If you have coeliac disease, choose porridge oats whose current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or displays the Crossed Grain symbol; ordinary porridge oats without this confirmation are not a suitable alternative. You can prepare loose gluten-free oats at home and pack them in a sealed container for your picnic. Convenient portion packs are only an option for someone with coeliac disease if the exact variety is also clearly labelled gluten-free.
You want to prepare a cold portion at home using porridge oats that are clearly labelled gluten-free on the current packaging. The Voedingscentrum recommends checking for the ‘gluten-free’ wording or the Crossed Grain symbol, rather than assuming ordinary porridge oats are suitable.
You’re looking for loose gluten-free porridge oats for a sealable jar and want to choose what to add yourself. A plain oat base gives you that flexibility, but you’ll need to prepare it before you set off.
You like individual portions for when you’re out and about. Bear in mind that convenient packaging alone doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone who needs to eat gluten-free: Quaker Oats Express Naturel, for example, says it may contain barley and wheat.
If you have coeliac disease, first check that the actual pack is labelled gluten-free. Then choose a type that suits what you want to prepare and take with you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the allergen information. | When I’m taking porridge oats for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. For around 50% of consumers, clear confirmation that a product is gluten-free comes first. |
| Preparation and transport | Check that loose oats work for your cold preparation, and use a clean jar with a secure lid. | I want to prepare my portion at home and take it to the park without spilling it. Around 30% of consumers prioritise preparation and portability. |
| Ingredients | Compare plain porridge oats with a seed mix by checking the ingredients and allergen information. | For my picnic jar, I want to choose the ingredients myself rather than use a set mix. Around 20% of consumers place the greatest importance on having this control over the ingredients. |
Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing grains during production. For example, according to Quaker Nederland, Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, check that the exact variety’s packaging says gluten-free or displays the Crossed Grain symbol.
Ingredients and allergen information can change, as Albert Heijn points out in its product information.
Before you set off, also read the packaging of the pack you actually bought.
A product chosen because it’s gluten-free can still come into contact with crumbs from gluten-containing picnic food while it’s being prepared or served.
Use a clean jar and clean utensils, and keep the portion separate from bread and biscuits.
A variety of porridge oats you’ve chosen before may not be available when you do your picnic shopping.
Check what’s currently in stock and, if necessary, choose another variety whose packaging clearly says gluten-free.
The details below apply to the varieties listed, not automatically to every porridge oat product from the same brand.
AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout 450 g is a plain oat base for recipes you prepare at home.
Simply Free by Leev Havermout Glutenvrij 450 g is an organic wholegrain oat base.
Zonnatura Havermout Glutenvrij Meerzaden 350 g is a set mix of oats, seeds and quinoa.
Quaker Oats Express Naturel comes in individual portions, but that doesn’t automatically make it gluten-free porridge oats.
ALDI lists gluten-free porridge oats among its breakfast cereals.
Not unless the current packaging says gluten-free or displays the Crossed Grain symbol. The Voedingscentrum points out that oat products can be contaminated through contact with gluten-containing grains.
Prepare a cold portion at home in a clean jar with a secure lid, and keep it separate from gluten-containing bread, crumbs and shared utensils. This helps prevent contact while you’re transporting and serving it.
Check the packaging of the product you receive too. Albert Heijn says ingredients and allergen information can change, so it’s a good idea to read it again before setting off for your picnic.
No. The ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t tell you about the nutritional value of your whole picnic portion. According to the Voedingscentrum, preparation and added ingredients also play a part, so if you wish, compare the nutritional information for the exact products you’re using.
