If you have coeliac disease, first choose oats bearing the Crossed Grain trademark or with a clear gluten-free claim on the current packaging. Single-portion sachets save you measuring when you have a mug and liquid to hand; loose gluten-free oats are a good fit if you can measure them yourself and plan for the preparation time. Regular oats are not automatically a suitable alternative.
You’re looking for oats that fit a gluten-free diet and need little preparation. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing products with the Crossed Grain trademark where possible. If that isn’t available, it advises checking for another gluten-free logo or a gluten-free claim.
You don’t want to carry a large pack or measuring jug with you. Single-portion sachets can be practical if you also have a mug, spoon and the necessary liquid. If you need to avoid gluten, check the current packaging.
You could also consider regular oats if measuring and preparing them at home fits your routine. It’s important to distinguish between regular oats and a product labelled gluten-free: they are not interchangeable for someone with coeliac disease.
For a quick breakfast with oats, first choose a product that meets any gluten-free requirements you may have. Then compare the preparation method and packaging format. The percentages below refer to consumers who rank each of these factors as their top purchasing priority.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing gluten-free oats if you have coeliac disease | Look for the Crossed Grain trademark or a clear gluten-free claim, and read the current allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ or a familiar brand name. Around 42% of consumers rank a gluten-free label as their top purchasing priority. |
| Preparation on a busy morning | Check the portion size, preparation instructions and required liquid, and see what facilities you’ll have available. | If I’m making breakfast at my destination, I want to get started without having to measure out the oats first. For around 33% of consumers, ease of preparation matters most. |
| Packaging and availability | Choose packaging you can take with you or store at home, and check current availability. | If I want to make the same breakfast regularly, the packaging needs to fit my routine and I want to be able to buy it again. Availability and packaging format come first for around 25% of consumers. |
Oats can come into contact with gluten during growing or processing. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre therefore distinguishes between regular oat products and oats bearing the official Crossed Grain trademark.
When choosing, follow the advice of the Dutch Coeliac Society: look for the Crossed Grain trademark where possible. Otherwise, check for another gluten-free logo or a clear gluten-free claim on the current packaging.
A measured portion still needs to be mixed. According to Albert Heijn, for example, Elovena Natural instant oatmeal requires 200 ml of boiling water or milk.
Read the preparation instructions and make sure you have a suitable mug or bowl, a spoon and the required liquid.
According to Quaker, Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat. The Brinta Havermout described by Albert Heijn may contain traces of wheat and rye.
If you have coeliac disease, don’t choose based on preparation time or brand. Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
A product description doesn’t confirm that the same pack is still available to order. Jumbo stated that Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout was no longer part of its online range.
Check current availability before relying on a specific product.
Worth considering if you want to compare gluten-free oats and oat flakes within the same supermarket range.
An example of loose gluten-free oats for anyone who can plan ahead for preparation.
Worth considering if measured portions of gluten-free oats suit your morning routine.
An option to consider if you don’t need a gluten-free diet and are looking for single-portion packs.
Worth considering if you’re looking for regular, fine oat flakes, but not an automatic gluten-free choice.
A retailer to consider if you want to compare its current range of gluten-free breakfast products.
No. If you have coeliac disease, don’t assume they are: oats can come into contact with gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing products bearing the Crossed Grain trademark where possible. It also lists another gluten-free logo or a gluten-free claim on the packaging as alternatives to check.
Not everyone tolerates oats in the same way, even if they haven’t been contaminated with gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society says that a small number of people may still experience symptoms or an immune response. If you’re unsure or develop symptoms, speak to your doctor or a specialist dietitian.
According to the product instructions on Albert Heijn’s website, mix one 40 g sachet with 200 ml of boiling water or milk. You’ll also need a suitable mug or bowl and a spoon. Follow the instructions on the pack you’re using.
Don’t assume these varieties are gluten-free based on their brand name or preparation time. Quaker states that Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat; the Brinta Havermout described by Albert Heijn may contain traces of wheat and rye. Before buying, check the current packaging for a suitable gluten-free claim.
Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information, as well as the current availability of the product you’ve chosen. Product information can change, and a gluten-free oat product described by Jumbo was no longer part of its online range.
