste less sweet probably because they didn’t have such a high sugar content. Be all that as it may, somewhere deep inside I still feel that eating muesli is sophisticated. So on days when I am feeling a cut above, I may allow myself to indulge in a bowl of muesli (but not Alpen). Best regards, Andy
I get it, Andy. Store-bought muesli can be costly when we have a tight budget. Once in a while, I do buy them but nowadays I make my own. It is more economical to buy rolled oats, nuts, and seeds in the bulk section. Mixing my own, I get to choose my favourite combination of ingredients and change them when I fancy. Additionally, it is healthier without added sugar and preservatives.
Thanks for sharing your experience with muesli.
I honestly never have wondered about what would be the best way to eat Muesli. But the way you make it (let it soak overnight) and add all the healthy stuff, I know that from now on, I am going to do the same and get all of that extra fiber, which is good for my body and health, so thanks a lot!
You’re most welcome. Lizzy. Let us know how you like it once you’ve tried the overnight oats.