First, decide which sugar claim matters to you: under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid food can only be called ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; ‘with no added sugars’ does not mean the same thing. Single-serve sachets can be handy on a busy barbecue morning. If you want to prepare your oats cold or need a gluten-free option, check the instructions and label for the exact product.
If you want a product that can be called ‘sugar-free’, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, rather than relying on the words ‘with no added sugars’. Quaker Nederland lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g for Oats Express Naturel. That is above the European limit of 0.5 g per 100 g for a ‘sugar-free’ claim.
If you’re making breakfast while getting the barbecue ready, a single-serve sachet can save you the effort of measuring out a portion. Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared hot in around two minutes. If you’d rather get started the night before, you could also look for cold preparation instructions.
A plain variety isn’t automatically gluten-free. Albert Heijn labels Elovena Natural instant oatmeal as gluten-free and says it can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. When you buy it, check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the current packaging.
First decide whether ‘sugar-free’ is a must-have, or whether you mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then compare the preparation method and, if relevant to you, check for a gluten-free label.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g with the 0.5 g per 100 g limit for ‘sugar-free’. Treat ‘with no added sugars’ as a different claim. | If ‘sugar-free’ is a must for me, I don’t want to rely just on the words ‘with no added sugars’. The exact sugar claim is the top priority for around 43% of shoppers. |
| Preparation | Read the instructions for hot or cold preparation and check whether you need to measure out the portions yourself. | On a morning full of barbecue preparations, I want to make breakfast quickly or get it ready in advance. Speed is the top priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Gluten-free label | Look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current packaging. | If I need gluten-free instant porridge, I don’t want to assume every plain variety is suitable. Cold preparation can also be practical. For around 28% of shoppers, choosing a gluten-free option matters most. |
A product can have no added sugars and still contain sugars. Quaker Nederland lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g for Oats Express Naturel: above the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
If ‘sugar-free’ is your criterion, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the label.
Quaker Nederland says Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat. So the word ‘plain’ doesn’t tell you whether the product meets a gluten-free requirement.
Look for an explicit gluten-free label, and check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging too.
Offers both loose porridge oats and Oats Express Naturel in single-serve sachets.
Natural instant oatmeal is a plain variety that Albert Heijn labels as gluten-free. It can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water.
Its range includes own-brand fine wholegrain porridge oats and Quaker Oats Express Naturel.
ALDI lists GOLDEN BRIDGE fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
This product selection is for anyone who wants a portion-packed breakfast on a busy barbecue morning. If the sugar claim or allergen information will affect your choice, check the current packaging.
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An option for anyone who wants to prepare a single-serve oat-based breakfast while getting ready for a barbecue.
Pack size: 324 g. For specific information on sugar claims, preparation and allergens, check the details on this pack. Don’t rely solely on information about other Quaker varieties.
No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid food can only be called ‘sugar-free’ if it contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars, so compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutritional information.
Choose a product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current label. Albert Heijn labels Elovena Natural instant oatmeal as gluten-free, while Quaker Nederland says Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat, among other allergens.
Yes, if the preparation instructions for your chosen product allow it. Albert Heijn says Elovena Natural instant oatmeal can be mixed with cold milk or water. For overnight oats, Albert Heijn Allerhande describes preparing them in a sealed jar and leaving it in the fridge for eight hours.
Yes. When your order arrives, check the current label if the sugar claim, ingredients or allergens matter to your choice. Ondernemersplein explains that mandatory label information must also be available online. You should also check the packaging of the product you actually receive.
