Who is this choice relevant to?

Anyone preparing breakfast portions in advance

You want to prepare several portions using a base with no added sugars, then decide what to add on the day. It’s also important to consider how long prepared portions can be stored.

Anyone short on time in the morning

You’re looking for a pre-measured portion that’s quick to prepare, without assuming that every flavour has the same ingredients.

Anyone who needs to check allergens carefully

You need a gluten-free option or avoid soya. In that case, the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack are what matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that your chosen variety suits your sugar goals. Then choose between pre-measured sachets and oats you portion yourself, and check the label against any allergen requirements.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Added sugars Read the claim and ingredients list for the exact variety; compare the amount of sugars per 100 g. If I want a plain breakfast, I don’t want to unknowingly choose a sweetened flavour or drink variety. This check is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Stock and portions Check the pack size and whether you’ll need to weigh out your own dry portions. If I’m planning several breakfasts, I want enough dry oats to divide into portions that suit my routine. Around 29% of consumers give this planning the highest priority.
Preparation time Check the preparation method and time for the variety you’ve chosen. On busy mornings, I want to be able to prepare a portion in advance and get it ready quickly. Speed is the main priority for around 21% of consumers.
Allergens Check the gluten-free statement and warnings for ingredients including soya, wheat, barley and rye if they’re relevant to you. If I avoid soya or need to eat gluten-free, a convenient product format mustn’t come at the expense of checking the required allergen information. Around 14% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’ mean the same thing

    A product with no added sugars may still contain sugars that occur naturally. So the name or the front of the pack doesn’t tell you the whole story.

    Check the exact claim, ingredients list and amount of sugars per 100 g for the variety you’re buying.

  • Comparing prepared porridge with dry oats

    Nutrition information for porridge made with milk doesn’t describe the dry oats alone. This makes comparing it with a dry product misleading.

    First compare dry products per 100 g, then look separately at what you add to your portion.

  • Putting all your prepared portions for the week in the fridge

    Voedingscentrum advises keeping prepared food in the fridge for no more than two days and freezing portions you plan to eat later.

    Plan which breakfasts you’ll eat within two days and freeze the remaining prepared portions.

  • Assuming all oats are gluten-free or soya-free

    The product information for Quaker Oats Express Protein lists soya and possible traces of barley and wheat; Brinta Havermout warns that it may contain traces of wheat and rye.

    Check the allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying. Don’t choose based only on the words ‘oats’ or ‘protein’.

Brands to consider

Quaker

The range includes Oats Express Naturel and a Protein variety for quick preparation.

  • The product information for Oats Express Naturel states that it contains no added sugars.
  • The Protein variety contains soya; also check the warnings for barley and wheat.

Brinta

According to the product information, Brinta Havermout consists of fine oats that you can portion yourself.

  • Albert Heijn lists 100% oats as the ingredient in Brinta Havermout.
  • The same product information warns that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. Brinta Wake-up! is a different product and lists sugar as an ingredient.

Albert Heijn

The AH Glutenvrij Volkoren oats reviewed here are a separate variety for anyone specifically looking for gluten-free oats.

  • Albert Heijn describes this variety as being produced in a completely gluten-free environment and states that it contains 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • Don’t assume this product information applies to other AH oat products; check the label for each variety.

Jumbo

The range includes loose oats and instant portion sachets.

  • A 1 kg pack of loose fine wholegrain oats gives you the flexibility to weigh out your own breakfast portions.
  • Check the ingredients and nutritional information for your chosen own-brand variety separately.

Lidl

Lidl Nederland lists coarse oat flakes in a 500 g pack.

  • You can divide loose oats into your own dry breakfast portions.
  • Check the pack to make sure the ingredients and sugar information suit your goals.

Golden Bridge (ALDI)

ALDI Nederland lists fine or coarse wholegrain Golden Bridge oats in a 1 kg pack.

  • Choosing between fine and coarse oats is useful if you’re preparing several dry portions yourself.
  • Check the ingredients and any claim about added sugars on the pack you choose.

Oat products on Joybuy

These products are designed for quick oat preparation: a regular Express variety and a Protein variety. Choose the format that suits your portion-planning, and check whether soya and the allergen warnings for the Protein variety are compatible with your needs.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

For anyone looking for a quick oat base and planning breakfast portions in advance. To make sure it suits your sugar goals, check the claim and ingredients for this exact variety on the pack.

View on Joybuy
Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g

An instant variety for anyone looking for oats with soya protein as well as a no added sugars claim. The product information lists 85% wholegrain oats and 15% soya protein; the product contains soya and may contain barley and wheat. If you’re planning breakfasts for a set number of days, check the pack to see how many individual portions it contains.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean instant oats contain no sugars?

No, the product may still contain sugars that occur naturally. For Quaker Oats Express Naturel, Jumbo lists both a no added sugars claim and the presence of natural sugars, so check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g too.

For meal prep, should I compare nutrition per portion or per 100 g?

First compare dry oat products per 100 g, as Voedingscentrum advises when comparing labels. Then check whether a stated portion has already been prepared with milk: that nutritional information describes more than just the oats.

How long can I keep prepared oat portions in the fridge?

Voedingscentrum advises keeping prepared food in the fridge for no more than two days. Freeze prepared portions if you won’t eat them within that time.

Can I choose regular oats if I need to eat gluten-free?

Don’t assume that regular oats will automatically suit your needs. Check the gluten-free statement and allergen information for the exact variety: Albert Heijn describes its Glutenvrij Volkoren oats as being produced in a completely gluten-free environment, while Brinta Havermout warns that it may contain traces of wheat and rye.