If you're checking for added sugar for the first time
You want to choose a pack of oats without relying on the front of the packaging. A plain option gives you a clear starting point for comparing ingredients lists and nutrition information.
Who are these options for?
If you want a quick, measured breakfast portion
You'd rather not measure out your oats every morning. Check whether the portion size and preparation instructions on a sachet suit what you can and want to use at home.
If you're stocking up on oats for several breakfasts
You're looking for one pack that lets you scoop out your own portions. Regular oats give you that flexibility, but you'll need to decide on the amount and how to prepare them yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by reading the ingredients list to spot sources of added sugar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing the nutrition information of similar products per 100 g. Then decide whether you want to measure out your own portion or have a set amount.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it relevant for? |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugar | Check the ingredients list for sources of sugar. Also compare sugars and fibre per 100 g in similar products; the sugar figure alone doesn't tell you whether sugar has been added. | I want to see what's been added to my first pack, rather than relying only on the sugar figure. Around 50% of consumers prioritise checking for added sugar. |
| Preparation and portion size | Check the amount in each sachet and the instructions for liquid, preparation time and any equipment needed. | If I don't want to measure anything out in the morning, a set portion that I can prepare in my kitchen is most useful. For around 38% of consumers, portion convenience matters most. |
| Measuring your own portion | Check the pack size and storage instructions if you want to get several portions from one pack. | I want to choose how much oats to use for each breakfast and store the rest. Around 12% of consumers value the freedom to measure out their own portions most. |
Common mistakes
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Only checking the sugar figure
The nutrition table lists all the sugars in the product. On its own, it doesn't tell you whether sugar has been added.
Check the ingredients list too, and compare the nutrition information per 100 g with that of a similar plain option.
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Automatically choosing portion sachets
A sachet saves you measuring, but the set amount might not suit every breakfast.
Check the portion size and preparation instructions. If you'd rather choose the amount yourself, look at regular fine or jumbo oats too.
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Assuming oats are gluten-free without checking the label
An oat product may also list other cereals containing gluten. Quaker Netherlands says that Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat.
If you have a relevant allergy or dietary restriction, check the allergen information and look for a gluten-free statement on the specific pack.
Brands and shops to help you get started
Use brand and shop product information to compare options, but check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information on the packaging you buy.
Quaker
Offers regular oats and Oats Express sachets for anyone who wants to prepare a set portion.
- Quaker Netherlands lists wholegrain oats as an ingredient in Oats Express Naturel.
- Quaker Netherlands also says this option may contain soya, barley and wheat. Check the packaging of the option you choose.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is made with fine oat flakes that you can portion yourself.
- According to the product information at Albert Heijn, Brinta Havermout contains 100% oat flakes.
- The nutrition information given per prepared portion includes milk, so it isn't for dry oats alone. The product may contain wheat and rye.
Albert Heijn
Provides online product information for options including Quaker Oats Express Naturel and Brinta Havermout.
- The product pages let you check the ingredients and nutrition information for specific options before you buy.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the current packaging before use.
Jumbo
Its oats range has included own-brand fine and jumbo flakes as well as portion-sized products.
- These different pack formats make it easy to compare measuring your own portions with ready-portioned options.
- Check the ingredients, nutrition information and current packaging for each product you choose.
Lidl
Has stocked a range of oat options in its shops.
- In store, you can check whether an option's portion size and preparation suit your routine.
- Even for options labelled with a flavour or protein claim, check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and allergens on the packaging.
ALDI
Lists Golden Bridge Fijne volkoren havermout as an option for anyone who wants to measure out their own portions.
- The product listing gives a pack size of 500 g.
- If these details matter to your choice, check the ingredients, nutrition information and allergens on the current packaging.
Portion-sized product on Joybuy
This product pick is for anyone looking for instant oats in individual portions. Compare the information on the pack with that of regular oats if you'd rather measure out your own portions.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you're looking for a measured breakfast portion. The pack contains 324 g; check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g, preparation instructions and allergens on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does a low sugar figure mean nothing has been added?
No. The nutrition table also includes sugars that occur naturally in the ingredients. Check the ingredients list too to see whether anything like sugar, syrup or honey has been added.
Should I choose instant oats or regular oats if I'm watching my added sugar intake?
Don't choose based on the product name alone: check the ingredients list for both types. A plain portion-sized product can be handy if you don't want to measure anything out; with regular oats, you decide the amount yourself. Also compare similar products per 100 g.
Are all oat products gluten-free?
No, don't assume they are. For example, Quaker Netherlands says that Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat. Check the allergen information and look for a gluten-free statement on the specific packaging.
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Follow the storage advice on the pack. Brinta Havermout product information says to store it in a dry place and press the pack closed after use. Check the best-before date on your pack too.