Home cooks watching their salt intake
You want to control how much salt the oat base adds to your dish, and you also keep an eye on sauces and other additions.
Who is this for?
People who use quick-cook portions
You want to prepare a measured portion quickly, but need to check that the quantity works for your recipe.
Shoppers looking for gluten-free porridge oats
You look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information, rather than assuming that all porridge oats are suitable.
What should you look for?
Plain instant porridge oats
Choose these if: you want to prepare a measured oat base quickly and add your own flavourings.
Bear in mind: a fixed portion may not match the quantity your recipe calls for.
Regular porridge oats
Choose these if: you want to measure the oats yourself and don’t need an instant portion.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure them yourself and follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
Gluten-free instant porridge oats
Choose these if: an explicit gluten-free label is essential for you.
Bear in mind: gluten-free doesn’t tell you how much salt a product contains, so compare the amount per 100 g too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Salt and ingredients | Compare the salt content of similar products per 100 g and read the ingredients list. | When I’m putting together a savoury dish, I want to choose the oat base without losing sight of the other salty ingredients; salt content is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Preparation and portion size | Check the preparation instructions and whether the portion size suits your recipe. | When I’m in a hurry, I don’t want to have to measure out the oats first; for around 33% of consumers, the convenience of a quick portion is the deciding factor. |
| Gluten-free label | Check the gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information on the pack. | If I need to choose a strictly gluten-free product, I don’t want to rely on the product name alone; for around 25% of consumers, that clear information is the main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing gluten-free with low salt
According to the product information from Albert Heijn, Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal contains 1 g of salt per 100 g. Jumbo lists 0 g per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Havermout Naturel. So a gluten-free label doesn’t tell you how much salt a product contains.
Compare the salt content per 100 g, even when you’re only considering gluten-free options.
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Comparing only the porridge oats
The Voedingscentrum lists sauces and other processed products among the sources of salt. The salt content of the oat base doesn’t tell you everything about the finished dish.
Also check the labels on any sauces, stock and other savoury additions you actually use.
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Looking only at the amount per portion
According to the Voedingscentrum, portion sizes can vary between products. This means salt content per portion isn’t always directly comparable.
When comparing similar porridge oat products, start by looking at the nutritional information per 100 g, then work out how much you need.
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Assuming all oats are gluten-free
For the Quaker Oats Express Naturel product reviewed, the information lists cereals containing gluten as potentially present, alongside oats.
If you need to choose a strictly gluten-free product, check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information on the current packaging.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Worth considering if you want to weigh up regular porridge oats against an instant option in portion sachets.
- Jumbo lists 0 g of salt per 100 g for the 324 g pack of Quaker Oats Express Havermout Naturel. Albert Heijn lists 0.01 g per 100 g for its regular Quaker Havermout value pack.
- These figures apply to the products mentioned, not the brand as a whole. If you’re choosing a gluten-free product, also check the label and allergen information on the pack.
Elovena
Worth considering if you’re looking for instant porridge oats with an explicit gluten-free label.
- According to Albert Heijn, Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is labelled gluten-free and the pack contains five 40 g portions.
- The same product information lists salt as an ingredient and states that the product contains 1 g of salt per 100 g. Compare this figure separately if salt is your main consideration.
Jumbo
Worth considering as a supermarket own-brand option for regular porridge oats, alongside portion products from other brands.
- Jumbo’s range includes its own fine wholegrain porridge oats as well as portioned alternatives from other brands.
- For salt and allergens, compare the nutritional information for the specific product rather than relying on its product type in the range listing.
Instant porridge oats at Joybuy
These Quaker Express oats are an option if you’re looking for an oat base for your dish. Match the quantity you need to your recipe and compare the salt content on the pack before choosing.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An oat base for a dish that works with instant porridge oats; use your recipe to decide how much you need.
Pack size: 324 g. Check the salt content per 100 g and the allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the salt content of instant porridge oats?
Compare the salt content per 100 g in the nutritional information for similar products. The Voedingscentrum recommends this basis for comparison because portion sizes can vary; also read the ingredients list.
Does ‘plain’ mean porridge oats are low in salt?
No. Check the nutritional information even for a plain variety. Jumbo lists 0 g of salt per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Havermout Naturel, while Albert Heijn lists 1 g per 100 g for Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal.
Can porridge oats be used as the base for a salt-conscious fakeaway?
Yes, if oats work with your chosen recipe and you can adjust the quantity to suit. Also check the sauces and other additions: according to the Voedingscentrum, processed ingredients can add salt to the dish too.
What should I look for if I need gluten-free instant porridge oats?
Choose a product with an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information on the current packaging. If you’re also watching your salt intake, compare the content per 100 g; the gluten-free label doesn’t tell you anything about that.