Busy athletes looking for a quick breakfast
If you want to make porridge quickly around a workout, compare the protein content per 100 g and per serving, as well as the preparation time. What else you eat also plays a part in choosing your meal.
Who are these options for?
Stock-up shoppers who like to mix their own
A larger pack of plain oats gives you a base for several meals. You can choose your own additions and assess the protein content of the complete serving.
Shoppers keeping an eye on soya or gluten
With protein-enriched oats, the source of protein can affect which allergens are present. Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product. If you’re looking for gluten-free instant oats, check that the packaging clearly says so.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most to you: the protein content of the dry mix, a larger supply, quick preparation or specific allergen information. Pack size alone doesn’t tell you how much protein a product contains.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein in the dry mix | Compare the protein per 100 g and per intended serving; count any additions separately. | If I mainly want to get my protein from the oat mix itself, I look beyond the product name. Around 36% of consumers would reportedly consider this the most important factor. |
| Stocking up and mixing your own | Check the net weight and type of packaging, and decide which source of protein you’ll add yourself. | I want a larger supply of oats and the freedom to choose what I mix in. For around 29% of consumers, that flexibility would be their top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Check the preparation instructions and time, and whether individual sachets suit your routine. | On a busy morning, I want to know how to prepare a serving without any extra effort. That convenience would matter most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and gluten-free options | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if needed, look for a product clearly labelled gluten-free. | If I need to avoid soya or am specifically looking for gluten-free oats, the information on the pack matters more than the protein content. Around 14% of consumers would consider this the main factor. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a larger pack means more protein
Quaker Netherlands’ published nutrition information lists 11 g of protein per 100 g for plain Quaker Oats and 22 g per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Protein. That difference relates to these two recipes, not their pack sizes.
Start by comparing the nutritional information for the exact products. If you choose plain oats as a store-cupboard staple, consider what you’ll add yourself too.
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Relying on the word “Protein” alone
According to Quaker Netherlands, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and may contain barley and wheat. The product name doesn’t tell you which ingredients to avoid.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information every time you buy. If you need a gluten-free option, look for that label on the specific product.
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Relying on an old product listing when choosing what to stock up on
The product page for Jumbo Havermout Proteïne 500 g stated that the product was no longer available online; Albert Heijn listed Upfront Eiwit Oats as discontinued. So a saved product name isn’t a reliable basis for a regular purchase.
Before planning your supplies, check the current product listing, packaging format and label.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Protein is an instant porridge oat product in a 302 g pack containing eight sachets.
- Quaker Netherlands lists 22 g of protein and 7.2 g of fibre per 100 g for this product, with a preparation time of around 2 minutes.
- It doesn’t come in a bulk tin. The ingredients include soya protein; barley and wheat may also be present.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oats as a possible store-cupboard staple.
- The listed pack size is worth considering if you want to mix plain oats with other ingredients yourself.
- Check the label and preparation instructions for this exact pack; don’t assume plain oats are instant or protein-enriched.
Elovena
Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal as gluten-free instant oats, in five 40 g servings.
- The product information lists 14 g of protein and 11 g of fibre per 100 g. It can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water.
- This product doesn’t come in a bulk tin. Check the current packaging if the gluten-free label is essential for your choice.
Upfront
Upfront Eiwit Oats Appel Kaneel is an example of instant oats listed on Albert Heijn’s product page as containing 25 g of protein per 100 g.
- The product information describes an individual serving prepared with hot water.
- Albert Heijn listed this product as discontinued; it doesn’t come in a bulk tin.
Instant oats in individual sachets at Joybuy
This option is protein-enriched instant oats for anyone looking for a quick-to-prepare serving. If you’re looking for a tin or multipack to stock up on, check the packaging separately: the product shown comes in sachets.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
An option if you’re looking for protein-enriched instant oats in individual servings, not a bulk tin.
According to Quaker Netherlands, the dry mix contains 22 g of protein and 7.2 g of fibre per 100 g, and takes around 2 minutes to prepare. The 302 g pack contains eight sachets.
Contains soya; barley and wheat may also be present. Check the current label if these ingredients matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Does “Protein” on the pack tell me how much protein is in my breakfast?
No. You’ll need to check the nutrition information and the size of your serving. Compare the protein per 100 g and per serving, and count milk, yoghurt or other additions separately.
Is a bulk tin automatically suitable for a high-protein diet?
No, the type of packaging doesn’t determine the protein content. Quaker Netherlands lists 11 g of protein per 100 g for plain Quaker Oats and 22 g per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Protein. If you choose a larger pack as a staple, also consider which ingredients you’ll add yourself.
What should I look out for in protein-enriched instant oats if I avoid soya?
Read the current ingredients and allergen information before buying. According to Quaker Netherlands, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
How should I store instant oats after opening?
Follow the storage instructions for the specific product. Albert Heijn advises storing Quaker Oats Express Protein in a cool, dry place; after opening, also follow the instructions on the packaging.