Festival-goer with coeliac disease
Your priority is to check that the current packaging says gluten-free. With oats, it’s important to prevent gluten contamination during production and processing.
Which pack is right for you?
Traveller with limited cooking equipment
You’re looking for a pre-measured portion, and you’ll check that the preparation instructions work with the liquids and facilities available where you’re staying.
Making your own breakfasts for several mornings
You want to take a larger pack of gluten-free porridge oats and decide for yourself how much to serve, what to add and how to prepare them.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you have coeliac disease, first check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the packaging. Then choose between pre-measured instant sachets and a larger bag of porridge oats, depending on your preparation facilities and how many breakfasts you need.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free claim | Check for ‘gluten-free’ and read the current allergen information on the packaging. Quaker says that Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat (gluten). | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ in the product name. This check is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portion and preparation | Compare the weight per sachet and the instructions for preparing with hot or cold liquid. Also check whether you’ll need a mug and spoon. | With limited cooking equipment, I want to be able to prepare a pre-measured portion. Around 29% of consumers give this convenience top priority. |
| Ingredients and sugars | Read the ingredients list and compare sugars per 100 g, including between plain and flavoured varieties. | If I’m adding my own fruit, I want to choose a plain base. Ingredients and flexibility over flavour matter most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Multiple portions | Check the pack size and whether you can measure out, store and prepare the porridge oats. | For several festival mornings, I want to take portions from a larger bag myself. This is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘oats’ means ‘gluten-free’
Under European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, oats in a food labelled gluten-free must meet specific conditions to prevent contamination with wheat, rye and barley. The ‘gluten-free’ claim means the finished product must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg.
When buying, check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the packaging, not just the main ingredient.
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Choosing a flavoured variety without comparing sugars
Albert Heijn lists sugar in the ingredients for Elovena Raspberry and states that it contains 18 g of sugars per 100 g. The Natural variety lists no added sugars.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and consider whether you’d rather add your own fruit or other flavourings.
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Mistaking a large bag for instant portion sachets
A bag of gluten-free porridge oats lets you decide on your own portion sizes, but the oats aren’t divided into individual instant portions in advance.
Choose this pack if you can measure out portions and have a suitable way to prepare them; otherwise, check the instructions on individual sachets.
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Relying on a limited-time range
Lidl says that its additional gluten-free products aren’t always available. So a deal you’ve seen before isn’t a reliable basis for your festival shopping.
Check the current range and packaging before you set off, especially if you need to eat gluten-free.
Brands to consider
Elovena
Albert Heijn lists gluten-free Elovena instant oatmeal in Natural and Raspberry, both in 5 × 40 g packs.
- Individual sachets are pre-measured.
- According to the ingredients list, Raspberry contains sugar; compare the nutritional information if this could affect your choice.
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn lists AH Gluten-Free Wholegrain porridge oats in a 450 g pack. According to the product information, they can be prepared hot or cold.
- A larger pack for anyone who wants to measure out several portions.
- There are no individual instant sachets, so you’ll need to plan how to measure and prepare the oats yourself.
Leev Simply Free
Albert Heijn lists Leev Simply Free as 450 g of organic, gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats.
- The product information describes preparation in a pan or microwave, or as overnight oats.
- These preparation methods require facilities or time to prepare at a festival.
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is quick-cooking porridge oats in individual portions, but it’s not a confirmed gluten-free choice for people with coeliac disease.
- Quaker says this product comes in portion packs.
- Quaker says Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat (gluten) and, according to its FAQ, does not guarantee that its products are completely gluten-free.
Related products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary oats automatically gluten-free if you have coeliac disease?
No. European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets specific conditions for oats in foods labelled ‘gluten-free’, including protection against contamination with wheat, rye and barley. So always check the claim on the current packaging.
Can I choose Quaker Oats Express Naturel as a gluten-free option for a festival?
Not if you need a gluten-free product for coeliac disease. Quaker says that Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat (gluten), and its FAQ says it cannot guarantee that its products are completely gluten-free.
Do I need boiling water for Elovena instant oatmeal?
It depends on the variety and its preparation instructions. Albert Heijn says to prepare Elovena Natural with 200 ml of boiling water or milk. For Raspberry, the product information specifies 150 ml of boiling water or milk and also says you can add hot or cold liquid. Read the instructions on the pack before assuming cold liquid will be enough.
How should I store an opened bag of gluten-free porridge oats at a festival?
Seal the pack tightly and keep the oats dry. Albert Heijn says to do this for AH Gluten-Free Wholegrain porridge oats; for Leev Simply Free, the product information says to store in a cool, dry, dark place. A resealable container can be useful if you’re taking several portions with you.
Can I rely on a Lidl deal for gluten-free festival shopping?
Check the current range before relying on it. Lidl says that its additional gluten-free products may not be available for a limited time; if you choose an alternative, always check the claim on the packaging too.