When choosing instant porridge for an older person, don’t focus on the sugar claim alone. A plain variety with no added sugars suits anyone looking for an unsweetened base, while a variety with soya protein may be relevant if you want to add protein to the meal. Also compare the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens. If there is unintentional weight loss, a prolonged period of eating very little, or difficulty chewing or swallowing, choosing a different product on its own won’t be enough.
A plain single-serve sachet can provide a simple oat base. Check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and preparation instructions on the label, and consider whether the prepared portion works as a meal.
If you eat very little, comparing sugar content without considering the rest of the meal may not be much help. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of getting enough energy, nutrients and fluids as you get older. A product with extra protein is no substitute for an assessment of your individual needs.
Loose rolled oats let you choose the portion size and how to prepare them. Bear preferences and allergens in mind. If there is unintentional weight loss or difficulty chewing or swallowing, speak to a healthcare professional rather than simply switching to a different porridge.
A good fit when: you want a quick, unsweetened oat base in individual portions.
Consider: a pre-portioned sachet determines how much oats you get, so check what the whole prepared meal provides.
A good fit when: the protein content of the porridge matters and soya is suitable.
Consider: extra protein in one product won’t make up for an inadequate overall food intake.
A good fit when: you want to choose the amount of oats and how to prepare them.
Consider: these aren’t individually portioned instant sachets; compare nutritional values on the same basis.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and compare the amount of sugars per 100 g of dry product. No added sugars doesn’t mean sugar-free. | I want an unsweetened oat base and to know exactly what’s in it; around 42% of consumers are said to consider sugar information their main concern when buying. |
| What the meal provides | Check protein and nutritional values per 100 g, as well as the amount you actually prepare. Milk and other additions change what’s in the bowl. | If an older person eats very little, I want to know what the whole meal provides. Around 33% of consumers are said to prioritise this nutritional contribution. |
| Preparation and allergens | Check the preparation instructions and the current packaging for information about oats, soya and possible traces of cereals. | The product should be easy to prepare and suitable for any known allergies; around 25% of consumers are said to place the greatest importance on this practical suitability. |
A product with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. The claims don’t mean the same thing.
Before comparing products, check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that getting enough energy and nutrients is also important for older people. Switching to a different porridge won’t address unintentional weight loss or a prolonged period of eating very little.
If you notice these signs, contact your GP. Discuss any difficulty chewing or swallowing, too, rather than trying to solve it by choosing a different product on your own.
The nutritional information for Brinta Oatmeal also includes a prepared portion made with 250 ml semi-skimmed milk. This value isn’t directly comparable with the value per 100 g of dry Quaker porridge.
When comparing products, use the same unit of measurement. Then consider the meal separately, as you prepare it.
The oat products reviewed list oats or cereals containing gluten; the Quaker Protein variety also contains soya. Information about possible traces of cereals varies by product.
If you have a relevant allergy, check the current packaging every time before using the product.
The Oats Express varieties reviewed come in individual sachets and are a handy option if you want to prepare porridge quickly.
Brinta Oatmeal is made from fine rolled oats for anyone who wants to prepare their own portion, rather than use a box of individual instant sachets.
This ALDI own-brand lists fine and coarse wholegrain porridge oats for anyone who isn’t looking for individual instant portions.
This selection includes a Quaker Express multi-pack of individual portions and two packs of regular porridge oats. Choose between a quick, pre-portioned option and measuring out your own amount of oats. Also consider the prepared meal and check the current label.
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A handy option if you want porridge in individual portions that are quick to prepare. The product information lists 12 sachets and a preparation time of around 2 minutes. Albert Heijn states that the Naturel variety contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g and has no added sugars. Check that the prepared portion is suitable, and read the current packaging if you have allergies.
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A good base if you want to choose how much porridge to make, rather than using a single-serve sachet. The ingredients list states 100% rolled oats. To compare sugar content, compare dry products per 100 g; nutritional values for a prepared bowl with milk are based on something different.
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A regular pack of porridge oats if you prefer to measure out your own portion. Check the latest nutritional information per 100 g before comparing its sugar content with an instant variety, and read the packaging if you have allergies.
No. No added sugars doesn’t rule out naturally occurring sugars, and on its own it doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains. So check the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. Don’t treat the two claims as interchangeable.
Not based on sugar content alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that getting enough energy and nutrients is also important for older people. If you’re concerned about malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, contact your GP rather than simply choosing a different oat product.
Don’t look only at the sugar content; consider the carbohydrates and the meal as a whole, too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the Wheel of Five as a basis for eating with type 2 diabetes and notes that a dietitian can give tailored advice. A sugar claim on porridge isn’t personal dietary advice.
Only if the current label is suitable for your allergy. The Protein variety reviewed contains soya and oats; the Naturel variety lists oats and possible traces of ingredients including soya, barley and wheat. Don’t assume every variety or pack has the same ingredients.
