Who is this for?

Barbecue guests short on preparation time

If you want to make a quick portion outdoors, an individual sachet saves you from weighing it out yourself. You’ll still need liquid, a bowl and a suitable way to prepare it.

Groups having breakfast together

If you’re making several portions, a larger pack of fine oats lets you decide how much to use for each person. Just remember to measure out the portions and store any leftovers properly.

Shoppers comparing ingredients and allergens

If the protein source, sugar in the ingredients list or potential allergens matter to you, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the label for the specific variety.

What should you look for when choosing?

Work out how many portions you need and how you’d like to prepare the oats at your destination. Then compare the ingredients in the packs that meet your needs.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this most important for?
Individual portions Check how many sachets are included and what you’ll need for your chosen hot or cold preparation method. If I want to make a quick bowl outdoors, I don’t want to have to weigh it out there. For around 42% of consumers, portioning convenience comes first.
Quantity and leftovers Compare the pack size with the number of people eating, and think about how you’ll store an opened pack. For a group, I want to portion it out myself without being left with an awkward amount. This is the main concern for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g, and check the allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. When choosing between plain, sweetened and high-protein varieties, I want to know what’s in them. This check takes priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘instant’ means no preparation is needed

    Individual sachets still require liquid and a bowl. For hot preparation, you’ll also need the heat source specified on the pack.

    Check the preparation instructions before you set off, and decide whether you’ll make it hot or use a cold method if one is listed.

  • Assuming all individual sachets have the same ingredients

    Jumbo lists sugar in the ingredients for Havermout Porties Original. So a pre-measured portion doesn’t tell you anything about what’s in it.

    Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering.

  • Choosing a high-protein variety without checking the protein source

    According to the product information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and soya lecithin. Its ingredients therefore differ from those of a plain variety.

    Check the protein source and all allergens on the label of the pack you buy.

  • Taking an opened pack with you without protecting it

    If you buy a larger pack, you’ll also need to think about storing any oats left over after your time outdoors.

    Seal the pack securely. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing oats in a cool, dry, dark place.

Brands compared

Quaker

Oats Express is available in pre-measured plain portions and a variety with added soya protein. Compare the varieties separately.

  • Albert Heijn lists Oats Express Naturel as containing twelve 27 g portions.
  • According to Albert Heijn, the Protein variety contains 15% soya protein. Check the other allergen information on the pack you choose too.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout in a 450 g pack is a good choice if you’d rather portion it out yourself than use individual sachets.

  • According to the product information at Albert Heijn, these oats are made from finely milled oat flakes.
  • You’ll need to measure out the amount yourself and store the opened pack properly. Check the allergen information on the label.

Jumbo

Jumbo Havermout Porties Original offers pre-measured portions to compare with other portion packs.

  • Jumbo lists Havermout Porties Original as containing five 27 g portions.
  • As well as wholegrain oat flakes, the ingredients list includes sugar. Consider this variety’s ingredients on their own merits.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make instant porridge at a barbecue without a heat source?

Only if the variety you’ve chosen lists a cold preparation method and you have the ingredients and a bowl you need. For hot Quaker Oats Express portions, the product information says to heat or boil them. Check the instructions on your pack.

Should you choose individual sachets or a larger pack for a group?

A larger pack is a good choice if you want to measure out several portions yourself and can store any leftovers properly. Individual sachets save you weighing out each person’s portion, but check that the number of sachets is right for your group.

Is instant porridge always free from added sugar?

No, it varies by product. Jumbo lists sugar in Havermout Porties Original, so read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the specific packs you’re considering.

Can you assume that oats are gluten-free?

No, don’t rely on the product name alone. Check the allergen information and look for a ‘gluten-free’ claim on the specific pack, particularly if it also mentions the possible presence of other grains.

How should you store oats left over after a barbecue?

Store leftover oats in a securely sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If you’re taking a larger pack, bring something you can use to seal it after opening.