If you make one portion regularly
If you make porridge several times a week, you can spread a larger pack across more meals. Choose a size you can realistically use up and store in a tightly sealed container.
Which pack size suits you?
If you want to measure out less in the morning
Individually portioned packs can make serving easier. Loose porridge oats, on the other hand, let you decide how much to use each time.
If you need to check the label carefully
If you have coeliac disease or an allergy, the packaging for the specific porridge oats you choose is what matters. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that ordinary oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
What should you look for?
First, think about how often you make porridge and how much space you have to store an opened pack properly. Then consider whether measuring it out fits your morning routine and which label information you need to check.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Using up the pack | Compare the pack size with how often you make a portion. | If I eat porridge several times a week, I don’t want a large pack sitting unused for too long. Using up the pack is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Speed and portioning | Check whether the porridge oats are loose or individually portioned, and read the preparation instructions. | On a busy morning, I want to make a regular portion without weighing it out. Convenience comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage and keeping | Check how much cupboard space you have and how you can seal the opened pack securely. | If I have limited storage space or like to vary my breakfast, I don’t want to store too many porridge oats at once. Around 21% of consumers give this storage decision top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information; if you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain trademark. | If I need to be careful because of coeliac disease or an allergy, I only decide after checking the specific pack. Checking the label is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Common considerations
-
Choosing a large pack without somewhere to store it
If you use a pack slowly, you’ll need to keep it tightly sealed after opening. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place. A musty smell or soft flakes are reasons to check their quality.
Choose a quantity that suits how often you eat porridge, and keep the opened pack tightly sealed.
-
Assuming ordinary oats are suitable for coeliac disease
Ordinary porridge oats may have come into contact with cereals containing gluten. For people with coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says suitable oat products must carry the official Crossed Grain trademark on the packaging.
Check the trademark and allergen information on the specific product every time you buy it; don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone.
-
Assuming individual portions are always more convenient
A pre-portioned pack saves you measuring, but it also fixes the amount you get each time. With loose porridge oats, you can choose the amount yourself.
Choose individual portions if a set serving size matters to you; choose loose porridge oats if you want to vary the amount from one meal to the next.
Brands to consider
Pack sizes and oat types vary between product ranges, so compare the specific pack rather than just the brand name.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes regular wholegrain porridge oats in different flake sizes and pack formats.
- The 1 kg pack of fine wholegrain porridge oats we looked at lists 25 servings of 40 g, making it useful to compare with how often you eat porridge.
- The product information lists oats and possible traces of barley, rye and wheat. If you need to follow a dietary restriction, check the current packaging.
Quaker
Quaker offers both loose porridge oats and its Oats Express range of individually portioned packs.
- The 600 g loose pack we looked at lists 15 servings of 40 g; according to Quaker, Oats Express Naturel comes in 12 individual portions.
- Check the label on the product you choose. Quaker lists possible traces of soya, barley and wheat for Oats Express Naturel.
Brinta
Alongside its other cereal breakfasts, Brinta sells porridge oats; compare products in its porridge oat range for this choice.
- The 450 g pack of Brinta porridge oats we looked at contains extra-fine oat flakes.
- The product information lists possible traces of wheat and rye. Check the packaging of the product you buy.
Golden Bridge
This ALDI own brand includes fine and coarse wholegrain porridge oats in 500 g packs.
- The 500 g fine wholegrain option is an alternative if you don’t want to store a whole kilo at once.
- Check the label on the specific pack for ingredients and allergens.
Crownfield
Lidl lists organic porridge oats under this brand in a 500 g pack.
- The 500 g size may suit you if you want to keep a smaller supply in the cupboard.
- Check the product packaging for its nutritional information and allergen details.
Porridge oat packs on Joybuy
These Quaker products give you a choice between individual portions and loose porridge oats in two pack sizes. When choosing, think about how often you make a portion and whether you want to measure it out yourself.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express porridge oats, 324 g
For anyone who wants to make an individual portion without measuring out the porridge oats themselves.
Pack size: 324 g. If you have an allergy or coeliac disease, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Image unavailable
Quaker porridge oats, 600 g
For anyone who regularly uses loose porridge oats and wants to choose how much to use each time.
Pack size: 600 g. Store the opened pack in a cool, dry, dark place and keep it tightly sealed; if you have a dietary restriction, check the label.
Image unavailable
Quaker porridge oats, 375 g
For anyone who wants to portion out loose porridge oats but keep less in the cupboard than they would with a 600 g pack.
Pack size: 375 g. Keep the opened pack tightly sealed and check the current packaging information if you have an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare serving sizes of porridge oats for one person?
A 40 g serving is a useful reference when comparing pack information, not a fixed amount everyone should eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides nutritional values for 40 g of porridge oats, and the Jumbo and Quaker packs we looked at also use 40 g servings.
How should I store an opened large pack of porridge oats?
Store porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If a pack has been open for a long time, check for changes such as a musty smell or soft flakes.
Can I choose ordinary porridge oats if I have coeliac disease?
Ordinary porridge oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products may have come into contact with gluten, and people with coeliac disease need to look for the official Crossed Grain trademark on the packaging. Check the label on the specific product too.
What should I check on the label if I need to avoid allergens?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority notes that when cereals containing gluten are present, the specific cereal must be clearly named. Also look for statements about the possible presence of other cereals or allergens.