Muesli is a cereal made from toasted whole oats, nuts, fruit and typically wheat flakes. Since it uses whole grains, it is high in dietary fiber, and because it relies on the natural sweetness of the fructose in fruit, it is also low in sucrose. Depending upon the proportion of nuts, it can also be relatively high in protein, unlike most other breakfast cereal.

The term Muesli, of which there are many variant spellings, derives from the Swiss German word mus, which means 'mixture'. Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, who ran a sanatorium in Switzerland, invented muesli at the beginning of the 20th century. Bircher-Benner was keenly interested in promoting healthy diet and exercise. Along with eating nutritious foods like Muesli, and forgoing much if not all meat in their diet, Bircher-Benner’s patients had regular physical exercise and spent a portion of each day gardening. Their behaviors were modeled on the life of Swiss shepherds, who Bircher-Benner felt had the healthiest lifestyle.

Today’s muesli often differs from the Swiss doctor’s original recipe. Oats can be soaked overnight in juices or water instead of being toasted fresh. Newer additions to the ingredients in this cereal are constantly appearing. Different fruits, like berries and grapes, or tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas, are added. The addition of coconut flakes and macadamias can convert this cereal into Hawaiian muesli. Some people add honey or even chocolate to their homemade versions.

Muesli can be used as a dessert topping, or added to yogurt or cottage cheese. Those who prefer not to make their own cereal can purchase a number of commercial varieties, including a version by Kellogg’s called Mueslix. Natural food or health food stores often have several lesser known brands, or may make their own cereal in bulk.

Muesli is also a popular ingredient in recipes. It can be added to muffins, cookies, or warm fruit salad. Sometimes the use of muesli defeats its original purpose. Additives like honey or brown sugar increase the calories, and muesli cookies are not always healthful.

People with a low tolerance to wheat gluten can prepare muesli at home or find gluten-free commercial brands in natural food stores. Eliminating the wheat flakes and substituting crisped rice or other crisped grains can significantly reduce the gluten.

Even if different from the standard muesli, this cereal is usually an excellent breakfast food because of its nutritional value. It is generally easy to prepare and also economical, depending on one’s choices of additions. It is also quick to serve, once prepared, so it is an ideal choice for those with busy lives.