If you want to avoid added sugar, compare the ingredients and ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g of the dry product: ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean sugar-free. Plain portion sachets are handy when you want a quick, measured serving; with a pack of plain oats, you can choose your own portion size and toppings. If you’re considering a protein variety, check the soya and allergen information too.
If you want a pre-measured portion for a busy morning, you can compare plain portion sachets. Albert Heijn lists a preparation time of two minutes for Quaker Express Natural; also check the nutritional information for the variety you choose.
If you eat oatmeal regularly and prefer to choose your own serving size and toppings, a pack of plain oats is an alternative to individual sachets.
If you’re comparing a variety with added protein, read the ingredients: the Quaker Express Protein variety reviewed contains soya protein. If you have coeliac disease, also pay close attention to the gluten-free claim on the packaging.
Start with the ingredients, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g of dry product. Next, decide whether a measured portion, portioning it yourself or added protein matters most to you.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and sugars | Read the ingredients list and ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g of dry product; consider any additions during preparation separately. | I want to avoid added sugar, but also know how much sugar the product itself contains. Around 33% of consumers put this check first. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions, time and quantity per sachet. | On busy mornings, I don’t want to weigh out my oats before preparing them. For around 27% of consumers, convenience is the top priority. |
| Pack size | Check the pack size and whether you need to measure out portions yourself. | I use oats often and want to choose how much I have each time. That flexibility is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Protein and allergens | Read the protein content and ingredients, especially for soya and gluten-containing cereals; if you have coeliac disease, check for the certification mark on the packaging. | I’m considering added protein or need to avoid certain ingredients strictly, so the exact variety is key. Around 20% of consumers give this top priority. |
A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars. Milk, yoghurt, fruit or sweeteners can also change the nutritional value of what you end up eating.
First compare the ingredients and ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g of the dry products; then assess your preparation separately.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. So the word ‘oats’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
The Quaker Express Protein variety listed by Albert Heijn contains 15% soya protein.
If you have a soya allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack before choosing.
The product information reviewed includes both regular oatmeal and Express portion sachets, as well as an Express Protein variety.
An option if you’d rather use fine oats from a pack than portion sachets.
The online range includes fine and coarse oatmeal, as well as own-brand varieties in portion packs.
The online range includes fine wholegrain oatmeal, a gluten-free variety and a variety with added protein.
These selections cover different categories; they are not the result of a single product test. They look at preparation and ingredients for quick plain options, protein for the Protein variety, and ingredients for plain oatmeal. A product’s position in one category isn’t directly comparable with its position in another.
| Position | Product | Features | Why it’s included | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quaker Oats Express Natural Oatmeal 324 g | Portion sachets; ready in two minutes. | Quick plain option: Albert Heijn lists the preparation time, and Quaker describes the variety as having no added sugars. | Albert Heijn |
| 2 | Brinta Oatmeal 450 g | 100% oats; portion it yourself. | An alternative in the quick plain options category: Albert Heijn describes the oats as extra fine and quick to prepare. | Albert Heijn |
| 1 | Quaker Oats Express Natural Protein Oatmeal 302 g | According to Albert Heijn, 22 g of protein per 100 g and 15% soya protein. | A separate category for added protein and quick preparation; the soya ingredients are an important consideration. | Albert Heijn |
| 1 | Quaker Oatmeal 600 g | 100% wholegrain oats; no added sugars. | A plain oat base in a larger pack, based on product information from Albert Heijn and Joybuy; you’ll need to portion it yourself. | Joybuy |
| 2 | Brinta Oatmeal 450 g | 100% oats; according to Joybuy, 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g. | A plain oat base in the same category, based on the ingredients and nutritional values listed by Joybuy. | Joybuy |
These products offer three ways to choose oatmeal: an Express variety with added protein, pre-measured Express portions, and fine oats that you portion yourself. For each product, compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack you choose.
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An option if you’re looking for a quick-to-prepare oatmeal variety with added protein. The product information lists a preparation time of two minutes, 22 g of protein and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients include 15% soya protein and soya lecithin; check the allergen information on the packaging too.
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For anyone who wants a pre-measured plain portion: the pack contains 12 sachets and the stated preparation time is two minutes. The nutritional information lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g; Quaker describes Express Natural as having no added sugars. Check the packaging for possible traces of soya, wheat and barley.
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For anyone who wants to measure out their own portion of fine oats. The ingredients list 100% oats, and the nutritional information lists 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the packaging for the stated possible presence of rye and wheat.
No. ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean the product contains no sugars. Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, and remember to include anything you add during preparation.
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g of the dry products. You can’t compare a prepared portion made with milk directly with dry oatmeal, because the ingredients used in preparation affect the values.
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten; if you have coeliac disease, check whether the packaging carries the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Consider this variety if added protein is a requirement for you. The Quaker Express Protein listed by Albert Heijn contains soya protein, so check the ingredients first to make sure it suits you.
The packaging shows the information for the product you receive. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change; check these details when your order arrives, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
