Time-pressed breakfast eaters keeping an eye on sugar
They’re looking for porridge oats that take little preparation and want to distinguish added sweeteners from the sugars listed in the nutrition information.
Who is this relevant to?
Buyers of loose porridge oats
They want to measure out their own portion and decide what to add to their porridge. For them, the difference between loose fine flakes and portion sachets matters.
Buyers checking fibre or allergens
They compare fibre on the same basis or, if they have coeliac disease, need to check whether the pack carries the official Crossed Grain mark, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the ingredients of the specific variety. Then decide how much measuring you want to do, and check the nutrition information and allergens on the pack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugars | Read the ingredients and look for any ‘no added sugars’ claim. Check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g separately. | I want to know whether a plain variety contains added sweeteners, without mistaking them for the total sugars. This check is the top priority for an estimated 46% of consumers. |
| Convenience | Compare the preparation instructions and check whether the flakes come loose or in pre-portioned sachets. | If I don’t want to measure in the morning, sachets give me a set portion; with loose flakes, I decide how much to use. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Fibre | Compare the stated fibre content on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | I want to see how much fibre my chosen portion contains, so I compare the nutrition information for each variety. An estimated 9% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the allergen information. If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack. | If I have coeliac disease, I need to know whether this particular pack of oats meets my gluten-free requirements. For around 9% of consumers, suitability is the first thing they check. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
A product with this claim may still contain naturally occurring sugars. The ingredients can also differ between flavour varieties.
Read the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure for the variety you’re buying. Compare nutrition values per 100 g, or compare prepared portions only when they’re made in the same way.
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Assuming all porridge oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can become contaminated with gluten. For Brinta Porridge Oats, the product information from Albert Heijn warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present.
If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain mark and read the allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Original is a pre-portioned variety of porridge oats. Product listings from Jumbo and Albert Heijn say that this plain variety comes in twelve portion sachets and contains no added sugars.
- The portion sachets mean there’s no need to measure.
- Check the ingredients and nutrition information again if you choose a different flavour.
Brinta
Brinta Porridge Oats are a loose oat base. Albert Heijn’s product information lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredients for this variety.
- With loose flakes, you measure your own portion and decide what to add.
- The product information warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers both loose fine wholegrain oat flakes and portioned porridge oats. These are different packaging formats for anyone looking for porridge that’s quick to prepare.
- The fine-flake option gives you a loose variety to compare with portion sachets.
- Check the ingredients for the variety you choose; the product category alone tells you nothing about added sugars.
Porridge oats on Joybuy
This Quaker pack is one option if you’re looking for porridge oats that are quick to prepare. Assess the ingredients, portion format and nutrition information on the pack you choose according to your own priorities.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for porridge oats and want to check for added sweeteners. Read the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack; if you have coeliac disease, also look for the official Crossed Grain mark.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean porridge oats are sugar-free?
No. Naturally occurring sugars can still be included in the ‘of which sugars’ figure. So check both this figure and the ingredients for the specific variety.
Are regular porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not automatically: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can become contaminated with gluten. Check whether the pack you’ve chosen carries the official Crossed Grain mark, and read the allergen information.
How should you store an opened pack of porridge oats?
Store opened porridge oats in a dry place in a kitchen cupboard. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing an opened pack for up to one year; also check the oats for signs of spoilage.