We're often told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day - and that cereals are a healthy and nutritious choice. They may contain fibre and be fortified with vital vitamins and minerals, but a brand new report by Which? Magazine has found that too many aimed at children still have a lot of added sugar, chocolate or honey.

As part of an international test Which? sent cereals that are promoted by cartoon characters to the lab to see how much sugar, fat and salt they contain and found that 9 out of 10 breakfast cereals marketed at children were high in sugar and one (Rice Krispies) was high in salt. All were medium or low in fat.

The cereals tested were:

HM FOODS Sugar Puffs

NESTLE Cookie Crisp

NESTLE Golden Nuggets

NESTLE Nesquik

KELLOGG'S Coco Pops

KELLOGG'S Coco Pops Coco Rocks

KELLOGG'S Coco Pops Mega Munchers

KELLOGG'S Frosties KELLOGG'S Reduced Sugar Frosties

KELLOGG'S Rice Krispies (low in sugar but high in salt)

Any food with more than 15g of sugar per 100g is classed as high in sugar. The Which report found that eight of the cereals tested had more than double this amount. Frosties had the most sugar: 40g per 100g which means that a 30g serving contains more sugar than a 150ml can of Fanta Orange! Even Reduced Sugar Frosties had a high amount - 26g per 100g - and more salt than the original cereal. Rice Krispies wasn't high in sugar, but it was the only cereal high in salt,with 1.7g per 100g.

If you want to choose a healthier cereal for your children try porridge made with milk for extra calcium instead of water. Sweeten it with fruit or add a little honey or maple syrup. A sprinkling of cocoa powder makes instant ‛chocolate' porridge - a breakfast most children will enjoy. Other, healthier breakfast alternatives include low sugar cereals such as Weetabix or bite-sized Shredded Wheat. If you are in a hurry why not whizz up a fruit smoothie or make toast fingers spread with low sugar jam or peanut butter, honey and mashed banana for a really delicious and filling start to the day.