Holidaymakers planning breakfast for several days
If several people eat porridge oats, you’ll want to choose a pack that makes enough breakfasts without leaving you with lots to spare. So, compare the pack size with the length of your stay.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Holiday home guests short on time or cooking equipment
You’ll want to know what equipment you need and how much washing-up is involved. Individual portions can make it easier to measure out what you need; also check the preparation instructions on the pack.
Travellers who need gluten-free oats
If you have coeliac disease, ordinary oats aren’t automatically a suitable choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain trademark; also read the allergen information on the pack you buy.
What should you look for in oats for a holiday home?
First, work out how many breakfasts you expect to make and what cooking facilities the holiday home has. Then consider the texture of the oats and check the pack separately for any dietary or allergen requirements.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Choose a pack size to suit the number of people and breakfasts. Jumbo and ALDI, for example, list packs of 500 g and 1 kg. | If we’re eating porridge oats as a group over several mornings, I want to bring enough without having lots left over. Around 36% of consumers prioritise choosing the right amount. |
| Preparation | Check whether your chosen oats need a pan, microwave or another cooking method, and what you’ll need to bring. | When time or cooking equipment is limited, I want to be able to prepare breakfast easily. Around 29% of consumers give practical preparation top priority. |
| Oat texture | Check whether the oats are fine or coarse, and choose the texture you want for porridge or another breakfast. | If I want to decide what my breakfast is like, the texture of the oats is the deciding factor. For around 21% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
| Diet and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current label; if you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain trademark. | If someone in my group has coeliac disease, the pack needs to meet that requirement before I choose a size. For around 14% of consumers, this check takes priority over the other considerations. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. So, a pack labelled ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’ isn’t necessarily suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
If this applies to you, check for the official Crossed Grain trademark and read the allergen information on the pack.
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Choosing a large pack for a short stay
A 1 kg bag may be more than you’ll use over a few breakfasts, especially if only one person eats porridge oats.
Estimate how many breakfasts you’ll need beforehand, and consider a smaller pack if you want to avoid having too much left over.
You’ll need to store what’s left or take it home with you.
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Relying only on allergen information online
Albert Heijn warns that ingredient, nutrition and allergy information can change. So, the information you read when ordering may not match the information on the pack you receive.
Before using the product, read the label on the pack you’ve actually bought.
Brands to consider
These brands offer different pack sizes and types of oats. Compare the individual products: a brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether the quantity, preparation method or suitability for coeliac disease is right for you.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand oats come in fine and coarse varieties, larger packs and individual portions.
- The different pack formats let you choose a quantity to suit the number of breakfasts you’re planning.
- Jumbo lists gluten and oats in its plain fine wholegrain oats, with possible traces of barley, rye and wheat. Check gluten-free products separately.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Golden Bridge is an ALDI brand offering, among other products, fine and coarse wholegrain oats.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain oats and a 1 kg pack in either a fine or coarse variety.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the label of the variety you’re taking with you.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s own brand includes fine wholegrain oats and other varieties.
- Albert Heijn recommends storing its fine wholegrain oats in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack well after use.
- Albert Heijn says product information can change; if you have dietary or allergen requirements, read the label on the pack you receive.
Brinta
Brinta is worth considering if you’re specifically looking for extra-fine oats.
- Albert Heijn describes Brinta Havermout 450 g as a product made with 100% extra-fine oats.
- Don’t assume a product is suitable for coeliac disease because of its fine texture or brand name; check the pack.
Quaker
Quaker offers plain wholegrain oats and individual portion packs, including Oats Express Naturel.
- You can choose between measuring out what you need from a larger pack and a product that’s already portioned.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for each variety; they aren’t the same for all Quaker products.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products come in different pack sizes for breakfast in a holiday home, including a Quaker Express variety to consider if you prefer individual portions. Compare the pack size with the length of your stay, and read the preparation and allergen information on your chosen pack before use.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An Express variety to consider if you want to plan breakfast in individual portions. The pack contains 324 g; before buying, check how this variety is portioned and read its preparation instructions.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A 600 g pack to consider if you want to make porridge oats over several days. Work out how much your group will use, and read the preparation and allergen information on the label.
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Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
The 375 g pack is an option if you want to take less than you would with the larger Quaker pack. Check that it’s enough for the number of breakfasts you’re planning, and see what preparation method the label recommends.
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Zonnatura organic oats 500 g
A 500 g pack to consider if you’re looking for organic oats. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack; ‘organic’ doesn’t mean ‘gluten-free’.
Frequently asked questions
What pack size is right for a stay of several days?
Choose a pack size based on how many people will be eating porridge oats and how many breakfasts you’re planning. A larger bag may suit a group; for a short stay, a smaller pack may help you avoid having lots left over.
Are ordinary oats suitable if someone has coeliac disease?
Don’t assume they are: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten, and the official Crossed Grain trademark is important for people with coeliac disease. Check for the trademark and read the allergen information on the pack you buy.
Should I check the allergens again after ordering online?
Yes, read the label on the pack you receive before using the product. Albert Heijn says that ingredient, nutrition and allergy information can change; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority also stresses the importance of clear allergen labelling on packs.
How should I store an opened bag of oats in a holiday home?
Store the oats in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack well after use, as Albert Heijn recommends for its fine wholegrain oats. If you’re taking the leftovers home, make sure the pack stays sealed during the journey too.