Shoppers comparing fibre content
You want to know how much fibre your own portion provides, rather than relying on words such as ‘instant’ or ‘wholegrain’.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Planning a busy barbecue day
You’re looking for a quick breakfast or snack, and weighing the convenience of a pre-measured portion against the amount of fibre it contains.
Shoppers choosing strictly gluten-free products
You need to be able to distinguish an explicitly labelled gluten-free oat product from standard porridge oats that warn of possible traces of gluten-containing cereals.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by comparing fibre values on a like-for-like basis. Then decide how important preparation, packaging and any gluten-free requirements are to you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre per portion | Compare fibre per 100 g of dry product, then calculate the amount for the dry portion you plan to eat. Check whether a stated portion value includes milk. | If I’m choosing based on fibre, I want to know how much my own serving of porridge provides. This comparison is a top priority for around 36% of shoppers. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions and, for individually portioned packs, the amount and fibre per sachet. | On a busy barbecue day, I don’t want to measure out oats every time; I’m looking for a portion that’s quick to prepare. This convenience matters most to around 29% of shoppers. |
| Gluten-free option | If you follow a strictly gluten-free diet, look for an explicit gluten-free claim and read the allergen information on the pack you choose. | If I need to eat strictly gluten-free, I don’t want to assume that standard oats are suitable. This product requirement comes first for around 14% of shoppers. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack weight with the number of portions you plan to use, and decide whether measuring them out yourself is practical. | If I make porridge regularly, I want a pack that suits how I use it, without relying on individual sachets. Pack size is the deciding factor for around 21% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing portion values on different bases
Albert Heijn also lists a fibre value for Brinta prepared with semi-skimmed milk. You can’t compare this directly with a value for a dry portion of another product.
First compare the values per 100 g of dry product, then calculate the fibre in the dry portion you’ll actually use.
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Assuming instant means more fibre
A short preparation time tells you nothing about the fibre in each sachet. The nutritional information for the specific option still matters, even with individually portioned packs.
Check the fibre per 100 g and per sachet before weighing convenience against fibre content.
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Assuming standard oats are gluten-free
The standard Quaker and Jumbo options described here warn of possible traces of other gluten-containing cereals. So the word ‘oats’ alone isn’t enough if you need a strictly gluten-free option.
If gluten-free is a requirement, choose an option with an explicit gluten-free claim and check the allergen information on the pack.
Relevant brands to compare
Quaker
Quaker offers both standard wholegrain porridge oats and quick-cook Oats Express portion packs.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, Quaker Havermout 600 g contains 3,6 g of fibre per 40 g of dry product.
- For Oats Express, check the fibre per sachet; preparation time doesn’t tell you how much fibre it contains. The standard options described here warn of possible traces of gluten-containing cereals.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is made with fine oat flakes.
- Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredient in this option.
- A fibre value for a portion prepared with milk isn’t directly comparable with values for dry portions. The product information warns of possible traces of wheat and rye.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes wholegrain oat flakes in several pack sizes.
- Jumbo lists 10,0 g of fibre per 100 g and 4,0 g per 40 g for its Volkoren Fijne Vlokken 500 g.
- The option described here warns of possible traces of barley, rye and wheat.
Albert Heijn
Alongside its standard oat products, Albert Heijn has a separate gluten-free wholegrain porridge option.
- The product information for AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout states that it is gluten-free and contains 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
- That gluten-free claim applies to this option, not automatically to other Albert Heijn porridge products.
Quick porridge options at Joybuy
These two Quaker options suit anyone looking for quick-cook porridge on a busy barbecue day. If you’re choosing based on fibre, compare the nutritional information on the exact pack using the same portion basis.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A handy option if you want to make porridge quickly on a busy day. Check the pack for preparation instructions, fibre per dry portion and allergen information if you need to eat strictly gluten-free.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
Another quick-cook oat option for a busy day. Compare the fibre per dry portion with other options, and check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How much fibre is in a portion of porridge oats?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 4,4 g of fibre for a bowl made with 40 g of porridge oats. The amount can vary between products, so check whether the nutritional value on the pack is for dry oats or a prepared product.
Does instant porridge always contain less fibre than regular porridge?
No. ‘Instant’ doesn’t determine the fibre content by itself. Compare the nutritional information for each product per 100 g of dry product and per portion, especially if the instant option comes in sachets.
Can I choose standard porridge oats if I eat strictly gluten-free?
Don’t assume that standard porridge oats are suitable for a strictly gluten-free diet. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing cereals. Choose a product with an explicit gluten-free claim and check the packaging for the exact option.