Who should consider this choice?

Campers who want to avoid added sugars

You’re looking for plain instant porridge labelled ‘no added sugars’. If the total sugar content matters to you too, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

Campers with limited cooking equipment

You want to take portions you can prepare with the liquid you have available. It’s worth checking whether the instructions allow for cold preparation or require boiling water or milk.

Campers looking for a gluten-free product

You’ll need a clear gluten-free label. Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current packaging too, as not all oat products carry the same labelling.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing instant porridge for camping, first decide what limiting sugar means for your purchase. Then check whether the preparation method suits your equipment and whether the label meets your requirements for ingredients and allergens.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sugars on the label Compare the wording about added sugars with the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutrition table. If I’m keeping an eye on the total sugar content, I don’t want to rely only on the wording on the front of the pack. For roughly 42% of consumers, checking the label comes first.
Preparation at the campsite Check whether you can mix it cold or whether the instructions call for boiling water or milk. Also check how much liquid you’ll need. Without a camping stove, I want to know whether I can make breakfast with the liquid I have with me. Ease of preparation is the main concern for around 33% of consumers.
Gluten-free and allergens If needed, look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current packaging. If I need a gluten-free product or have to avoid certain allergens, the labelling must apply to the specific product. For around 25% of consumers, this check is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    A product with no added sugars can still contain sugars. Albert Heijn lists 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Naturel and 1.2 g per 100 g for Elovena Natural.

    Decide which sugar information matters for your choice and check the nutrition table per 100 g, not just the wording on the front.

  • Assuming ‘instant’ means you don’t need hot water

    According to the product information, Quaker Oats Express Naturel can also be prepared cold. The stated preparation method for Elovena Natural requires 200 ml of boiling water or milk.

    Check the instructions against what you’ll have available at the campsite: liquid, a heat source and something to prepare the porridge in.

  • Assuming all porridge oats are gluten-free

    Elovena Natural is explicitly labelled gluten-free. The product information for Quaker Oats Express Naturel says it may contain soya, barley and wheat.

    If you need a gluten-free product or have allergen requirements, always check the label and warnings on the current packaging of the specific product.

  • Assuming a large pack is the same as individual instant portions

    Standard porridge oats and individual instant portions come in different types of packaging, and you’ll need to check the preparation method for each product.

    If you choose a larger pack, think about how you’ll measure out portions and keep the rest dry while camping.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Quaker

Albert Heijn describes Oats Express Naturel as instant wholegrain porridge oats in twelve 27 g sachets, with both hot and cold preparation options.

  • The product information says ‘no added sugars’ and lists water, milk, yoghurt or quark for cold preparation.
  • The nutrition table lists 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g. The product contains oats and may contain soya, barley and wheat.

Elovena

Albert Heijn sells Elovena Natural as gluten-free instant porridge in five 40 g sachets.

  • The product information explicitly states that it is gluten-free and has ‘no added sugars’.
  • The nutrition table lists 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g; the stated preparation method requires 200 ml of boiling water or milk.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s range includes both porridge portions and standard porridge oats.

  • You can compare different pack formats if you’re weighing up individual portions against a larger pack.
  • Check the sugar information, ingredients and preparation instructions on the packaging of each individual product.

Golden Bridge (ALDI)

ALDI lists Golden Bridge Fine Wholegrain Porridge Oats as standard porridge oats in a 500 g pack.

  • The larger pack is an option to consider if you’d rather measure out your own portions.
  • Check the nutrition information and preparation instructions on the pack before choosing it as an alternative to instant porridge.

A Joybuy product in individual portions

This option is suited to campers who want to take instant porridge in individual portions. Check the current packaging to make sure it suits your sugar goals and cooking options.

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

For anyone who wants to take individual breakfast portions along: the product description lists twelve single-serve packs.

The stated hot preparation takes two minutes and uses a microwave or saucepan. If you want breakfast without a camping stove, check the preparation instructions on the current packaging.

Also check the nutrition information per 100 g and the allergen warnings if sugars or ingredients matter to your choice.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No, the two phrases don’t mean the same thing when it comes to the amount of sugars in a product. Albert Heijn lists 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Naturel and 1.2 g per 100 g for Elovena Natural, even though both product descriptions say ‘no added sugars’. So if the total amount matters to your purchase, check the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the label.

Can I prepare Quaker Oats Express Naturel without a camping stove?

Yes. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, you can also mix Quaker Oats Express Naturel cold with water, milk, yoghurt or quark. Check the instructions on the pack you’re taking and make sure you have your chosen liquid and a suitable bowl.

Which of these instant products is explicitly gluten-free?

Albert Heijn explicitly sells Elovena Natural as gluten-free instant porridge. Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat; if you need a gluten-free product or have allergen requirements, always check the current packaging of the product you’re buying.