Which option works best for you?

Host with a toppings buffet

Want to serve one porridge base and let guests choose their own fruit, nuts or spices? With loose oats, you can measure out the amount for each bowl yourself.

Guest making their own bowl

If guests will be eating at different times, portion sachets provide a pre-measured amount. Just check what bowl and preparation equipment are needed.

Guest who needs to check ingredients

If someone has coeliac disease or a soya allergy, the information on the pack you choose will determine whether it’s suitable. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats aren’t automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to prepare one shared base or individual bowls. Then check the ingredients and allergen information for each product you’re considering: a protein variety isn’t the same as ordinary porridge oats.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Shared base Compare the pack size with the number of bowls you want to make, and check whether you can measure out the portions yourself. I want guests to choose different toppings without having to prepare a set portion for everyone. For around 43% of consumers, that flexibility would be the main priority.
Individual preparation Check the number of sachets, the weight per sachet and what equipment is needed to prepare them. If guests are eating one after another, I want everyone to be able to make their own bowl. For around 29% of consumers, individual preparation would come first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information. If someone has coeliac disease, look for an explicit gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol; check for soya in protein varieties. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check both the pack and the toppings. For around 28% of consumers, these checks would be the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a pack of portion sachets is one cup or tin

    A pack of portion sachets isn’t necessarily a ready-to-eat single-serve cup. Albert Heijn describes Quaker Oats Express as a pack containing 12 individual sachets.

    If you specifically need one cup, tin or individual pack, check the pack format and number of portions.

  • Counting only the number of packs

    A sachet contains a set amount, while you can measure out loose oats yourself. For a group, that difference can affect how many packs you need.

    Compare the weight per sachet or pack with the portions you want to serve, and check the preparation instructions on the pack.

  • Assuming ordinary oats and a protein variety are interchangeable

    According to Albert Heijn’s ingredient information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and soya lecithin. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also warns that ordinary oats aren’t automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

    Check the current label for each variety. If someone has coeliac disease, look for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and take steps to prevent cross-contamination from toppings and kitchen utensils where necessary.

Brands to consider

Quaker

The range includes loose porridge oats, Oats Express portion sachets and an Express variety with added soya protein.

  • Albert Heijn lists Oats Express Naturel as a pack containing 12 portion sachets.
  • According to Albert Heijn’s ingredient information, the Protein variety contains soya protein and soya lecithin. Check the variety before choosing it for your guests.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout met fijne vlokken is an option if you want to measure out portions yourself for a shared base.

  • Joybuy’s product information lists a 450 g pack containing 100% oats.
  • According to that product information, the porridge oats may contain rye and wheat; if someone has coeliac disease, check the pack you choose.

Jumbo

The own-brand range includes fine wholegrain porridge oats for anyone who wants to measure out loose oats.

  • Jumbo lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain porridge oats.
  • If you’re specifically looking for instant porridge or individual portions, check the preparation instructions and pack format of the product you choose.

Golden Bridge

This ALDI own brand offers fine wholegrain porridge oats as a loose base.

  • ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
  • Before serving them to guests, check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack you choose.

Quaker Express products at Joybuy

These two Quaker Express varieties are suitable for making individual bowls; the Protein variety contains added soya protein. If you specifically want an individual tin or single-serve cup, check the pack format before choosing.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

For guests who want to make their own bowl. Joybuy’s product information lists 12 portion packs; check the preparation instructions and current allergen information on the pack.

This is a multipack, not a confirmed individual cup or tin.

View at Joybuy
Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g

An Express variety to consider if guests specifically want a product with added protein. According to Albert Heijn’s ingredient information, this Protein variety contains soya protein and soya lecithin, so don’t choose it for anyone with a soya allergy.

Before buying, check the pack format, preparation instructions and current allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which porridge oats work well with a range of toppings?

Fine loose porridge oats are a good choice if you want to make one base and let guests finish their own bowls. You’ll need to measure out the portions yourself, so check the preparation instructions on the pack before cooking for the group.

Is ordinary instant porridge suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats may be contaminated with gluten. Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free or bearing the official Crossed Grain symbol for that guest. Also check toppings and kitchen utensils for possible cross-contamination.

Should I read the allergen information on the pack if I’ve checked the ingredients online?

Yes, check the allergen information on the pack you’ll actually be using. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly indicated on labels for prepacked foods; if you’re choosing a Protein variety, check for soya too.

How should I store porridge oats left over after the food night?

Store opened porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions and date on the pack.