Who is this relevant to?

Anyone cooking for someone with coeliac disease

You need oats that are labelled gluten-free on the packaging. Simply stating that a product is made from oats isn’t enough. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends looking for the Crossed Grain symbol.

Anyone making their own fakeaway bites

You’re looking for a neutral base for a bake, topping or bowl, and want to choose the flavourings yourself. Plain gluten-free oats are a better fit than a mix where the seeds also affect the texture.

Anyone looking to make a quick single serving

A gluten-free instant portion can be a handy option for a hot or cold snack. Check the ingredients and pack size when comparing it with loose oats.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you’re serving someone with coeliac disease, start by checking the label on the exact pack. Then choose the format that suits your recipe and the quantity you need.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Gluten-free status Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the exact pack, and preferably check for the Crossed Grain symbol too. Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If I’m serving someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. For around 42% of consumers, gluten-free status is the top priority.
Texture in the recipe Choose between plain gluten-free oats and a gluten-free mix containing ingredients such as seeds, which will change the texture. For a bake or topping I’m seasoning myself, I want to decide which ingredients to add. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this freedom when adapting recipes.
Ease of preparation Check the serving size, added ingredients and instructions for hot or cold preparation. After cooking, I want to make a quick snack without measuring out a larger quantity. Around 17% of consumers put convenience for individual portions first.
Availability and quantity Check whether the specific gluten-free option is available and whether the pack size suits your recipe. If I’m making several bites, I want to be able to buy enough of the same suitable product. For around 16% of consumers, this is their main concern when shopping.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘100% oats’ means ‘gluten-free’

    Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. Albert Heijn’s product information says that regular Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye, while regular Quaker Havermout may contain barley and wheat.

    If you’re serving someone with coeliac disease, use the label on the exact pack as your guide and look for a clear gluten-free claim.

  • Using a multiseed mix as if it were plain oats

    A mix containing seeds or quinoa adds ingredients and changes the texture. That may work well as a topping, but it will also change a recipe where you want to use neutral oats.

    Read the ingredients list before substituting the mix in an existing recipe.

  • Assuming a product listing means it’s currently available

    It’s difficult to plan a recipe around a particular pack if it turns out to be unavailable when you do your shopping.

    Check current availability before you shop, and decide which other clearly labelled gluten-free product would also work in your recipe.

  • Overlooking individual tolerance to oats

    Even an oat product labelled gluten-free won’t necessarily suit everyone with coeliac disease. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that people’s tolerance of pure oats can vary.

    Before planning your menu around them, ask your guest whether gluten-free oats are suitable for them.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn / AH Glutenvrij

AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout is a plain gluten-free oat base for recipes where you want to choose the additions yourself.

  • Albert Heijn lists gluten-free wholegrain oats as the ingredient and says the product is made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • If you’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease, always check the information on the current pack.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

The gluten-free oats in this own-brand range are worth comparing if you’re looking for plain oats.

  • Jumbo’s product listing specifies gluten-free oats and the Crossed Grain symbol.
  • Check that the specific pack is available before planning your recipe around it.

Leev Simply Free

Leev’s gluten-free wholegrain oats are a plain base for dishes where you want to add your own ingredients.

  • Albert Heijn’s product listing describes this option as gluten-free wholegrain oats.
  • The ‘organic’ label alone says nothing about an individual’s tolerance to oats.

Zonnatura

These gluten-free multiseed oats are designed for recipes where the added texture works well.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists gluten-free wholegrain oats, linseed, chia seeds and popped quinoa.
  • The extra ingredients mean these aren’t a direct substitute for plain oats in every recipe. Check current availability too.

Elovena

Elovena Natural instant oatmeal glutenvrij is a single-portion option for a quick hot or cold preparation.

  • Albert Heijn lists individually wrapped portions and instructions for making hot or cold porridge.
  • If you’re making several portions, compare the ingredients and pack size with loose oats.

Brinta

Regular Brinta Havermout is not the same product as oats specifically labelled gluten-free.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists oats as an ingredient.
  • The same listing mentions possible traces of wheat and rye. Don’t use this regular option as a gluten-free alternative for someone with coeliac disease.

Quaker

Regular Quaker Havermout is a neutral oat base, but it’s not a suitable gluten-free alternative for this coeliac-friendly recipe.

  • Quaker describes its regular oats as a base to which you can add your own ingredients.
  • Albert Heijn’s product listing mentions possible traces of barley and wheat. If you’re serving someone with coeliac disease, choose a product specifically labelled gluten-free.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular oats automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

No. Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. If you’re serving someone with coeliac disease, choose oats clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’; the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends looking for the Crossed Grain symbol.

Can I use regular Brinta or Quaker in a gluten-free fakeaway recipe?

Not if the dish is for someone with coeliac disease. Regular Brinta Havermout listed by Albert Heijn may contain traces of wheat and rye, while regular Quaker Havermout may contain barley and wheat. Always check the label on the exact version of any other product.

Should I choose plain oats or a multiseed mix?

Choose plain gluten-free oats if you want to control the flavour and texture of a bake or topping. A gluten-free multiseed mix works when the added seeds are part of the recipe; check the ingredients list first.

When are gluten-free instant portions useful?

Instant portions are particularly handy when you want to make a quick hot or cold snack. If you’re comparing them with loose oats, check the preparation instructions, serving size and ingredients of the specific gluten-free option.

How can I keep gluten-free food separate from regular ingredients?

Use clean utensils and work surfaces when preparing gluten-free food. Don’t use a spoon that has been in regular oats, flour or breadcrumbs, and check the other ingredients in the dish too.