Students who want to measure out their own portions
You want to decide how much porridge you have in each meal and don’t mind measuring out and preparing loose oats yourself.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Students short on preparation time
You’re looking for a pre-measured portion or fine oats for a quick break. Check the preparation instructions and what equipment you’ll need.
Students who check ingredients carefully
You want to know what else is in the product besides oats, and which allergens are listed. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, people with coeliac disease should look for the official Crossed Grain symbol on oat products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’d rather measure out your own oats or have a set portion. Then compare the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergen information for the option you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring out your own portions | Pack weight and whether you need to measure out the oats yourself. | I want to decide for myself how much oats to use in each meal. For around 38% of consumers, that flexibility comes first when choosing. |
| Quick preparation | Preparation instructions and whether you need a microwave or pan. | Between lectures or work, I want to spend as little time as possible preparing food; around 31% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients and nutritional information, including sugars per 100 g. | If porridge is often on my menu, I want to know what else is in it besides oats. Around 23% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Allergens and gluten | Allergen information and, if you have coeliac disease, the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging. | I need to be able to check whether an oat product is suitable for my dietary requirements; for around 8% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every instant option has the same ingredients
A set portion tells you nothing about what’s in the product. For example, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original lists sugar as well as wholegrain oats, while the ingredients list for Quaker Oats Express Naturel names wholegrain porridge oats.
Check the ingredients list and nutritional information per 100 g and per portion before choosing an option.
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Assuming regular porridge oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. The fact that oats are the main ingredient doesn’t automatically make a product suitable for people with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging and read the allergen information.
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Relying on a bowl of porridge as a regular, complete evening meal
Your meal is about more than the oats: the preparation method and any toppings also affect what it contains.
If you like, use porridge as a base, but make sure you vary your evening meals and what you add to them.
Brands and supermarket own-label options
Jumbo
Jumbo sells both loose wholegrain oats and individual portions of porridge oats.
- With loose oats, you can measure out the amount you want for each meal.
- According to the product label, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original contains 90% wholegrain oats and sugar.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Golden Bridge is ALDI’s own brand for the pack of fine wholegrain oats reviewed.
- The 500 g pack contains loose oats that you can measure out yourself.
- Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel comes in individual sachets, making it an option if you want a set portion.
- According to the product information, the pack contains twelve 27 g sachets and takes two minutes to prepare in a microwave or pan.
- The label states that it may contain soya, barley and wheat; check the packaging if allergens are a concern for you.
Brinta
According to the product information, Brinta porridge oats are extra-fine oats that can be prepared in a few minutes.
- The listed ingredients for this option are 100% oats.
- The product information states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn is a supermarket where the Quaker and Brinta options reviewed can be compared separately.
- The product information for these options lists ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
- Check the label of each porridge option individually; ingredients vary from product to product.
Lidl
Lidl has listed a 500 g pack of porridge oats in its range.
- A bag of loose oats lets you measure out your own portions.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack you buy in store.
Porridge products on Joybuy
These products give you a choice of Quaker Express options and loose Brinta porridge oats. When choosing, look beyond the pack size and check the preparation instructions and the current label too.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone considering an Express porridge option; check the preparation instructions and portion sizes on the pack.
Pack weight: 324 g. Check the latest allergen information too, especially if you need to avoid gluten or other allergens.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
If you want to compare the ingredients in an Express option, check the ingredients list and nutritional information for this specific pack.
Pack weight: 302 g. If you have dietary requirements, check the allergen information too; the product name alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable.
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Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g
For anyone who wants to measure out fine oats themselves rather than use individual sachets.
Pack weight: 450 g. According to the product information, these Brinta porridge oats are made from 100% oats and may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Frequently asked questions
As a student, should I choose loose porridge oats or sachets?
Choose loose oats if you want to measure out your own portions; sachets are a better fit if a set amount and minimal preparation matter more. Compare the ingredients too, as not all portion packs have the same contents.
Is porridge on its own a complete evening meal?
A bowl of porridge isn’t automatically a complete evening meal. What you add to it and how much variety you have in your meals also matter.
What should I look for in oats if I have coeliac disease?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, people with coeliac disease should only eat regular oats if the packaging carries the official Crossed Grain symbol. Oat products can be contaminated with gluten, so check the allergen information on the product you buy as well.
How can I spot added sugar in a quick porridge option?
Read the ingredients list and check the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion. For example, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original lists sugar as an ingredient; the word ‘instant’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether sugar has been added.