Parents in a hurry in the morning
If weighing out oats is tricky between feeds and getting ready for work, a pre-measured portion could be a good fit. Just check what else you’ll need to do and which equipment you’ll need to prepare the porridge.
Who are the different pack formats suited to?
Families planning ahead
If you regularly make porridge for yourself or several family members, a larger pack lets you choose how much to make for each breakfast. You’ll need to measure out the portions yourself, though.
Parents with questions about allergens or baby food
If you have coeliac disease, a relevant allergy or are considering a product for a baby, the specific product label matters more than the convenience of the pack format. Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions. If you’re considering it for a baby, also take their age into account.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide who the oats are for and how you want to prepare them. Then choose between a fixed portion and measuring it out yourself.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and portion convenience | Check the preparation instructions and portion size. Is hot water enough, or will you also need a bowl, pan or microwave? | On a morning when I’m being interrupted, I don’t want to weigh anything first, but I do want to know what I’ll need to get breakfast ready. For around 42% of consumers, a quick, pre-measured portion is the priority. |
| Stocking up and measuring your own portions | Compare the pack size with the stated portion size, and check how to store the pack once it’s open. | If we eat porridge more often at home, I want to choose how much to make for each person. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this flexibility when making several breakfasts. |
| Ingredients and suitability | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. If you have coeliac disease, check the gluten-free claim on the pack; assess whether a product is suitable for a baby separately. | If I need to watch out for gluten or other allergens, or I’m considering porridge for a baby, I want to know first whether this particular product is suitable. This is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming instant means ready to eat
Instant oats usually still need liquid added. The amount of liquid and preparation method vary by product. Tinned, ready-to-eat porridge is a different type of product.
Read the instructions before buying, especially if you don’t want to use a pan or microwave.
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Giving an adult breakfast product to a baby without checking
Porridge made for adults isn’t automatically suitable for a baby. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving porridge before four months.
Check your child’s age and the ingredients of the specific product. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have questions about baby food.
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Assuming all oats are suitable for coeliac disease
Oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. An instant variety may also contain other allergens.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain Trademark. Also check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
Brands to consider
Quaker
The range includes larger packs of oats as well as pre-measured Oats Express sachets.
- Albert Heijn states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel takes two minutes to prepare, following the pack instructions.
- Check the variety: Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat; the Protein variety contains soya protein.
Brinta
The 450 g pack of Havermout is a good fit if you prefer to measure out your own portions at home.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variety contains 100% oat flakes and has a stated portion size of 40 g.
- The pack states that it may contain wheat and rye. Check the current allergen information if it’s relevant to your choice.
AH
The own-brand range includes fine oat flakes and a separate protein variety. Compare the labels on the specific products, not just the brand names.
- AH Volkoren Havermout Fijne Vlokken is listed in a 500 g pack, with a portion size of 40 g.
- The protein variety contains soya protein isolate and has a different composition from the fine oat flakes.
Golden Bridge
ALDI Netherlands lists fine wholegrain oats from this own brand in a 500 g pack.
- The larger pack lets you decide how much to make for each breakfast.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack if you need this information to make your choice.
Crownfield
Lidl Netherlands lists organic oats from Crownfield in a 500 g pack.
- This is an option worth looking at if you’re specifically after organic oats.
- Check the pack for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for the variety you’re considering.
Products for different breakfast routines
This selection of Joybuy products includes dry oat products and mixes for quick preparation, as well as ready-to-eat porridge in tins. Look out for the difference between oats, mixed breakfast powder and porridge that’s ready to eat.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option to consider if you want to prepare a portion of dry oats on busy mornings. Check the pack for the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens before choosing this variety.
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Family Whole Oatmeal Breakfast Powder with pure glucose 838 g
This breakfast powder may suit you if you want to prepare a mix rather than cook oat flakes. It isn’t made from oats alone, so check the ingredients, allergens and instructions on the pack.
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Yin Lu Haozhoudao Coconut Milk Oatmeal Porridge, 12 tins of 280 g
This ready-to-eat tinned porridge is an alternative to dry instant oats if you don’t want to add liquid or cook. Don’t assume one tin is the right breakfast portion for everyone; check the ingredients and allergens on the label.
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Family Whole Oatmeal Calcium Enriched Walnut Powder with pure glucose 838 g
This mixed oat and walnut powder is made to be prepared with liquid and isn’t the same as plain oats. Check the preparation instructions on the pack, and look out for walnuts and peanuts if those allergens are relevant to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give instant oats to my baby as porridge?
First, consider your baby’s age and the specific product; an adult breakfast product isn’t automatically suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving porridge before four months. Check the ingredients and speak to a healthcare professional if you have questions about baby food.
Are plain oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not without checking the pack. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. The centre advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain Trademark.
Should I still check the label on portion sachets?
Yes. A measured portion tells you nothing about the ingredients, allergens or preparation required. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says the label provides information about what a food contains and how to use it. So make sure you read the label on the product you’re actually buying.
How should I store a larger pack of oats?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. Albert Heijn’s product information for the oats mentioned above says to store them in a cool, dry place. Seal an opened pack as directed on the label.