Who are these options relevant to?

Shoppers comparing salt levels

You want to choose a quick oat-based option and look beyond the salt per 100 g, taking into account your portion and the rest of the meal too.

Shoppers looking for something quick to prepare

You’re looking for an oat product that takes little preparation. Quaker says Oats Express Natural takes around two minutes to prepare; check which liquid and method you’ll need.

Shoppers who need a gluten-free option

Rather than relying on the word ‘natural’ or the general product name ‘oatmeal’, check the gluten-free claim, ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare salt levels on a like-for-like basis. Then check whether the preparation method and, where needed, the allergen information suit your needs.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Salt content Compare the salt per 100 g of the dry product, then check the nutritional information for a prepared portion. If I want to keep an eye on salt, I need to know how much is in the oat product and in my finished portion. For around 50% of shoppers, checking salt levels is the top priority.
Preparation and portions Check the preparation time, the amount of liquid needed and the portion size; see whether you’ll need a pan or microwave. If I want to prepare something quickly when eating outdoors, preparation and individual portions are what matter most to me. Around 30% of shoppers give this convenience top priority.
Gluten and allergens Read the current gluten-free claim, ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. If I need a gluten-free product, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oatmeal’ alone. For around 20% of shoppers, this check matters most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘natural’ or ‘gluten-free’ means low in salt

    Albert Heijn lists 1 g of salt per 100 g for Elovena Natural instant oatmeal, gluten-free. So the product name and gluten-free claim don’t tell you how much salt the product contains.

    Read the nutrition table and compare products of the same type per 100 g.

  • Only counting the dry oat product

    An oat product with 0 g of salt per 100 g won’t determine the salt content of the whole barbecue meal. Your chosen additions and side dishes count too.

    As well as the oats, check the labels on things you’re serving with them, such as sauces, marinades, cheese or meat alternatives.

  • Comparing a prepared portion with dry oats

    The 0.25 g salt figure shown by Albert Heijn for Brinta Oatmeal applies to a prepared portion made with 250 ml of semi-skimmed milk. That isn’t the same basis as salt per 100 g of dry oats.

    Compare dry products with one another per 100 g. For a prepared portion, check which liquid and quantity have been included.

Brands and retailers to help you compare

Quaker

Quaker offers Oats Express Natural as individually packaged instant oatmeal.

  • Quaker says this variety is made with wholegrain oats. Its label lists 0 g of salt per 100 g, and preparation takes around two minutes.
  • Quaker says this variety may contain soya, barley and wheat. Check the current pack if allergens are a concern for you.

Brinta

Brinta Oatmeal is an option with fine oat flakes if you don’t necessarily need individual instant portions.

  • According to the product information, Brinta Oatmeal is made from 100% oat flakes and can be prepared in a few minutes.
  • The salt level shown by Albert Heijn is for a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk, not for 100 g of dry oat flakes.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s product information shows differences between specific varieties of instant oats.

  • Quaker Oats Express Natural is listed as containing 0 g of salt per 100 g; Elovena Natural instant oatmeal, gluten-free, is listed as containing 1 g per 100 g.
  • Product information can change. Use these details to compare options, and check the packaging before use.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists products including Quaker Oats Express and regular oat flakes in its oatmeal category.

  • This makes it possible to compare individual portions of instant oats with regular oat flakes.
  • Check the ingredients and salt level for each specific variety; the category name won’t tell you either.

Lidl

Lidl lists Healthy Fit Protein oatmeal as an oat product.

  • The product listing gives you a specific variety to look up on the packaging.
  • Check the salt level on the packaging and whether the preparation method meets your expectations for instant oats.

Aldi

Aldi lists Golden Bridge fine or coarse wholegrain oatmeal in a 1 kg pack.

  • Fine oat flakes are another option to consider if you don’t need individual instant portions.
  • Don’t assume from the name that it’s instant or has a particular salt level; check the packaging.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘natural’ or ‘gluten-free’ mean instant oats are low in salt?

No, those claims don’t tell you how much salt a product contains. Quaker and Albert Heijn list 0 g of salt per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Natural, while Albert Heijn lists 1 g per 100 g for Elovena Natural instant oatmeal, gluten-free. Always compare the current nutrition tables.

Can instant oats be part of a salt-conscious barbecue?

Instant oats can make a quick oat-based option around a barbecue, but you’ll need to consider more than just the oats when it comes to salt. Check the additions and the other dishes you’re eating as part of the same meal too.

What is the maximum amount of salt per day recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that adults have no more than 6 g of salt a day. That’s a daily total, not a limit for one portion of instant oats, so remember to take the rest of your diet into account when comparing products.