Stock-up shoppers with strict sugar criteria
You want to buy several packs, but first check whether the claim, ingredients and sugars per 100 g meet your definition of sugar-free. ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean the same as no sugars.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Busy breakfast eaters who value convenience
You want a pre-measured portion that’s quick to prepare with water or milk, at home or at work. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Naturel comes in individual sachets and takes two minutes to prepare.
Shoppers buying larger packs of oats
You want to keep loose oats in stock, measure out your own portions and store an opened pack properly.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you mean completely sugar-free or no added sugars. Then choose a pack format that suits the way you prepare and store your oats.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Compare the claim and ingredients with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. | If I only want a product that meets my sugar criteria, I need to know whether the pack means no added sugars or no sugars at all. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Stocking up and storage | Check the net weight, best-before date and storage instructions after opening. | If I’m buying a larger quantity, I want to be able to seal opened oats properly and measure out my own portions. For around 33% of consumers, managing their supplies is the biggest priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the portion size, preparation time and amount of water or milk needed. | When I need breakfast to be ready quickly, I prefer pre-measured sachets to weighing out flakes myself. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
Common mistakes when stocking up
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
Albert Heijn lists both details for Quaker Oats Express Naturel: the product carries the claim ‘no added sugars’ and contains 1 g of naturally occurring sugars per 100 g.
Decide which sugar criteria matter to you, then check the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
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Comparing nutritional values for prepared oats with dry oats
The nutritional values Albert Heijn gives for Brinta Havermout are for a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk. They’re not directly comparable with values per 100 g of dry product.
First compare dry products on the same basis. Then look separately at what milk or other additions contribute to your prepared serving.
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Opening a large pack without a storage routine
Your supplies will only stay in good condition if you also consider how to store them after opening.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, store oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container. Also check the best-before date and storage instructions on the pack.
Brands to consider
Quaker
A relevant option if you’re choosing between Oats Express Naturel in portion sachets and loose oats in a 600 g pack.
- According to Albert Heijn, Oats Express Naturel contains 12 sachets, takes two minutes to prepare and carries the claim ‘no added sugars’.
- According to Albert Heijn, Oats Express Naturel contains 1 g of naturally occurring sugars per 100 g; the loose-oats pack isn’t an instant portion product.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is an option if you want to cook loose, extra-fine oat flakes as a hot breakfast.
- Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredients for this product.
- Check the specific pack for any sugar claim you’re looking for. The nutritional values shown for a prepared portion with milk aren’t directly comparable with values for the dry product.
Jumbo eigen merk
Jumbo offers fine wholegrain oats in 500 g and 1 kg packs for anyone who wants to keep loose flakes in stock.
- The 1 kg pack provides a larger quantity of loose flakes to portion yourself.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and any sugar claim on the pack you choose.
Crownfield (Lidl)
An own-brand option if you’re looking for oats as a store-cupboard staple; Lidl offers a 500 g pack.
- The stated pack size helps you plan your supplies.
- Check the pack for ingredients, sugars and preparation instructions before treating these flakes as instant or as having no added sugars.
ALDI huismerkassortiment
ALDI includes oats in its breakfast cereal range; check the specific pack against your requirements for stocking up.
- Oats are a relevant category to compare at this retailer.
- For each product you’re considering, check the ingredients, nutritional information, pack format and whether it’s instant.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. A product labelled ‘no added sugars’ can still contain naturally occurring sugars: Albert Heijn states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g as well as the claim.
How should I store oats I’ve bought in bulk?
Store oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the best-before date and storage instructions on the pack, especially after opening.
Can I assume ordinary oats are gluten-free?
No, don’t rely on the product name alone. Check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the specific pack; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also stresses the importance of checking the label on gluten-free products.
Why can’t I directly compare the nutritional values for Brinta Havermout with dry oats?
The values Albert Heijn shows for Brinta Havermout are for a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk. Compare dry products per 100 g, or prepare both products in the same way to make a fair comparison.