In our household, lazy Sundays are non-negotiable. Most shops remain closed or only open later in the day, setting the perfect stage for a relaxed morning. While my partner, David, crafts an extravagant breakfast in the kitchen, I lounge on the couch, nursing our little one, Leo, and plotting our afternoon hike. Meanwhile, our older child, Max, busies himself in his room with his building blocks.
This particular morning, the sun shines brightly, and the crisp autumn air invigorates our spirits. David is whipping up wentelteefjes, the Dutch take on French toast, garnished with goat cheese, strawberries, and a medley of mango and blueberries. I’m browsing local trails for a chance to spot the iconic fly agaric mushrooms—those whimsical red ones with white spots that I initially thought belonged solely to fairy tales and video games. To my surprise, they thrive here, known for their toxic and hallucinogenic traits. Our goal today? To appreciate their beauty from a safe distance.
“Hey love, check this out!” David calls from the dining area.
I turn to see Max in his high chair, beaming with joy. He’s managed to create his own breakfast masterpiece, a slice of bread lavishly topped with unsalted butter and heaps of hagelslag—Dutch chocolate sprinkles.
“No wonder Dutch kids are considered the happiest in the world,” I muse. “Who wouldn’t be thrilled to kick off their day with chocolate?”
I can almost hear the gasps of disapproval from the parenting purists online. Chocolate for breakfast? Many would argue that starting the day with sugar is a poor choice. And the mess—oh the mess! Butter smears the high chair, and chocolate sprinkles are scattered across the floor.
David and I exchange glances. Should we scold him? Instead, laughter erupts between us, marking yet another so-called “parenting fail.” Completely unaware, Max digs into his hagelslag sandwich, and David captures a snapshot of his delight.
But is there truly something unique about starting the day with hagelslag? Could this breakfast be the secret to Dutch happiness? A captivating BuzzFeed video featuring American kids trying global breakfast dishes revealed that the Dutch option certainly won their hearts. What child wouldn’t look forward to breakfast if it’s chocolate-laden? However, children in other nations also indulge in sugary breakfasts, often in the form of cereals like Coco Pops. The essence of Dutch happiness seems to lie in the communal experience of family breakfasts.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report, which highlighted the contentment of Dutch youth, 85% of children aged 11, 13, and 15 in the Netherlands consume breakfast daily. The ritual of gathering around the table each morning, before the bustle of school and work, is a cornerstone of Dutch family life. In contrast, many American and British families often skip breakfast altogether, caught in the morning rush.
It appears the Dutch grasp the significance of regular, shared meals, starting with breakfast. Numerous studies indicate the advantages of making breakfast a daily habit: it can help curb unhealthy snacking, lower obesity risks, and enhance concentration in school. The Dutch excel in prioritizing this morning routine, which contributes to their overall well-being.
I was initially taken aback that chocolate sprinkles take center stage in breakfast across the Netherlands. Don’t they recognize the need for a nutritionally balanced diet? The Dutch are often labeled, especially by expats, as having a penchant for bland and unexciting food. Their culinary approach is pragmatic: meals should be simple, quick to prepare, affordable, and nutritious. The distinction between a typical Dutch breakfast and lunch is merely the time gap; both typically consist of open-faced sandwiches. Dinner, being the only hot meal, usually involves a straightforward combination of meat, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
However, a 2014 Oxfam study declared that the Netherlands boasts “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 due to rising obesity and diabetes rates, despite high scores in affordability and quality.
The UNICEF findings further validate Oxfam’s conclusion. Dutch children possess the lowest obesity rates among 29 industrialized nations surveyed, with only 8.36% classified as obese. In stark contrast, childhood obesity levels exceed 10% in every country except three—Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. This suggests that the Dutch diet, despite its butter and hagelslag, remains balanced and accessible to everyone.
As I observe Max relishing his breakfast, swaying joyfully in his chair, I come to appreciate the true essence of hagelslag. Taking a moment to reflect, I silence the nagging worries and recognize that, beyond his love for sweet treats, my son finds joy and confidence in selecting and preparing his own breakfast. It really is all about the hagelslag.
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Summary
The happiness of Dutch children may be rooted in their unique breakfast traditions, particularly the indulgence of hagelslag or chocolate sprinkles on bread. Eating breakfast together as a family plays a significant role in their well-being, fostering bonds and promoting healthier lifestyles. With one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, Dutch children enjoy a balanced diet that emphasizes the importance of shared mealtimes.