Student who plans ahead
Prefers to buy a larger pack of wholegrain rolled oats and doesn’t mind measuring out a portion. The same oat base can then be used for different meals.
Who is this choice for?
Student short on time between lectures
Values a pre-measured portion and quick preparation. The product information for Quaker Oats Express Naturel states a preparation time of two minutes, provided you have the required liquid and a microwave or saucepan.
Shopper who compares labels
Wants to compare fibre content without relying solely on a claim on the front of the pack. Nutritional information per 100 g and per serving, ingredients and allergens are more important than the product’s name or format.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to portion it yourself and how much time you have to prepare it. Then compare the nutritional information for products that suit your routine.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the pack size and whether you need to measure out your own portions. The serving size on the label is a basis for comparison, not a required amount. | If I want to prepare several meals from one pack, I don’t mind measuring out my own portions. Around 33% of consumers put pack size first. |
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare fibre per 100 g and per serving; also check the ingredients and sugar information. | I want to know what’s in my usual portion and how any additions change its nutritional content. Around 27% of consumers put this nutritional information first. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions, the liquid required and whether you need a microwave or saucepan. | When I have little time between lectures, I want a pre-measured portion that I can prepare with the kitchen equipment available. For around 27% of consumers, convenience is the main consideration. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the current allergen label and, if you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If I need to choose oats with coeliac disease or allergens in mind, I check the pack before choosing a variety. For around 13% of consumers, this check matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all oats are suitable for people with coeliac disease
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, regular oat products can be contaminated with gluten. This means regular porridge oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol and read the allergen information on the pack.
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Focusing only on a fibre claim
Fibre content also depends on the product and serving size. Milk, yoghurt and other additions will change the nutritional content of what you end up eating.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving, and consider separately what you add yourself.
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Assuming instant means no equipment is needed
The product information for Quaker Oats Express Naturel specifies liquid and two minutes of preparation in a microwave or saucepan.
Check that you have the liquid and equipment you need wherever you plan to eat.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers regular porridge oats and Oats Express sachets. The product information for Oats Express Naturel describes a wholegrain oat product that can be prepared in two minutes.
- Pre-measured portions can be handy if you don’t want to measure them out yourself.
- The Naturel variety reviewed lists soya, barley and wheat as possible allergens; check the current label.
Brinta
According to the product description, Brinta Porridge Oats are made from extra-fine rolled oats and can be prepared with water or milk.
- The product description says the extra-fine oats can be prepared in a few minutes.
- These are not individual portion sachets. The porridge oats reviewed may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Wholegrain Fine Rolled Oats reviewed are sold in a 1 kg pack.
- Jumbo’s product information states that they contain 10 g of fibre per 100 g and 4.0 g per 40 g serving.
- You measure out the portion yourself. Barley, rye and wheat may be present; read the label if allergens are important to you.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
- An option if you prefer to measure out your own portion of fine wholegrain porridge oats.
- Compare the nutritional information and allergen details on the current pack before choosing this variety.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products show two ways to prepare oats: Quaker Express varieties for quick preparation and regular Brinta porridge oats made from extra-fine rolled oats. Check the portions, preparation method and nutritional information for each product to find what matters for your meal.
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Quaker Express Oats 324 g
A portion-sized pack for anyone who wants to make a warm bowl without measuring out their own oats.
The product description states that the pack contains 12 portions and takes two minutes to prepare with liquid in a microwave or saucepan. If you have coeliac disease or allergies, check the current label, including the information about possible soya, barley and wheat.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
An Express variety to consider if you’re looking for quick preparation and want to compare the ingredients in your oat product.
The product description states that it takes two minutes to prepare and includes soya protein as an ingredient. Read the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving, and check the allergen label; oats and soya are listed, and barley and wheat may be present.
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Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g
Regular porridge oats for anyone who would rather measure out a warm portion than use sachets.
According to the product description, the oats are extra fine and can be prepared with water or milk in a few minutes. Compare the fibre per 100 g and per serving on the label, and check the allergen information for possible traces of wheat and rye.
Frequently asked questions
Can regular porridge oats replace instant porridge?
Yes, if you want to measure out your own portion and have time to prepare it. According to Brinta’s product description, its extra-fine regular oats can be prepared in a few minutes. Always check the preparation instructions for your pack.
Does ‘high in fibre’ tell me how long my energy will last?
No, a fibre claim doesn’t predict how long you’ll feel energised or full. Compare the fibre per 100 g and per serving, and consider the rest of the meal too, including anything you add to your oats.
Are regular porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten, so people with coeliac disease should look for the official Crossed Grain symbol on the pack. Also read the current allergen information for the product you plan to use.
Where can I find allergen information?
Check the label on pre-packed porridge oats: according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, it must include allergen information. Check both the ingredients and any warnings about what the product may contain.
How do I compare the nutritional value of two oat products?
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g, then check what’s in your usual portion. Don’t compare dry oats directly with a prepared bowl that includes milk or other ingredients; check the pack information just before use.