Who is this relevant to?

People with coeliac disease

The product name ‘porridge oats’ isn’t enough on its own. Check the current gluten-free label or Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

People with diabetes who monitor carbohydrates

You’ll want to count the carbohydrates in your own portion, along with those in milk, yoghurt, fruit and other toppings. Diabetes.nl highlights the importance of knowing how much carbohydrate you’re eating.

People looking for a quick breakfast

Instant oats in portion sachets can be a good option if you want to keep preparation to a minimum. The gluten-free label and the contents of each sachet are still important when choosing.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing gluten-free porridge oats for a breakfast where carbohydrates matter too, start by checking the packaging. Then compare the nutritional information and choose a portion format that suits how you’ll use them.

What to look for What to check before buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the allergen information. If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. For around 50% of shoppers making this choice, verified gluten-free status is the top priority.
Carbohydrates and ingredients Compare carbohydrates, sugars and fibre per 100 g of dry product; include your own portion and toppings in your calculation. I want to know how much carbohydrate is in my whole breakfast. Around 40% of shoppers give portion control the highest priority.
Preparation and portion size Check whether you’re buying loose flakes or sachets, how many grams each sachet contains and how to prepare the product. For a breakfast that takes little preparation, I want a portion that’s easy to take with me. This convenience matters most to around 10% of shoppers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ordinary porridge oats are suitable for coeliac disease

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can become contaminated with gluten during processing. The product name alone therefore doesn’t tell you whether they’re suitable.

    Before checking any other product details, look for the gluten-free label or Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging.

  • Looking only at added sugars

    Even porridge oats with no added sugar contain carbohydrates. Milk, fruit and other toppings also contribute to the total for your breakfast.

    Use the nutritional information per 100 g to work out the carbohydrates in your dry portion, then include your chosen toppings separately.

  • Comparing dry and prepared portions directly

    A value per 100 g of dry porridge oats is based on something different from a value for a prepared portion made with milk.

    Compare products on the same basis, then calculate the amount you’ll actually use.

  • Assuming a product listing means it’s currently available

    The product page for Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout says it’s no longer part of the online range.

    Check current availability before relying on a specific product.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn lists 450 g of gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats, made with gluten-free wholegrain oat flakes.

  • The product information lists 58 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the current packaging and nutritional information for this variety before buying.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo’s product page describes 450 g of gluten-free porridge oats and mentions the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Jumbo lists 56 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fibre per 100 g for this product.
  • The same product page says these oats are no longer part of the online range.

Elovena

Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural instant oatmeal gluten-free in five 40 g sachets.

  • The product information lists 55 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Each sachet provides a set amount; you’ll need to measure it yourself if you want a different dry portion.

Brinta

The regular Brinta Havermout described by Albert Heijn consists of oat flakes.

  • This particular product may contain traces of wheat and rye. Don’t choose it if you’re looking for gluten-free porridge oats for coeliac disease.

Quaker

Jumbo’s porridge oats range includes regular Quaker Havermout and Oats Express.

  • The brand name doesn’t tell you whether an individual variety is gluten-free. Check the packaging of the product you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are ordinary porridge oats suitable if you have coeliac disease?

Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can become contaminated with gluten during processing. So check that the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or displays the Crossed Grain symbol.

Does ‘gluten-free’ tell you anything about the carbohydrates?

No. The gluten-free label doesn’t tell you how much carbohydrate is in your breakfast. Diabetes.nl highlights the importance of knowing how much carbohydrate you’re eating if you have diabetes. Check your chosen portion and include any toppings too.

Which nutritional information should I compare between two types of porridge oats?

Compare carbohydrates, sugars and fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g of dry product. Then consider how much you’ll actually use. The Diabetes Fund gives porridge oats as an example of a wholegrain breakfast food.

When should I choose loose flakes rather than portion sachets?

Loose flakes are a good choice if you want to weigh your own dry portion; sachets suit you if a set amount and quick preparation matter more. According to Albert Heijn, Elovena Natural instant oatmeal comes in 40 g sachets. With either format, check the current gluten-free label and nutritional information.