If you want to choose how sweet it is
You’re looking for a sweet breakfast, but want to choose how much fruit or other toppings to add. A plain option gives you a starting point whose ingredients you can compare.
Who are these options for?
If you’re short on time in the morning
You want a serving that’s quick to prepare. Whether a sachet or cup is convenient also depends on the equipment and liquids you have available.
If you need to consider allergens or gluten-free eating
As well as the nutrition information, the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings matter. The Dutch Coeliac Association points out that regular oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
What should you check when choosing?
Start with the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Then check that the preparation instructions and allergen information suit your breakfast routine.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars on the label | Compare the ingredients and ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and per serving; don’t take ‘no added sugars’ to mean ‘sugar-free’. | If I want to limit sugar, I want to know what’s actually in my serving. Around 33% of consumers make this comparison their priority. |
| Preparation | Check the preparation time and whether you need milk and a microwave or pan, or whether hot water is enough. | On a busy morning, I want to make something with whatever I have to hand. For around 27% of consumers, ease of preparation matters most. |
| Flavour of your choice | Check whether the oats are plain or already contain fruit, flavourings or other ingredients that add flavour. | If you want to add your own fruit or cinnamon, you may prefer to choose the flavour yourself. That’s the main reason for this choice for around 27% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging; if you need gluten-free food, look for the relevant label. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the packaging must make this clear before flavour or convenience comes into it. Around 13% of consumers put this requirement first. |
Common mistakes
-
Taking ‘no added sugars’ to mean ‘sugar-free’
This claim doesn’t mean the product contains no sugars. Albert Heijn states that AH Oat & Go Apple Cinnamon has 0 g of added sugars, but 18 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Compare the claim with the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition information, and check the servings you actually eat too.
-
Assuming a flavoured option is the same as plain oats
A cup with a set flavour may also contain fruit, milk ingredients or nuts. This means its nutrition information and allergens can differ from those of a plain option.
Choose plain oats if you want to decide what to add yourself. If you prefer the convenience of a pre-flavoured option, check the full ingredients list first.
-
Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats can come into contact with gluten during growing or processing. A claim about added sugars says nothing about whether a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
If you have coeliac disease, look for a gluten-free label; the association cites the Crossed Grain symbol as a helpful indicator. Also check the current allergen information.
Brands to consider
Quaker
The Oats Express options reviewed offer a choice between plain porridge oats and an option with added soya protein.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, Oats Express Naturel contains only wholegrain oats and 0.3 g of sugars per 27 g sachet.
- The protein option reviewed contains soya protein and soya lecithin. For both options, check the listed allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings too.
Albert Heijn
AH Oat & Go Apple Cinnamon is a cup with a pre-set flavour that can be made with hot water.
- Albert Heijn states a preparation time of 4 minutes and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- The cup also lists 18 g of total sugars per 100 g and contains milk ingredients and almonds, among other things.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes both loose wholegrain oats and pre-portioned packs.
- This gives you a choice between measuring out your own portion and using one that’s already portioned.
- Check the ingredients, nutrition information and preparation instructions for each product, as these vary between options.
Plain instant porridge oats on Joybuy
These plain instant porridge oats in portion sachets are a good option if you want to decide how sweet your breakfast is. Before buying, check that the preparation instructions and allergen information suit your needs.
No image available
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A plain base for adding your own fruit or cinnamon to breakfast.
The product information lists wholegrain oats as the ingredient, 12 portion sachets and preparation in 2 minutes using a microwave or saucepan. Check the packaging for gluten and possible traces of soya, barley and wheat. If you only have a kettle, check that the preparation instructions are suitable.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean instant porridge oats are low in sugar?
No. The product may still contain sugars from its ingredients. So compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and per serving in the nutrition information, rather than relying only on the claim on the front of the pack.
Which instant porridge oats should I choose if I want to decide how sweet they are?
A plain option with oats as its only ingredient lets you choose what to add, such as fruit or cinnamon. Also check the nutrition information for the milk, yoghurt and toppings you’ll add to your finished breakfast.
Can I make Quaker Oats Express Naturel with water alone?
For a hot preparation, the product instructions reviewed specify milk and a microwave or pan; they also mention using water for a cold option. If you want to make the oats hot using only a kettle, check the instructions on the current packaging.
Are regular instant porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not automatically. The Dutch Coeliac Association warns that oats may be contaminated with gluten and recommends looking for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. The Quaker Naturel product information reviewed lists possible traces of barley and wheat, among other things.
What should I look for in an apple and cinnamon cup?
Check the total sugars as well as the ingredients and allergens. AH Oat & Go Apple Cinnamon lists dried apple, milk ingredients and almonds; if you need to avoid any of these ingredients, check the current packaging when you buy it.