When comparing instant oats, first check the sugars per 100 g of dry product and the ingredients list: ‘no added sugars’ does not mean the same as ‘low sugar’. Quaker Oats Express Naturel is an option if you want quick-to-prepare, pre-measured portions; the Protein version contains soya, so you’ll need to check the ingredients carefully. For larger batches, consider fine oats, provided you weigh out your own portions and compare nutritional values on the same basis.
You prepare several portions in advance and want to decide for yourself what to add. It helps to distinguish ‘no added sugars’ from the amount of sugars shown in the nutrition table. Also check how much milk, fruit or other additions contribute to your finished recipe.
You don’t want to weigh out oats every time. Individual portions can help; check the amount in each sachet, the liquid required and the preparation instructions for each product before planning a series of breakfasts.
You compare protein content as part of choosing your meal, but also want to know which ingredients have been added to provide it. Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and soya lecithin, which are relevant if you need to avoid soya.
Start with the label for the dry product. Then decide whether pre-measured instant portions or weighing out your own would suit the way you prepare meals better, and check for any ingredients you need to avoid.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and claims | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g of dry product and read the ingredients list. ‘No added sugars’ does not replace the sugar value. | If I want to choose my own toppings, I need to know how much sugar is already in the oats. Around 42% of consumers put this label check first. |
| Portions and preparation | Check the amount per portion and the instructions for liquid and preparation. Decide whether to set out dry portions or cook porridge in advance. | On busy mornings, I want to be able to prepare a consistent amount without weighing it again. For around 33% of consumers, portion convenience is their main concern. |
| Protein and allergens | Read the protein content per 100 g and the full ingredients and allergen information, including that of any additions to your meal. | I want to compare a high-protein version without overlooking soya in the ingredients. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
A product with no added sugars can still contain naturally occurring sugars. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘low sugar’ claim for solid foods is subject to a limit of no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Compare the sugar value on the label, then read the ingredients. When planning your portion, also take into account any ingredients you add yourself.
The nutritional values shown by Albert Heijn for a prepared portion of Brinta Havermout are based on 250 ml of semi-skimmed milk. Its sugar value is not directly comparable with that of a dry instant mix per 100 g.
For a product comparison, use the same basis, preferably per 100 g of dry product. Use values for prepared porridge to assess the recipe you actually make.
A pre-measured sachet saves you weighing. With a larger pack, you decide how much oats and liquid to use for each portion.
Choose the method that suits when you prepare your meals: set out individual dry portions or make several portions of porridge at once.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and soya lecithin. The protein content alone therefore won’t tell you whether the ingredients suit your needs.
Read the full ingredients and allergen information before buying, especially if you need to avoid soya or any other listed ingredients.
Oats Express Naturel and Oats Express Protein are portioned products for anyone who wants to prepare oats quickly. Albert Heijn’s product information gives a preparation time of around two minutes for both.
Brinta Havermout is made with fine oat flakes, for anyone who wants to weigh out and prepare their own portions.
Jumbo offers both fine wholegrain oats in larger packs and Original portions. This lets you compare weighing out your own portions with pre-measured ones.
These products are designed for quick-to-prepare portions. Choose between the Protein version, which contains soya, and an oat option with a stated sugar value and portion size; for both, check how to prepare them as part of your own meal-prep routine.
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For anyone looking for a quick-to-prepare portion and wanting to compare protein content.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information: 22 g of protein and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g; ready in around two minutes. Contains soya protein and soya lecithin. Check the full allergen information if you need to avoid any ingredients.
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For anyone who wants to prepare pre-measured portions of oats and check the sugar value of the dry product.
The product information states 12 portions of 27 g, 1 g of sugars per 100 g and a preparation time of around two minutes. Check the allergen information if you need to avoid soya, barley or wheat.
No, these are different nutrition claims. A product with no added sugars can contain naturally occurring sugars. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘low sugar’ claim can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g, so check the nutrition table too.
For unsweetened porridge made with whole milk, the Voedingscentrum recommends three to five days in the fridge at 4 °C, provided you cool the porridge quickly. According to its storage guidance, it can be frozen for around a month, although the quality may deteriorate. If you add other ingredients, also check the storage instructions that apply to them.
No, you can’t tell from the product type alone. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat; the Protein version may contain those grains too and also contains soya. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the product is explicitly labelled as such and read its allergen information.
