Student with coeliac disease
You want to use oats for a simple meal, so you check that the pack you buy is explicitly labelled gluten-free. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain trademark where possible.
Who is this choice important for?
Student following a strict gluten-free diet
You’re looking for a pack that will make several meals, but you don’t assume that ordinary oats are gluten-free. The label on the current packaging is still your first check.
Student looking for something quick to eat, hot or cold
You’re looking for a gluten-free base that suits the time you have and the facilities available. Check the portion size for each product and whether you can eat the oats hot, cold or either way.
What should you look for?
If you have coeliac disease, checking that a product is labelled gluten-free comes before considering pack size, preparation and ingredients.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging, preferably alongside the Crossed Grain trademark, and read the allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ when choosing a meal. This check comes first for around 41% of consumers. |
| Pack size and portions | Compare the net weight and recommended serving size of different gluten-free options. | When planning my meals, I want to know how many portions I can make from one pack. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Preparation | Check how much liquid you need, the preparation time and whether the oats can be eaten hot or cold. | On a busy day, I want a preparation method that suits the time I have and the facilities in my kitchen. This matters most to around 17% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Check whether the pack contains only gluten-free oats or also includes seeds and other ingredients. | I prefer to choose between a plain base and a mix with more texture. This is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘100% oats’ means gluten-free
Oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten during harvesting and processing. For example, the product information for Brinta Havermout states that it may contain wheat and rye.
If you have coeliac disease, check that the current packaging says gluten-free; the Dutch Coeliac Society also recommends looking for the Crossed Grain trademark where possible.
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Choosing a quick portion without checking allergens
A short preparation time doesn’t tell you whether a product is gluten-free. Albert Heijn states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat.
For single-portion packs, too, check the gluten-free label and allergen information for the exact product.
Brands to consider
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn describes its 450 g gluten-free wholegrain oats as suitable for eating hot or cold.
- According to Albert Heijn, this product contains gluten-free wholegrain oats and is made in a completely gluten-free environment.
- Check the current packaging: ingredient and allergen information may change.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten
Jumbo describes a 450 g pack of gluten-free oats.
- The product information gives a serving size of 45 g.
- Check the packaging before buying and make sure the product you want is available.
Leev
Jumbo describes a 500 g pack of gluten-free Leev oats; Joybuy also lists a separate 450 g Leev product.
- Joybuy’s product information lists gluten-free wholegrain oats as an ingredient in the 450 g product.
- Don’t assume the 500 g and 450 g packs are the same product. Check the details on the pack you choose.
Zonnatura
Jumbo describes a 350 g pack of gluten-free Zonnatura multi-seed oats.
- According to the ingredients list, this product contains linseed, chia seeds and quinoa as well as gluten-free wholegrain oats.
- The extra ingredients make this different from plain oats, so check that the blend suits your meal.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is a standard oat product, not the explicitly gluten-free option featured in this article.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists oats as an ingredient.
- The same product information states that Brinta Havermout may contain wheat and rye. If you need gluten-free oats, don’t choose this product based on the ingredient name alone.
Related products
Related products will appear soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are ‘100% oats’ automatically gluten-free?
No. That label doesn’t confirm that the oats have avoided contact with grains containing gluten during harvesting and processing. If you have coeliac disease, check that the current packaging explicitly says gluten-free; the Dutch Coeliac Society also recommends looking for the Crossed Grain trademark where possible.
How do you prepare gluten-free oats for a student meal?
Follow the preparation instructions on the pack you choose, as they’re specific to that product. Jumbo gives a serving size of 45 g for its gluten-free oats; Albert Heijn describes its gluten-free wholegrain oats as suitable for eating hot or cold.