Looking for a quick breakfast and want to avoid added sugar? Compare the exact sugar claim, ingredients and serving size; ‘no added sugar’ does not mean ‘sugar-free’. Jumbo describes Quaker Oats Express Naturel as a quick-to-prepare option with no added sugar, but it does contain naturally occurring sugars. With plain fine oat flakes, you can choose the amount yourself; in either case, also consider what you add to your porridge.
If you have little time to prepare breakfast in the morning, a plain single serving can be handy. Check both the ‘no added sugar’ claim and the ingredients for the specific variety: Jumbo lists this feature for Quaker Oats Express Naturel, but sugar is included in the ingredients of the Cinnamon variety described by Jumbo.
If you eat porridge as part of weight management, consider the dry amount and what you make it with. Voedingscentrum gives an average of 146 kcal for 40 g of porridge oats, before adding milk, yoghurt or toppings.
A variety with added protein may contain soya: Jumbo describes Quaker Oats Express Proteïne Naturel as containing added soya protein. Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye, and describes AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout separately as being produced in a completely gluten-free environment. Always check the label of the product you choose.
First decide whether avoiding added sugar is your main requirement. Then compare portion sizes and preparation: a pre-portioned product is different from weighing out oat flakes yourself.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugar | Read the exact claim and ingredients list; also compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and per serving. Check each flavour separately. | If I want to avoid added sugar, I want to know exactly what’s in the variety I choose. This is a priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Portion size and nutritional value | Compare nutritional information on the same basis and decide how much dry porridge oats to use; include the liquid and toppings you prepare it with. | If you want to assess the nutritional value of your whole breakfast, the figures for dry porridge oats alone are not enough. The total portion is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check the preparation instructions and whether the product comes in individual portions or as oat flakes to weigh out yourself. | If there’s little time to weigh things out in the morning, I mainly want a preparation method that suits my routine. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the label for the exact variety, including added soya protein, allergen warnings and any explicit gluten-free claim. | If you have a specific ingredient or allergy requirement, you can’t rely on the word ‘porridge oats’ alone. This is the most important consideration for around 10% of consumers. |
The terms do not mean the same thing. Jumbo states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains no added sugar, but does contain naturally occurring sugars.
As well as checking the claim, read the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutritional information.
Voedingscentrum gives an average of 146 kcal for 40 g of porridge oats. This figure does not describe your breakfast once you’ve added milk, yoghurt or toppings.
Compare the amount of dry porridge oats you use and consider the other ingredients separately.
Jumbo states that Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains no added sugar, while sugar is listed as an ingredient in the Cinnamon variety described by Jumbo.
Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each flavour, even if the brand name is the same.
The differences below apply to the products mentioned, not to every oat product from each brand.
Quaker offers products including Oats Express Naturel single servings and a separate Proteïne Naturel variety.
Brinta Havermout is a basic product made from fine oat flakes, so you can choose the amount yourself.
The range includes AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout, as well as oat products from other brands.
Jumbo’s oat range includes products such as fine wholegrain oat flakes and Oats Express varieties.
ALDI Nederland describes Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
These two oat products suit the choice between an Express product and porridge oats that you can portion out yourself. For both products, check the current sugar information and preparation instructions if these are key to your choice.
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A good option if you’re looking for a quick oat-based breakfast. Check how the portions are divided in this pack, and whether the ingredients and sugar information meet your requirements.
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A good option if you want to choose the amount of porridge oats yourself. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack, especially if wheat or rye is a concern for you.
No. A product with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars; Jumbo states this explicitly for Quaker Oats Express Naturel. Check the exact claim, ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line on the pack.
Consider the amount of porridge oats and the other ingredients in your breakfast. Voedingscentrum gives an average of 146 kcal for 40 g of porridge oats, before additions such as milk, yoghurt and toppings; compare nutritional information using the same serving size.
No, don’t assume so from the product name. Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye, while AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout is described separately as gluten-free. Check the claim and allergen information on the current pack.
Yes, the liquid you choose changes what ends up in your bowl. First compare the same amount of dry porridge oats, then include the nutritional information for milk, yoghurt or other additions; if you prepare it with water, you won’t be adding those ingredients.
