The stock-up meal prepper
You prepare several breakfast portions in advance and are looking for wholegrain oats in a larger pack. Jumbo oats are also an option if you’re planning to make overnight oats or bake with them.
Who is this choice relevant to?
The fibre-conscious breakfast planner
You want to compare the nutritional value of different oats. The fibre per 100 g, ingredients list and nutritional information can help you compare the different options.
The meal prepper with coeliac disease
Ordinary oats aren’t necessarily suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the packaging; check the latest allergen information too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want plain oats, a quick-cooking option or a variety with extra ingredients. Then compare the nutritional information and the pack you’re actually buying.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare the fibre per 100 g and check whether it’s plain wholegrain oats or a mix. | If I want to choose the ingredients in my breakfast myself, I look for a simple oat base whose nutritional value I can compare. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Preparation and texture | Read the preparation instructions: choose finer oats for a quick hot breakfast or oats that work well in overnight oats prepared in advance. | My portions need to suit the time I have on a breakfast morning and the texture I want. For around 29% of consumers, ease of preparation matters most. |
| Pack size | Check the pack size and how many planned portions you’ll get from it. | I make several portions at once and want to know whether one pack will be enough. Pack size is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free labelling and allergens | Check the latest allergen information and, if needed, the official Crossed Grain mark. | If I’m buying oats for someone with coeliac disease, I need to be able to identify which pack is suitable first. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this check. |
Common mistakes
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Judging by the front of the pack alone
A mention of fibre doesn’t tell you whether a product is made from plain oats. The AH Jumbo Oats reviewed contain one ingredient; the AH Oat Mix with Protein reviewed also contains soya protein and seeds.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then read the ingredients and allergen lists.
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oat products may be contaminated with gluten. Packaging may also warn that other gluten-containing cereals could be present.
If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain mark and read the latest packaging every time you buy.
Brands to consider
The features listed apply to the products described and not necessarily to every oat product from the same brand.
Brinta
Extra-fine oats for a hot breakfast that’s quick to prepare.
- The Brinta Oatmeal described is made from 100% oats; according to the product information, preparing it with milk in the microwave takes around two minutes.
- The product information warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present. If you need to choose gluten-free oats, check the latest packaging and certification mark.
Quaker
Plain wholegrain oats as a base for planned breakfast portions.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Quaker Oatmeal described is made from 100% wholegrain oats and contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The same product information warns that wheat and barley may be present.
AH
Jumbo wholegrain oats and a separate oat mix with added protein.
- According to the product information, AH Jumbo Wholegrain Oats contain one ingredient, provide 10 g of fibre per 100 g and come in a 1 kg pack.
- AH Oat Mix with Protein isn’t a plain oat product: the ingredients listed also include soya protein, linseed and sunflower seeds.
Jumbo
Fine and jumbo wholegrain oats in a range of pack sizes.
- Jumbo’s category information includes a 1 kg pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- Check the latest nutritional information, ingredients and allergens for each variety you choose. Features of one variety don’t necessarily apply to another.
Golden Bridge
Fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- ALDI describes the Golden Bridge variety as fine wholegrain oats.
- Before choosing this variety for its fibre content or suitability for your diet, check the nutritional information and allergen details on the latest packaging.
Joybuy products for breakfast portions
These two Quaker products are suitable for breakfast portions that are quick to prepare: one regular Express variety and one Express Protein variety. If you’re stocking up on plain jumbo oats, compare pack sizes separately to find the one you want.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you want to plan individual breakfast portions; check that the preparation method and portion size on the pack suit your routine.
Pack size: 324 g.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for an oat mix with added protein rather than plain oats; compare the ingredients and allergens on the latest packaging.
Pack size: 302 g. Check the unit used for the protein value on the packaging before comparing varieties.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the fibre content of oats?
First compare the fibre per 100 g, then consider the portion you want to prepare. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 4.4 g of fibre in a 40 g portion of oatmeal; the Quaker Oatmeal described contains 9 g per 100 g and AH Jumbo Wholegrain Oats contain 10 g per 100 g. Also read the ingredients and allergen lists for the variety you choose.
Are ordinary oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Don’t assume they are: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oat products may be contaminated with gluten. For people with coeliac disease, the Centre recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain mark. Check for the mark and read the allergen information on the latest packaging.
How do I prepare overnight oats in advance?
Follow the preparation instructions for the oats you choose. For AH Jumbo Wholegrain Oats, the product information suggests mixing 40 g of oats with 250 ml of milk or a plant-based alternative, then covering and refrigerating for eight hours.