It's no secret that breakfast isn't always a means of healthy eating in every country. While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that means a different thing to everyone - whether it's a way to get in twice as many carbs for a physically-demanding schedule, or a way to appreciate lighter fare before a big lunch or dinner.
Around the world, breakfast looks different depending on the country and its culture. As of 2020, these countries made it to the Top 12 Healthiest, according to Canvas Holidays. And the countries with the actual healthiest breakfast might surprise readers - and possibly encourage them to adopt a new way of healthy eating.
Iceland: Oatmeal, Skyr, And Fruit
Iceland has been praised recently for having some of the freshest and purest food in Europe, and Skyr is one of them. A traditional yogurt-like food, Skyr is usually eaten with fruit or jam. Some locals even eat it on its own, which makes for a tangy flavor profile, similar to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Oatmeal or grains are another part of the breakfast puzzle, one that is relatively simple - breakfast in this country is far from complicated. A wholesome meal such as this provides good fuel for the day ahead without having large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.
Japan: Rice And Grilled Fish
In Japan, it's not unusual to eat a savory meal for breakfast - in fact, this is common practice countrywide. Grilled fish is a staple in Japanese cuisine, as is rice and miso soup, which is a must-try delicacy.
Seafood is a large part of Japan's culture and for the most part, much of its cuisine is healthy and full of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. While dessert and sweets do have a place here, they're not often seen - if ever - around the breakfast table.
Spain: Pan Con Tomate
Spain is known for its dry-aged meats and delicious cheeses, but its breakfast is just as tasty. Another savory option, Pan con Tomate is a quick way to start the day without a heavy meal.
The use of tomato jam provides a bit of an acidic, yet sweet, bite to toast, which is a common first meal of the day. The toast can be grilled or toasted by any other means, but the important part is the topping. Fresh herbs help to round out the flavor of the bright jam, making it a simple meal but something people crave every morning.
France: Croissant, Baguette, Jam, And Butter
It's not surprising to see that France's traditional breakfast is exactly what many expect it to be, but it is surprising to know that it's also one of the healthiest. While eating two forms of bread (one in the form of a pastry) might not seem like the healthiest option, the defining difference is both moderation and high-quality ingredients.
The option for both a baguette and a croissant is the stuff of dreams for most but in France, it's a way of everyday life. This breakfast is good fuel for high-activity days and also keeps the local bakeries alive with early-morning customers. Pair either (or both) with a cup of coffee or latte, and there's no way a breakfast this good could be disappointing.
Germany: A Hard-Boiled Egg, Gouda, German Sausage, And Rye Bread
Those who have visited Germany may have encountered quite the surprise when they were served a hard-boiled egg, some meats, cheese, and toast. What looks more like a snack or a light lunch in other countries is actually Germany's traditional breakfast. Served alongside a cup of coffee (which seems even stranger), this breakfast is just about as healthy as it gets.
It's a spread full of lean options, high in protein, which is a great way to start the day. A selection of meats - whether they are cured or not - adds variety and flavor to the accompaniment of a hard-boiled egg, toast, and cheese, preferably Gouda.