For stocking up and measuring your own portions
You eat oats at different times for breakfast or as a snack, and want to decide how much to have. Fine wholegrain flakes are an alternative to pre-measured sachets.
Which type of oats is right for you?
For sachet users
You want to take a portion with you without weighing it out first. Check what liquid, bowl and preparation method you’ll need where you plan to eat it. Quaker Netherlands lists a preparation time of two minutes for Oats Express.
For label readers
You compare ingredients and nutritional information, or need to take allergens into account. Albert Heijn lists added soya protein in Quaker Oats Express Protein and a gluten-free label for Elovena Natural; check the label of the variety you’re buying.
What should you consider when choosing?
First, decide whether you want to measure out your own portions or need a fixed serving for your store cupboard. Then compare the preparation instructions and labels of products that suit the way you’ll use them.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and portions | Compare the net weight and number of portions; choose between measuring them out yourself and individual sachets. | If I use oats at different times, I want to choose the amount each time. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this flexibility. |
| Preparation | Check how much liquid you need, the waiting time, and whether a microwave, hob or hot water is available. | For a quick breakfast, I don’t want to weigh out a portion first, but I do need to be able to prepare it where I am. Around 27% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Compare the ingredients and the stated protein, fibre and sugars per 100 g and per portion. | If you’re looking for a simple oat base, or specifically want added protein, the ingredients tell you more than the product name alone. Around 27% of consumers put this first. |
| Allergens and gluten-free labelling | Read the allergen information and check for an explicit gluten-free label if you need one to make your choice. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients strictly, I want to know what’s in the variety I’ve chosen and what it may contain. For around 13% of consumers, this is the deciding factor. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming all instant oats are the same
A plain variety, one with soya protein and a product with added flavourings all have different ingredients. Albert Heijn lists soya protein in Quaker Oats Express Protein; according to Jumbo’s product information, Upfront Chocolade contains ingredients including milk proteins, date powder and cocoa.
Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion for the varieties you’re considering.
-
Assuming oats are naturally gluten-free
The Voedingscentrum points out that oat products can become contaminated with gluten. A product name containing ‘oats’ is therefore not the same as a gluten-free label; for Quaker Oats Express Naturel, Albert Heijn lists the possible presence of wheat and barley.
If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging every time you buy.
Brands to consider
These brands offer examples of different product formats and ingredients. The features listed apply to the varieties described, not every product from each brand.
Quaker
Offers regular oats, Oats Express portions and a Protein variety.
- Quaker Netherlands lists wholegrain oats and a two-minute preparation time for Oats Express Naturel.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Protein variety contains added soya protein; check the possible allergens listed for the plain variety too.
Elovena
Natural is a portion-sized instant oat product with an explicit gluten-free label.
- Albert Heijn says this variety can be mixed with hot or cold water or milk.
- The gluten-free label on Natural doesn’t apply to other varieties; check the label of the product you choose.
Upfront
Offers instant oats with additional ingredients for those who don’t want a plain oat base.
- For its Chocolade variety, Jumbo lists ingredients including oat flakes, milk proteins, date powder and cocoa.
- Don’t compare this product as if it were just oats; check the allergen information too.
Jumbo
Offers own-brand fine and coarse wholegrain oats, as well as portion-sized products from other brands.
- Fine flakes are a good option if you want to measure out your own portions for your store cupboard.
- Regular fine flakes and instant sachets don’t necessarily have the same preparation instructions.
Golden Bridge
ALDI’s own brand offers fine and coarse wholegrain oats for those looking for loose flakes.
- ALDI lists both formats as wholegrain oats.
- Don’t assume these regular flakes are instant, portion-sized products; check the packaging for preparation instructions.
Portion-packed oats on Joybuy
These two Quaker products are suitable if you want to stock up on individual portions: one variety with added soya protein and one oat variety without it. Choose between them based on the ingredients and preparation method that suit the way you’ll use them.
No image available
Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
A portion-sized option to consider if you’re specifically looking for added protein for this meal and soya suits your needs.
Albert Heijn lists this Protein variety as containing 85% wholegrain oats and 15% soya protein. Check the allergen information on the packaging, including if wheat or barley are relevant to you.
No image available
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A good choice if you want to keep or take individual portions with you without measuring out the oats yourself.
Joybuy lists twelve individual sachets and a two-minute preparation time in a microwave or saucepan. Check the preparation instructions and the possible presence of soya, wheat and barley on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Do you always need a microwave for instant oats?
No, preparation methods vary from product to product. According to the product information, Quaker Oats Express can be prepared in a microwave or saucepan, while Albert Heijn also says Elovena Natural can be mixed with water or milk. Check how much liquid you need and how to prepare the variety you choose.
Are regular instant oats automatically gluten-free?
No, the name ‘oats’ doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum warns that oat products may be contaminated with gluten. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information on the packaging.
How should you store instant oats?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and check the best-before date. The product information for Quaker and Elovena recommends storing the products in a cool, dry place; check that the packaging is intact before using a portion too.