If you have coeliac disease, first choose oats with a clear gluten-free claim or a trusted gluten-free certification, then check how you can prepare them in the canteen. An instant portion pack is ideal for lunch with boiling water or milk. Pure gluten-free rolled oats let you choose your own additions, but you’ll need to plan the portion and preparation in advance. Always check the current label too, and avoid contact with shared bowls, spoons and toppings.
Check for a gluten-free claim or certification before thinking about flavour and convenience. The Dutch Coeliac Association points out that ordinary oats aren’t automatically gluten-free, as they may come into contact with wheat, rye or barley.
Choose a preparation method that suits what’s available in the canteen: boiling water, milk or a microwave. A portion pack means less measuring, while rolled oats require you to sort out the portion and a suitable way to prepare them yourself.
You want to choose the flavourings or toppings yourself. In that case, it’s worth comparing the ingredients in pure gluten-free oats with those in a flavoured instant version.
Start with a product that is clearly labelled gluten-free. Then choose between a quick mix-and-serve option and preparing it yourself, depending on the facilities available and what you want to add.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Check the current packaging for a gluten-free claim or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to assume oats are safe just because they’re listed as an ingredient. For around 50% of consumers, a clearly verified gluten-free option is the top priority. |
| Preparing it during your break | Check the amount of liquid and preparation method needed against what’s available in the canteen. Remember to consider whether you’ll have a bowl and spoon. | If I only have access to boiling water, I want to be able to mix my lunch there and then. Quick preparation is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and toppings | Compare plain oats with flavoured versions by checking the ingredients and nutritional information. Check your chosen toppings separately too. | If you like to add your own yoghurt, fruit or other toppings, you’ll want to choose what goes into the base. That’s the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten. Albert Heijn also states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain wheat and barley.
If you have coeliac disease, choose a pack with a clear gluten-free claim or a trusted gluten-free certification. Check the allergen information again each time you buy it.
Even a gluten-free packaged product can come into contact with shared bowls, spoons, worktops and toppings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must also be available for unpackaged products.
Ask to see the allergen information and, if needed, use your own clean bowl and spoon. Check that you can also prepare the product there.
Taking your own bowl and spoon means using extra space in your bag.
Albert Heijn lists sugar and salt among the ingredients in Elovena Raspberry. Pure gluten-free oats give you a different base to build your own lunch around.
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g, and check what you’re adding yourself too.
Jumbo states that Zonnatura Havermout Glutenvrij Meerzaden is no longer part of its online range. A preparation method that works well is no use if you can’t take the product with you.
Check that the product is available before planning your lunch, and keep another product with a clear gluten-free claim as a backup.
Albert Heijn lists Natural and Raspberry as gluten-free instant porridge in portion packs.
Albert Heijn describes its wholegrain porridge oats as a pure gluten-free oat base with one ingredient.
Jumbo displays the Crossed Grain symbol on the porridge oats in this range.
Jumbo describes these oats as 100% gluten-free wholegrain oats and displays the Crossed Grain symbol.
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is a standard instant porridge in portion packs, but it isn’t a suitable gluten-free option for someone with coeliac disease.
No. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends choosing oats specifically labelled gluten-free, as they may come into contact with wheat, rye or barley. Albert Heijn states that its Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain wheat and barley.
Check both the label and how you’ll prepare your lunch. Ask for allergen information about unpackaged toppings and avoid contact with shared bowls, spoons and worktops. If needed, bring your own clean utensils.
For Elovena Raspberry Instant Oatmeal, Albert Heijn recommends adding and mixing in 150 ml of boiling water or milk. Check the current packaging and make sure you use a clean bowl and spoon.
A plain gluten-free oat base gives you the freedom to choose the other ingredients yourself. Albert Heijn lists one ingredient for AH Glutenvrij Volkoren porridge oats, while sugar is listed among the ingredients in Elovena Raspberry. Check that your toppings are suitable too.
