Campers with just a kettle
If you want hot porridge without a pan or microwave, look for a pack with clear instructions for preparing it with boiling water. Check how much liquid you need and what else you’ll need to bring to make up the portion.
Which option works best for you?
Campers packing for several mornings
A larger pack lets you measure out how much porridge you need for each breakfast. Just make sure the preparation method suits your equipment and that you can store the opened pack somewhere dry.
Campers checking ingredients and allergens
Sweetened portions, plain varieties and mixes with soya protein don’t have the same ingredients. Check the current label. If you have coeliac disease, also look for the gluten-free claim and certification on the pack, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with your cooking equipment: a single-portion pack is only suitable for a kettle-made breakfast if the instructions say you can use boiling water. Then work out how many breakfasts you want to take and which ingredients matter to you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing with limited equipment | Check whether boiling water is enough, how much liquid you need and whether you have to leave it to stand. | If I only have a kettle, I want to make hot porridge without bringing a pan. For around 31% of consumers, this preparation option is the top priority. |
| Portions for several mornings | Check the pack size and portion size, and decide whether you’re happy to measure it out yourself. | For a trip lasting several days, I want to plan a portion for each morning, even if I have to measure it out myself. This is the main priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Keeping it dry | Check the packaging and, if necessary, bring an airtight container or bag. | In a tent or campervan, I want to keep an opened pack away from damp. For around 19% of consumers, being able to store it properly is their main concern. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current pack. If you have coeliac disease, also check for the gluten-free claim and certification. | If I need to watch my sugar, soya or gluten intake, I want to know which variety I’m taking before I leave. Around 19% of consumers give this check top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a single-portion sachet is the same as regular porridge oats
A pre-measured portion saves you weighing it out, but it doesn’t tell you whether you can make the porridge with just boiling water. Ingredients and portion sizes can vary too.
Compare the preparation instructions first, then work out how many breakfasts you need.
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Assuming all oats are suitable for coeliac disease
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. So the name of the grain alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable.
Check the gluten-free claim and Crossed Grain certification on the current packaging, as well as the ingredients and allergen information.
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Treating flavoured and plain varieties as the same
Jumbo lists sugar as an ingredient in its Havermout Porties Original. Quaker Oats Express Naturel lists wholegrain oats and also warns that it may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information for every variety, even if the packaging looks similar.
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Planning to store dry oats in the freezer
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the freezer is not ideal for porridge oats and recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
Pack dry porridge oats separately from perishable toppings and make sure the container is well sealed at the campsite.
Brands to consider
These brands offer a mix of single-portion packs, fine oats and oat products with extra ingredients. So check the specific product rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Quaker
Oats Express includes individually portioned porridge oats, including Naturel and a Protein variety.
- Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oats as the ingredient in Oats Express Naturel, with hot preparation in a pan or microwave.
- The same product information warns that it may contain soya, barley and wheat. Don’t assume from the name that you can prepare it using just a kettle.
Brinta
According to the product information, Brinta Havermout is made from extra-fine oat flakes.
- The fine flakes are an option if you don’t want to use individual portion sachets.
- The hot preparation methods described use a pan or microwave, so check that you have the right cooking equipment before packing this product.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo offers Havermout Porties Original, among other products, with five pre-measured portions.
- The single-portion packs mean less measuring when you’re packing.
- According to Jumbo’s ingredients list, this Original variety contains sugar. Check the ingredients for each variety.
AH
AH Volkoren havermout proteïne is an oat mix with soya protein, linseed and sunflower seeds.
- Albert Heijn lists 20 g of protein per 100 g and describes both cold and hot preparation methods.
- For hot preparation, the product information specifies a pan or microwave, not just a kettle.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
- A larger pack lets you measure out portions for several mornings.
- Check the preparation instructions before assuming that boiling water alone will be enough.
Crownfield
Lidl lists organic Crownfield porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
- The stated pack size helps you plan your camping supplies.
- Check the ingredients and preparation instructions on the specific pack in store.
Oat products for different preparation methods
These two Quaker products are worth considering if you’re looking for an oat-based camping breakfast. Check the preparation instructions for each variety: a single-portion pack doesn’t necessarily mean you can make it with just a kettle.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
This variety is worth considering if you want to compare the ingredients in Protein porridge for a camping breakfast. Check the pack for how much hot water you need and how long it takes to prepare. If you have a soya or gluten allergy, check the current allergen information too.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
The pre-measured portions are handy for campers who don’t want to weigh out their oats and can use a pan or microwave. The product information lists 12 single-portion packs and specifies a pan or microwave for hot preparation. Check the current instructions if you’re only taking a kettle.
Frequently asked questions
Can you prepare all instant oats with just boiling water?
No, follow the instructions for the specific product. Albert Heijn says Elovena Natural instant oatmeal can be prepared with 200 ml of boiling water or milk; Quaker Oats Express Naturel’s hot preparation instructions specify a pan or microwave.
How should you store an opened pack of porridge oats while camping?
Store porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Bring an airtight bag or storage container if the original packaging won’t reseal properly.
Do dry porridge oats need to go in the freezer?
No, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the freezer is not ideal for porridge oats. Keep dry oats in a sealed container. Store perishable toppings such as milk separately and make sure they stay chilled as needed.
Are regular porridge oats suitable for coeliac disease?
Don’t assume they are: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. Check the current packaging for a gluten-free claim and Crossed Grain certification, as well as the ingredients and allergen information.