Who are these options for?

Students short on cooking time who are watching their salt intake

A pre-measured portion can be handy when you want to cook quickly. Albert Heijn lists a two-minute preparation time and 0 g salt per 100 g of dry porridge oats for Quaker Oats Express Naturel. Also check the nutritional information for anything you add.

Students who want to choose their own portion size

With loose porridge oats, you can measure out as much as you need. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Havermout is made from 100% oat flakes; the nutritional value of a prepared portion also depends on the liquid you choose.

Students looking for gluten-free porridge oats

Check the gluten-free label and salt value separately. Albert Heijn labels Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal as gluten-free, but also lists 1 g salt per 100 g for this product.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the salt value on a like-for-like basis. Then decide whether you’d rather measure out your own portions or use pre-measured sachets.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Salt value Check the salt per 100 g and whether the value is for dry oats or a prepared portion. If you’re keeping an eye on your salt intake, you’ll want to know how much the oats themselves contribute before adding other ingredients. An estimated 42% of consumers put this salt value first.
Portions and packaging Check the net weight and portion size; choose between loose oats and pre-measured sachets. For a student meal, you may want to decide for yourself how much porridge to make. An estimated 33% of consumers prioritise measuring out their own portions.
Ease of preparation Check the preparation time and whether the instructions suit the pan or microwave you’ll be using. When you’re short on time, you may want to make a portion without having to measure much. An estimated 25% of consumers put convenience first.

Common mistakes

  • Comparing a prepared portion with dry oats per 100 g

    Albert Heijn lists 0 g salt per 100 g of dry porridge oats for Quaker Oats Express Naturel. The 0.25 g salt listed for Brinta applies to a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk. These values aren’t like for like.

    Compare dry products per 100 g, or include the liquid used when calculating the values for both prepared portions.

  • Assuming gluten-free means low in salt

    According to Albert Heijn, Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is labelled gluten-free and contains 1 g salt per 100 g. These two label claims answer different questions.

    Check both the gluten-free label and the salt value on the specific pack.

  • Only checking the salt in the oats

    The salt value for dry porridge oats isn’t automatically the salt value for your prepared evening meal. Milk, sauces and other additions can also contain salt.

    Read the nutritional information for the ingredients you actually use and assess the whole portion.

Brands to consider

Quaker

The Oats Express Naturel variant reviewed here is worth considering if you want pre-measured porridge oats that are quick to prepare.

  • Albert Heijn lists 12 portions of 27 g, 100% wholegrain porridge oats and 0 g salt per 100 g for this variant.
  • The product information warns that it may contain soya, barley and wheat; check the packaging if allergens are important to you.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is an option if you’re looking for loose oat flakes and want to measure out your own portions.

  • Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredient in this product.
  • The listed 0.25 g salt applies to a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk, not to 100 g of dry porridge oats.

Elovena

Natural Instant Oatmeal is worth considering if you’re looking for a product labelled gluten-free.

  • Albert Heijn labels this variant gluten-free and lists individual 40 g portions.
  • The same variant is listed as containing 1 g salt per 100 g; assess this value separately from the gluten-free label.

Porridge oats on Joybuy

This product selection focuses on quick-to-prepare porridge oats in pre-measured portions. When putting together an evening meal, also check the ingredients you add.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

For anyone short on time who prefers a pre-measured portion.

The product information lists 12 portion sachets and a two-minute preparation time. Check the pack for this variant’s salt value, preparation instructions and allergen information.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is porridge with 0 g salt per 100 g also salt-free when prepared?

No, that value applies to the dry porridge oats only. Liquid and other ingredients can add salt, so check the nutritional information for everything you use in your portion.

How do I compare the salt values for Brinta and Quaker Oats Express?

Compare the products on the same basis. Albert Heijn lists 0 g salt per 100 g of dry porridge oats for Quaker Oats Express Naturel, while the 0.25 g listed for Brinta applies to a prepared portion made with semi-skimmed milk.