Households planning to stock up
If you’re making several bowls of porridge, overnight oats or bakes over Christmas, think about how much oats you’ll use and whether you can keep the pack dry and tightly sealed after opening.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers looking for a quick breakfast
If you’re making breakfast for yourself or guests on busy mornings, you can choose between fine oats and pre-measured portions.
Households that need to check allergens
If someone has coeliac disease or a relevant allergy, the information on the current packaging takes priority over preferences for pack size or convenience.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many breakfasts or bakes you’re planning and how you want to prepare the oats. Then check the pack for storage instructions and, where needed, allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stocking up without waste | Match the net weight to how much you plan to use, and check how to store the pack after opening. | If I’m planning several breakfasts and bakes, I want to have enough oats in the cupboard without being left with a large, unused pack. For around 50% of consumers, choosing the right amount to stock up on is the main priority. |
| Convenience | Check the type of oats, the preparation method and whether the oats are already divided into portions. | On a busy Christmas morning, I want to make breakfast without having to measure out oats each time. For around 30% of consumers, convenience is the most important consideration. |
| Allergens and gluten | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain trademark. | If someone at the table has coeliac disease or a relevant allergy, I need to know whether this particular pack is suitable first. For around 20% of consumers, this check matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the pack size
A large pack won’t automatically suit your Christmas plans: anything you don’t use will need to be stored properly after the festive season.
Estimate how many breakfasts and bakes you’ll make, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. Standard varieties from Quaker and Brinta also state that they may contain other cereals.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends oats bearing the official Crossed Grain trademark for people with coeliac disease. Check the current label every time you buy.
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Buying a large pack without space to store it
A pack that can’t be properly sealed and kept dry after opening is less suitable if you’re planning to stock up.
Choose an amount you can use and store according to the instructions on the pack.
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Going by the word ‘oats’ alone
Plain oats and products made with oats don’t necessarily have the same ingredients or nutritional information.
If you’re choosing a product made with oats, check the ingredients list and nutritional information on the packaging.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists fine and coarse wholegrain oats in its own range, including a 1 kg pack of fine oats.
- The 1 kg pack is an option if you want to stock up for several breakfasts or bakes.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before buying.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is an ALDI own brand, with products including 500 g of fine wholegrain oats.
- This size is an alternative if you think 1 kg would be more than you’re likely to use.
- Check the label on the pack you buy for nutritional and allergen information.
Quaker
Quaker offers both standard oats in a 600 g pack and Oats Express in individual portions.
- Oats Express gives you the option of pre-portioned servings, while the standard variety is plain wholegrain oats.
- The standard variety listed may contain barley and wheat. Check the label if allergens are a concern.
Brinta
Brinta describes its 450 g pack of oats as extra-fine oat flakes for hot porridge.
- The extra-fine flakes are worth considering if you want to make hot porridge.
- This variety may contain wheat and rye; don’t assume it’s suitable for coeliac disease unless it has the appropriate labelling.
AH
Albert Heijn lists regular, gluten-free and high-protein wholegrain oats as separate varieties.
- The product page describes AH Gluten-Free Wholegrain Oats as being produced in a completely gluten-free environment.
- The high-protein variety contains soya. If you’re buying gluten-free oats, check the claims on the current packaging.
Oats and portion packs at Joybuy
These packs suit different Christmas plans, whether you’re making breakfast repeatedly, want a smaller amount of oats or prefer pre-portioned servings. Choose an amount and preparation style you’ll actually use.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A pack for anyone who wants to make oats on several days. Store it according to the instructions on the packaging, and check the current label for allergen information.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone who wants pre-portioned oats on busy mornings. Check the preparation method and allergen information on the packaging.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
A medium-sized pack for anyone who wants to make hot porridge with extra-fine flakes; Brinta describes this variety as quick to prepare. Check the current packaging for allergen information.
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Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
A smaller pack if you only need oats for a few breakfasts. Check the storage and allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is a larger pack of oats always more convenient for Christmas?
No. A larger pack is best if you’re planning several breakfasts or bakes and can store any leftovers according to the packaging. For occasional use, a smaller pack may be a better fit.
Which oats should I choose for a busy Christmas breakfast?
Pre-portioned servings save you measuring time; extra-fine flakes are another option if you want to make hot porridge. Check the preparation method and the amount you need for each product.
Are ordinary oats suitable for someone with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. If you have coeliac disease, choose oats bearing the official Crossed Grain trademark and check the current packaging.
Where can I find allergen information on packaged oats?
On the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. Also check for any ‘may contain’ statements that are relevant to your household.
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Follow the instructions on the packaging. The Quaker and Brinta varieties mentioned recommend storing the product in a dry place and closing the pack after use.