Cereals are among the most commonly consumed foods across West Africa, but from a nutrition perspective, they present a real challenge for children. Iron from plant-based sources is not easily absorbed by the body, and naturally occurring compounds in cereals can further reduce that absorption. As a result, the foods children eat most often are often not the ones that meaningfully contribute to their iron intake. In this context, asking families to fundamentally change dietary habits is not a practical solution. A more effective approach is to improve the nutritional value of the foods already part of daily life.

This thinking underpins Danone’s approach to cereals across the North Africa and French-speaking Africa (DNAF) region. Danone’s Phosphatine range, a widely trusted cereal brand in West African households, has been reformulated with our Ferbiotik combination to include iron and Vitamin C to support more effective absorption. Complementing this, Danone’s Nursie formula range helps support iron intake across early childhood feeding stages in markets such as Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.

Looking ahead, an updated Phosphatine and the Nursie FAMILY product range are both planned for launch in early 2026, each featuring IronBiotics, Danone's patent-filed combination of iron, prebiotics and Vitamin C that supports iron absorption.

At its core, the approach is simple: as cereals are a daily constant in children’s diets, ensure that they deliver more nutritional value with every serving. Together, these products reflect a joined-up approach: consistent nutritional science delivered through brands that families already know and trust.