If you have coeliac disease, choose porridge oats for your holiday cottage with an explicit gluten-free statement or logo on the current packaging; ‘100% oats’ alone is not enough. A larger bag of plain flakes is a good fit if you’re making several breakfasts and measuring out your own portions, while individual portions are handy if you’re taking limited kitchen equipment with you. If you’ve previously had symptoms after eating pure oats, discuss this with your doctor or specialist dietitian beforehand.
In an unfamiliar kitchen, you’ll want to be able to identify the oats you’ve brought with you. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends choosing the Crossed Grain trademark where possible, or otherwise looking for another gluten-free logo or an explicit gluten-free claim. Check for this information on the packaging you’ll actually be using.
If you want to choose your own portions and toppings, a larger pack of plain gluten-free flakes could be a good fit. Albert Heijn describes its gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats as suitable for eating hot or cold, although you’ll need something suitable to measure them out.
Individual portions can be practical if you’re not taking kitchen scales with you. The product information for Elovena Natural instant oatmeal glutenvrij lists five 40 g sachets and says they can be made with boiling water or milk.
For people with coeliac disease, a gluten-free statement is essential, whatever the pack format. After that, the kitchen equipment available and your breakfast habits will help you decide which option is most practical.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free statement | Check the current packaging: does it say ‘gluten-free’ or display a gluten-free logo? ‘100% oats’ alone isn’t enough. | I want to be confident that the oats I’ve brought are intended for my gluten-free breakfast, even if regular oats are also on the shelf. Around 50% of consumers put this check first. |
| Portions and preparation | Compare the portion size and preparation instructions with the facilities in your holiday cottage, such as a kettle or pan. | Without scales, I want to be able to quickly measure and prepare the right amount for each breakfast. This convenience of individual portions is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Plain flakes or a mix | Read the ingredients list and check whether you’re choosing plain flakes or a variety with added ingredients. | If I’m making my own breakfast for several days, I want to be able to choose between a neutral base and a mix with ingredients I like. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing grains during production. So wording such as ‘pure’ or ‘wholegrain’ doesn’t confirm that the porridge oats are suitable for this purpose, according to the Dutch Coeliac Association.
Before packing your oats, check the packaging for an explicit gluten-free claim or a gluten-free logo.
Quaker Havermout Original states that it may contain barley and wheat. The brand name or product category alone therefore doesn’t tell you enough about the exact variety.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of each product.
Jumbo reported that Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout and Zonnatura Havermout Glutenvrij Meerzaden were no longer part of its online range. A product listing like this doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to buy it when you arrive.
Take the porridge oats you need with you and, before you leave, check that the pack will be enough for the length of your stay.
The Dutch Coeliac Association points out that some people with coeliac disease also react to plain oats. A gluten-free statement doesn’t rule out an individual reaction.
If you’ve previously had symptoms after eating oats, talk to your doctor or specialist dietitian before choosing oats for your holiday.
Albert Heijn’s gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats are an option if you want to make several breakfasts from one pack.
This range included a 450 g variety of porridge oats made with gluten-free oats.
Elovena Natural instant oatmeal glutenvrij comes in individual portions, making it a good choice if you want to prepare breakfast without measuring.
Zonnatura Havermout Glutenvrij Meerzaden is an option if you’re looking for oats with added seeds.
Quaker Havermout Original shows why you shouldn’t choose a regular variety of porridge oats for a gluten-free holiday supply based on the brand name alone.
Don’t assume they are: according to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats can come into contact with wheat, barley or rye during production. Choose porridge oats with an explicit gluten-free claim or a gluten-free logo on the current packaging; Quaker Havermout Original, for example, states that it may contain barley and wheat.
A larger bag of plain gluten-free flakes is a good fit if you’re making several breakfasts and want to measure out your own portions; sachets are more practical if you want to prepare breakfast without scales. If you choose individual portions, also check how much liquid you’ll need and what kitchen equipment is available. Elovena lists five 40 g sachets for its gluten-free instant porridge oats, which can be made with boiling water or milk.
Yes. According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, some people with coeliac disease also react to plain oats. If you’ve previously had symptoms after eating oats, discuss your choice for the holiday with your doctor or specialist dietitian.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal it well after opening. Albert Heijn says its gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats should be stored in a dry place; also check the best-before date on the pack you’ve brought with you.
