Shoppers who need a strictly sugar-free product
You’re looking for a product that can genuinely be considered sugar-free, not just a no-added-sugar option. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and read the packaging carefully.
Who are these options for?
Busy breakfast eaters who want individual sachets
You want to make warm porridge quickly without measuring out a portion. Albert Heijn lists individual sachets of Quaker Oats Express Naturel, with a preparation time of around two minutes.
Shoppers who want to customise their oats
You want to choose the amount of oats and any toppings yourself. Regular oats are an alternative to pre-measured sachets; check the ingredients and preparation instructions for each product.
What should you look for in instant oats?
First, decide whether sugar-free is a firm requirement. Then choose between the convenience of individual sachets and the flexibility of measuring out your own portion from loose oats.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar-free | Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, and don’t confuse ‘no added sugars’ with sugar-free. | If sugar-free is a must for me, I don’t want to rely only on the wording on the front of the pack. This check is the top priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Speed and portions | Check the preparation instructions and weight per portion to see if they suit the way you’ll use the product. | On a busy morning, I want to make a warm portion without measuring out the oats. Around 27% of consumers make this convenience their top priority. |
| Customising your own bowl | Compare the ingredients lists and decide whether you want to measure out and add to loose oats yourself. | If I want to choose what goes into my bowl, I also want to control how much oats I use. This flexibility is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing
-
Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
A product can contain sugars even if none have been added. Quaker Nederland lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g for Oats Express Naturel.
If you need a strictly sugar-free product, check the nutrition table on the specific pack, not just the wording on the front.
-
Comparing dry oats with prepared porridge
A figure per prepared portion may include the milk used. Albert Heijn’s portion figures for Brinta Havermout are based on preparation with semi-skimmed milk.
Compare dry products on the same basis, ideally per 100 g, and assess the nutritional value of your prepared bowl separately.
-
Assuming oats are free from other cereals
Quaker Nederland states that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat. For Brinta Havermout, Albert Heijn lists possible traces of wheat and rye.
If the possible presence of other cereals matters to your choice, check the latest allergen information on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to consider
Quaker
Worth considering for oats in individual sachets, including Oats Express Naturel.
- Albert Heijn lists Oats Express Naturel as a pack of twelve sachets, with a preparation time of around two minutes.
- Quaker Nederland lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g and the possible presence of soya, barley and wheat. So ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t confirm that it meets a strict sugar-free requirement.
Brinta
Worth considering for oats as an alternative to instant sachets.
- According to Albert Heijn, Brinta Havermout is made from 100% oats.
- The listed portion figures are for oats prepared with semi-skimmed milk, not for the dry oats alone.
AH
Albert Heijn provides product information to help you compare preparation methods, ingredients and nutritional values.
- The product page for Quaker Oats Express Naturel lists the pack size and preparation method.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information may change, so check the packaging too.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you’re comparing regular oats with individual sachets as different product formats.
- The range includes both Jumbo wholegrain oats and Quaker Oats Express Naturel.
- Assess whether each product meets your sugar-free requirement by checking its nutritional information.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Worth considering for regular fine and coarse wholegrain oats.
- ALDI Nederland lists both types of oats under Golden Bridge.
- Check the preparation instructions and sugars per 100 g on each pack if speed or being sugar-free is a deciding factor for you.
Quick-preparation oats on Joybuy
This selection is suited to anyone who wants to prepare oats quickly. If you need a strictly sugar-free product, check the sugars per 100 g on the packaging separately.
No image available
Quaker Express oats 324 g
An option if you want to prepare oats quickly. The pack contains 324 g; if you need a strictly sugar-free product, check the sugars per 100 g and the latest allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No. A product with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Quaker Nederland lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g for Oats Express Naturel. If you need a strictly sugar-free product, check the nutritional information for the specific product.
Why does Brinta Havermout list 12 g of sugars per portion?
According to Albert Heijn, this portion figure is for Brinta Havermout prepared with 40 g of oats and 250 ml of semi-skimmed milk. Don’t compare it directly with the figure per 100 g for dry oats.
How can I control how sweet my porridge is?
Choose a plain base and decide for yourself what to add. If the amount of sugars in your prepared bowl matters to your choice, check the nutritional information for those additions too.
Should I check the retailer’s website or the packaging?
Use the packaging for your final check of the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values. Albert Heijn notes that product information may change. When comparing products, also check whether the figures are per 100 g or per prepared portion.