Office workers with a short lunch break
If you don’t want to measure oats out before heading to work, individual portions are convenient. Check the preparation instructions, though: Joybuy says Quaker Express needs a microwave or saucepan.
Which pack is best for you?
Anyone who needs a gluten-free product
Don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. Albert Heijn sells Elovena Natural instant oatmeal labelled gluten-free; check the current pack for this claim and its allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the preparation options available at your workplace. Then compare the pack format and the label of the specific variety you plan to take with you.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack format | Check the net weight, number of portions and whether you need to measure them out yourself. | If I take porridge oats with me regularly, I want to know whether individual sachets or a container I fill myself will fit into my lunch routine. Around 29% of consumers put pack format first. |
| Preparing them at the office | Read the instructions on the exact pack for preparation time, liquid and equipment needed. | During a short break, I want to be able to make porridge using the facilities available. For around 29% of consumers, practical preparation is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g and per portion for the same variety. | When choosing a flavoured variety, I want to know what it contains besides oats and what’s in one portion. This is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens and gluten-free claims | Check the current ingredients list, relevant may-contain warnings and, if needed, the gluten-free claim. | If I need a gluten-free product or have to avoid certain allergens, I start by checking the label. Around 21% of consumers make this information their first requirement. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every pack of oats is instant
Fine oats in a large pack won’t necessarily be prepared in the same way as instant portions. This matters if you have little time or limited equipment at the office.
Read the instructions for the exact product and check that you have the liquid and equipment it requires.
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Assuming a flavoured variety is the same as plain
Ingredients and nutritional information can vary between varieties. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the make-up of a bowl of porridge also depends on what you add during preparation.
Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional values of the varieties you’re considering, both per 100 g and per portion.
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Assuming oats are automatically gluten-free
A product’s name doesn’t confirm that it meets gluten-free requirements. The information on the current pack should therefore guide your choice.
If needed, check the gluten-free claim, ingredients and relevant allergen warnings on the exact pack.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Oats Express is worth considering if you’re looking for individual instant portions for the office.
- Albert Heijn lists Oats Express Original in a 324 g pack containing 12 portions.
- Check the ingredients for each flavour; don’t assume they’re the same as the Original variety.
Jumbo
The porridge oats range includes a large pack of fine wholegrain oats, as well as products in portion packs.
- A large pack may suit you if you portion the oats yourself for your packed lunch.
- Fine oats aren’t automatically instant, so read the preparation instructions on the pack you choose.
Elovena
Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural instant oatmeal, labelled gluten-free, in a pack of five.
- The individual portions are worth considering if you want to take an instant product with you.
- Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the current pack.
Crownfield
Lidl lists Crownfield Organic porridge oats in a 500 g pack, available to buy in store.
- The pack size is clearly stated, which is useful if you want to measure out portions for lunch yourself.
- Check the preparation instructions before choosing this product as an instant option for the office.
Instant porridge oats for your packed lunch
These Joybuy products are Express varieties to consider for an office packed lunch. Check the portion format and preparation instructions for each product individually.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
A good fit for a packed lunch if you want to take individual portions and have access to a microwave or saucepan at the office.
Joybuy describes it as containing 12 portions, with a preparation time of 2 minutes. If you need to avoid certain allergens, check the information on the current pack.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
This Express variety is worth considering if you want to prepare porridge during a short lunch break.
The pack contains 302 g. Before buying, check the portion format, preparation instructions and allergen information on the exact product.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large pack of porridge oats a good choice for an office packed lunch?
Yes, if you can portion some out to take with you and prepare the product at the office as directed. For regular or fine oats, check the preparation method before choosing them instead of instant portions.
Can I make instant porridge oats with just hot water?
It depends on the product. For Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g, Joybuy specifies a microwave or saucepan. If you only have a kettle at the office, check the instructions on the exact pack.
Does flavoured instant porridge have the same ingredients as the plain variety?
Not necessarily: ingredients vary between varieties. Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional values of the packs you’re considering, and remember to include anything you add to your porridge.
What should I look for if I need gluten-free instant porridge oats?
Check the gluten-free claim and allergen information on the current pack rather than relying on the word ‘oats’ in the product name. Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural instant oatmeal as a gluten-free product.
Where can I find allergen information for a prepacked product?
Check the ingredients information on the pack, and read any relevant warnings about possible traces too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed in the ingredients list for prepacked foods.