Which oat option is right for you?

People with coeliac disease who want a quick breakfast

An individual sachet is handy when you’re short on time. Even with an instant product, check the current packaging to make sure it is clearly labelled gluten-free.

People who like to put their own breakfast together

Loose gluten-free oats are a good choice if you want to decide on your own portion size and toppings, and don’t need individually portioned instant mix.

People avoiding another allergen as well as gluten

The gluten-free oat products discussed here contain oats. So check the other ingredients and allergen information too, including that of any drink and toppings you add.

What should you look for in gluten-free instant oats?

If you have coeliac disease and are considering gluten-free instant oats, check the gluten-free label before choosing between individual sachets and loose oats.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is it most important for?
Gluten-free labelling Check the current packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label and read any warnings about cereals containing gluten. If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to choose based on the word ‘oats’ alone. For around 36% of consumers, reassurance from a gluten-free label comes first.
Preparation and portions Compare individual sachets with loose oats. For sachets, check the number of portions and the weight per portion. On busy mornings, I want a measured portion that I can prepare quickly. Around 29% of consumers give this convenience top priority.
Oats and other ingredients Read the ingredients and allergen information for every variety, including any drink or toppings you add. If I also need to avoid oats or another ingredient, I want to know what’s in my breakfast besides the gluten-free label. For an estimated 21% of consumers, checking the ingredients is the main concern.
Availability Check whether your chosen gluten-free variety is available in your shop or online; a product page doesn’t necessarily confirm this. I want to be able to find a suitable option where I usually shop, without having to switch to regular oats. For roughly 14% of consumers, availability matters most.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming all oats are gluten-free

    If you have coeliac disease, regular oats without a clear gluten-free label are not a confirmed substitute for gluten-free oats.

    Look for the gluten-free label on the current packaging, and check again whenever you buy a different variety.

  • Assuming ‘instant’ means ‘gluten-free’

    Quick preparation says nothing about whether a product is labelled gluten-free. For example, Quaker Nederland states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat (gluten).

    Assess an instant product by its labelling and full allergen information, not just its preparation time.

  • Confusing gluten-free with free from other allergens

    The gluten-free porridge oats and instant oats discussed here contain oats. According to Albert Heijn, Elovena’s raspberry variety also contains ingredients including sugar and dried raspberries.

    Check ingredients that matter to you in flavoured varieties, drinks and toppings too.

  • Treating a product page as confirmation of stock

    On the product page for Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout, Jumbo stated that the item was no longer part of its online range.

    Check current availability with the shop you plan to buy from, and consider another clearly labelled gluten-free option if necessary.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Elovena

Albert Heijn lists gluten-free Elovena instant oatmeal in individual sachets, including Natural and Raspberry.

  • Both varieties mentioned come in five 40 g portions. Natural lists gluten-free wholegrain oats and salt as ingredients.
  • According to Albert Heijn, Raspberry also contains sugar and dried raspberries. Neither variety is suitable if you need to avoid oats.

Albert Heijn

AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout is a staple made from loose oats, for anyone who prefers to choose their own portions and toppings.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists gluten-free wholegrain oats as an ingredient and states that the product is made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • It is not an instant mix in individual sachets.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout is a gluten-free oat staple, not an individually portioned instant product.

  • Jumbo lists gluten-free oats as an ingredient.
  • On its product page, Jumbo stated that this item was no longer part of its online range; check current availability.

Quaker

Quaker Oats Express Naturel is a quick-to-prepare porridge product in individual sachets, but it is not a confirmed gluten-free option for people with coeliac disease.

  • Quaker Nederland lists twelve individual sachets for Oats Express Naturel.
  • According to Quaker Nederland, this product may contain soya, barley and wheat (gluten).

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular oats automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease?

No. Choose oats clearly labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging. Regular oats without this label are not a confirmed gluten-free substitute.

Can I choose Quaker Oats Express Naturel as gluten-free instant oats?

Not as a confirmed gluten-free option if you have coeliac disease. Quaker Nederland states that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat (gluten). For this purpose, look for a product clearly labelled gluten-free.

Are gluten-free porridge oats also free from oats?

No. The gluten-free porridge oats and instant oats discussed here contain oats. If you need to avoid oats, check the ingredients rather than relying on the ‘gluten-free’ label alone.

Can someone with coeliac disease also react to gluten-free oats?

Yes. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, this can happen in a small group of people with coeliac disease, although most people tolerate pure oats. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have symptoms or questions about eating oats.

Should I read the label again if I’ve bought a product before?

Yes. Ingredients and allergen information can change. Check the current packaging before use, even if you’re buying the same product again.