For Christmas breakfast with someone who has coeliac disease, buy oats whose current packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol; don’t assume ordinary porridge oats are safe. Then choose loose flakes if you’re making porridge or a brunch dish from scratch, or individual portions if quick preparation matters more. Check the toppings too, and use clean kitchen utensils to avoid contact with gluten.
You want to choose oats clearly labelled gluten-free and prevent breadcrumbs or shared spoons from getting into the meal. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
You want to prepare a bowl for each person quickly, without measuring out loose flakes every time. Individual sachets, such as those in the Elovena gluten-free version reviewed, suit this way of preparing breakfast.
You want to use plain gluten-free flakes for porridge, overnight oats or baking, and choose your own additions. Check each addition separately and use clean kitchen utensils.
For Christmas breakfast with someone who has coeliac disease, first check the packaging for a gluten-free statement or the Crossed Grain symbol. Then compare the product format and ingredients with what you plan to make.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free statement | Check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol; keep toppings separate from products containing gluten too. | When I’m making breakfast for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to mistakenly treat ordinary oats as gluten-free. For around 42% of consumers, this reassurance matters most. |
| Individual portions | Check how many sachets are included and read the preparation instructions for the liquid you want to use. | On a busy Christmas morning, I want to make individual bowls without measuring out flakes each time. That’s why around 25% of consumers prefer pre-portioned servings. |
| Plain oat base | Check the ingredients list and choose loose flakes if you want to create your own toppings or recipe. | For a brunch with my own toppings, I want a simple base so I can choose the additions myself. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this flexibility when cooking. |
| Seeds or organic oats | Check which seeds or other ingredients the specific version contains and whether it’s available. | If I specifically want a seed mix or organically grown oats, I check the ingredients after confirming the gluten-free statement. For around 16% of consumers, this is the next most important choice. |
Oats don’t naturally contain gluten, but according to the Voedingscentrum, they can come into contact with gluten during growing or processing. For example, the product information for Brinta Porridge Oats warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present.
If you’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease, choose a current pack that explicitly says gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol, rather than just picking up a pack of ordinary porridge oats.
Even gluten-free porridge oats can come into contact with gluten during preparation or serving. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
Use clean pans, bowls and spoons. Check toppings separately and keep them away from bread and other products containing gluten.
A recipe based on a particular pack can be difficult to make if the ingredients have changed or the version is no longer available. For example, Jumbo’s product information says that the gluten-free porridge oats version reviewed is no longer available online.
Before doing your Christmas food shop, check the exact version and read the packaging again when you buy it.
If you need to switch to a different version, you’ll need extra time to check the new packaging and ingredients.
The 450 g wholegrain porridge oats reviewed are suitable for porridge, cold preparations and baking recipes.
The organic gluten-free porridge oats reviewed contain wholegrain oats and can be used as a base for a range of dishes prepared at home.
The gluten-free instant porridge oats reviewed come in five individual 40 g sachets.
The 450 g porridge oats version reviewed was described as gluten-free and carried the Crossed Grain symbol.
The organic gluten-free porridge oats reviewed combine wholegrain oats with seeds and quinoa.
Don’t assume they are. According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can come into contact with gluten, so choose a pack that explicitly says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food sold to consumers can be described as ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. Check for this statement on the packaging of the oats you buy.
Use clean pans, bowls, spoons and worktops, and keep gluten-free toppings separate from products containing gluten. The Voedingscentrum warns that even a breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
Yes. Check the packaging of the exact version you’re buying, as ingredients and allergen information can change. For a Christmas brunch, check the labels on toppings separately too.
