If you have coeliac disease, an explicit gluten-free label on the current packaging matters more than words such as ‘wholegrain’ or ‘organic’. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the claim ‘gluten-free’ may only be used when a product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten; oats are also subject to conditions designed to prevent contamination. A bag of gluten-free porridge oats lets you choose your own portions, while gluten-free instant sachets are a better fit if measuring and carrying them with you are priorities.
Whether you’re choosing oats for breakfast, baking or snacks, look for packaging that clearly says ‘gluten-free’. According to the Voedingscentrum, ordinary oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing; ‘wholegrain’ or ‘pure’ doesn’t replace this check.
Even gluten-free oats can cause symptoms for some people with coeliac disease, according to the Dutch Coeliac Society. If you have questions about whether you can tolerate oats, speak to your healthcare professional or a specialist dietitian.
You can choose loose gluten-free porridge oats and portion them yourself, or go for instant sachets that are already portioned. Whichever you choose, check the gluten-free label on the exact product.
Before stocking up on gluten-free porridge oats, check the exact packaging first, then choose a format that suits how you’ll prepare, carry and store them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Read the current gluten-free claim, ingredients list and allergen information. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the claim ‘gluten-free’ means a maximum of 20 mg/kg of gluten, and oats must meet additional conditions. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ when stocking up. This check comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Quick to prepare and easy to carry | Compare loose oats with pre-portioned sachets, and check how the exact product is prepared and how much each portion contains. | At work or on the go, I want to take a portion with me without measuring it out. Quick preparation and portability matter most to around 22% of consumers. |
| A simple base | Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional information for the exact products; ‘organic’ on its own doesn’t mean gluten-free. | For porridge, recipes or my own toppings, I’d rather decide for myself what to add to the oats. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this flexibility. |
| Availability | Check the current product status and full product name before planning to buy it again. | If I want to keep a regular supply, I want to know whether I’ll be able to buy the same gluten-free product again. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten. Those other words don’t mean that a pack is suitable as gluten-free porridge oats.
If you have coeliac disease, check that the exact pack explicitly says gluten-free and read its current ingredients list and allergen information.
Regular and gluten-free oat products may be sold under similar names. Similar packaging or the same brand name doesn’t mean two products are identical.
Compare the full product name, pack size, ingredients and gluten-free labelling of the product you’re actually buying.
Jumbo says that its specific 450 g Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout is no longer part of its online range. So a product you found previously isn’t a reliable choice for repeat purchases.
Check current availability and, if necessary, choose an alternative whose exact packaging is also labelled gluten-free.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, cross-contamination can also happen after you’ve bought a product, for example through crumbs or used kitchen utensils.
Seal the pack after use and use clean spoons, bowls and food preparation surfaces.
AH Glutenvrij Volkoren porridge oats are a plain base option for eating hot or cold, or for baking.
Jumbo says its 450 g porridge oats contain gluten-free oat flakes and carry the crossed grain symbol.
The 450 g porridge oats listed by Jumbo are an organic, gluten-free base option.
Gluten-free Natural instant oatmeal is designed for anyone who wants pre-portioned servings.
Quaker sells a range of oat products in different formats.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, check that the current packaging for the exact product explicitly says ‘gluten-free’.
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim may be used if the food contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Any oats in the product must also have been specially produced, prepared or processed to avoid contamination with wheat, rye, barley or their crossbreeds.
Yes. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, this can happen to a small number of people with coeliac disease. If you have questions or symptoms related to eating oats, speak to your healthcare professional or a specialist dietitian.
Keep gluten-free porridge oats in a tightly sealed pack and use clean spoons, bowls and food preparation surfaces. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, cross-contamination can happen both at home and during production.
Check availability each time. For example, Jumbo says that its specific 450 g Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout is no longer part of its online range. If you choose an alternative, check the gluten-free labelling on the exact packaging again.
