In our household, lazy Sundays are a cherished tradition. With most shops closed or only opening in the afternoon, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind. My partner, Tom, is usually found in the kitchen whipping up a delightful breakfast, while I relax on the couch, nursing baby Max and mapping out a nature excursion for later. Meanwhile, our older child, Ben, is happily engaged in solo play with his building blocks.
Today, the bright autumn sun and refreshing cool air have uplifted our spirits. Tom is preparing wentelteefjes, the Dutch take on French toast, served with tangy goat cheese, strawberries, mango, and blueberries. As I browse for local trails to spot the iconic fly agaric mushrooms—those charming red fungi adorned with white spots that I once thought only existed in video games—I marvel at their abundance here in the Netherlands. We plan to admire them from afar, aware of their toxicity.
“Hey love, check this out!” Tom calls from the dining area. I turn to see Ben in his high chair, a beaming smile lighting up his face. He’s taken the liberty of serving himself breakfast—a slice of bread smothered in unsalted butter and topped generously with hagelslag—chocolate sprinkles that are a staple of Dutch breakfasts.
“No wonder Dutch kids are known for their happiness,” I think. “Who wouldn’t be thrilled to start the day with chocolate?” I can almost hear the gasps of disapproval from the parenting police online. Chocolate for breakfast? Surely a sugar rush isn’t the best way to kick off the day, and what a mess he’s made! Butter and sprinkles are strewn everywhere—on his face, his hands, and across the floor.
Tom and I exchange glances. Should we scold him? Instead, we burst into laughter, chalking it up as another parenting fail. Oblivious to the chaos, Ben happily devours his hagelslag sandwich while Tom captures the moment with a photo.
So is there something uniquely beneficial about consuming hagelslag for breakfast? Could it really contribute to the happiness of Dutch children? A fascinating BuzzFeed video featuring American kids trying international breakfasts revealed that this Dutch staple won their hearts. What child wouldn’t want to wake up to chocolate? However, kids in other nations also enjoy sugary cereals, like Coco Pops. The difference appears to lie in the Dutch practice of enjoying breakfast as a family.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report that highlighted the happiness of Dutch children, 85% of kids aged 11, 13, and 15 surveyed ate breakfast daily. The routine of gathering around the table before school is a cornerstone of Dutch family life, unlike in many American and British households where breakfast is frequently skipped in the rush to start the day.
The Dutch emphasize the significance of regular meals, beginning with breakfast. Research has consistently shown that eating breakfast can help mitigate unhealthy snacking later in the day, lower obesity risks, and enhance children’s concentration in school. The Dutch approach to breakfast not only fosters health but also promotes family bonding.
I was initially surprised to discover that chocolate sprinkles are a breakfast mainstay in the Netherlands. Don’t the Dutch recognize the value of a balanced diet? They have a reputation for simple, filling meals that prioritize affordability and nutrition. The only distinction between a typical Dutch breakfast and lunch is the time of day, as both often feature open-faced sandwiches. Dinner, the lone hot meal, is typically a straightforward combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
Interestingly, a 2014 Oxfam study declared the Netherlands to have “the best food in the world.” This evaluation considered factors like food availability, affordability, quality, and obesity rates. The UK ranked 10th, while the US fell to 21st, held back by its obesity crisis despite high marks for quality and affordability.
The UNICEF report corroborates Oxfam’s findings, noting that Dutch children boast the lowest obesity rates among the 29 industrialized countries surveyed, with only 8.36% classified as obese. In contrast, most countries report childhood obesity levels exceeding 10%. This data suggests that, despite their penchant for butter, bread, and hagelslag, the Dutch maintain a healthy, balanced diet accessible to all.
As I observe our toddler relish his Dutch breakfast, swaying blissfully and kicking his legs in delight, I come to understand the essence of hagelslag. In that moment, I realize that beyond the sweet taste of chocolate, what brings Ben joy is the autonomy of choosing and preparing his breakfast—this fosters his self-confidence. Ultimately, it really is all about the hagelslag.
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In conclusion, the happiness of Dutch children appears to stem from a blend of family bonding, enjoyable meals, and the freedom to make choices during breakfast, with the iconic hagelslag playing a delightful role.
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