Care teams with a strict sugar-free requirement
For menu planners who need to establish whether instant porridge meets the specific ‘sugar-free’ claim. ‘No added sugars’ does not mean the same thing.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Residents whose nutritional intake needs attention
When choosing breakfast, it’s not just sugars that matter: overall intake of energy, nutrients and fluids is important too. The Voedingscentrum highlights this relationship in its information on older people and nutrition.
Residents who need a modified food consistency
If someone has chewing or swallowing difficulties, the prepared porridge must match their individual advice. Zorg voor Beter says that swallowing difficulties should be assessed to determine which adjustments are appropriate for the resident.
What should you look for?
First establish whether ‘sugar-free’ is a strict requirement. Then consider nutritional intake and any agreed requirements for the consistency of the prepared porridge. A sugar claim alone won’t answer those questions.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it’s most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly sugar-free | Check the sugars per 100 g on the nutrition table. Under EU rules, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is permitted only for products containing no more than 0.5 g per 100 g; ‘no added sugars’ is a different claim. | If our menu requires a strictly sugar-free product, I don’t want to rely on the wording on the front of the pack alone. For around 42% of consumers, meeting a verifiable sugar limit comes first. |
| Nutritional intake | Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per prepared portion, including the liquid used. For a high-protein option, check the ingredients and allergens too. | When a resident eats very little, breakfast needs to fit into their overall nutrition plan rather than focus solely on sugar. Adequate nutritional intake is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Consistency | Check the individual swallowing and consistency advice, and how the porridge should be prepared and served in line with it. | If someone has swallowing difficulties, I want to be sure the prepared porridge meets the requirements agreed for that resident. The right consistency comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
A product can contain no added sugars and still have more sugars than the limit for the ‘sugar-free’ claim. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Naturel and Protein Naturel contain 1.0 and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.
If a strict sugar-free option is required, check the value per 100 g on the packaging. Under EU rules, it must not exceed 0.5 g for this claim.
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Choosing a high-protein option without checking allergens
According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Protein Naturel contains soya protein and lists soya as an allergen. The extra protein does not make it suitable for every resident.
Before serving it, compare the ingredients and allergens on the packaging supplied with the resident’s individual dietary requirements.
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Assuming all porridge is suitable for people with swallowing difficulties
The consistency of prepared porridge must meet the requirements agreed for the individual resident; the product type alone tells you nothing about this. Zorg voor Beter advises checking which adjustments are appropriate if someone has swallowing difficulties.
Follow the individual swallowing and consistency advice, and ask the care team or clinician to decide how the porridge should be prepared and served.
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Focusing only on the sugar claim
According to the Voedingscentrum, older people also need enough energy, nutrients and fluids as part of their nutritional care. Choosing breakfast based on a single claim on the label overlooks these wider considerations.
Assess the portion and preparation as part of the individual nutrition plan. Discuss concerns about low nutritional intake with the care team involved.
Brands and retailers to consider
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel and Protein Naturel are two instant options for which Albert Heijn lists nutritional information.
- The Naturel option is marketed as having no added sugars; the Protein Naturel option lists 22 g of protein per 100 g.
- At 1.0 and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g respectively, these options are not strictly sugar-free. Protein Naturel contains soya, which is an allergen.
Albert Heijn
The product pages for both Quaker Oats Express options provide information on nutritional values, ingredients, allergens and preparation.
- The sugars listed per 100 g make it easier to assess a strict sugar-free requirement separately from the ‘no added sugars’ claim.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information may change. If you’re using the product for residents, check the packaging supplied as well.
Jumbo
Jumbo distinguishes between regular oats, high-protein options and instant porridge in its Quaker range.
- This makes it easier to search for the type of product you need.
- Before choosing a specific instant option for a residential care breakfast, check its sugar values and allergens.
Lidl
Lidl lists Healthy Fit Proteïne havermout as an oat product; the name alone does not confirm that it is instant porridge.
- The product name makes clear that it’s a high-protein oat option.
- Before comparing it with instant options, check the packaging for the product type, sugars per 100 g, ingredients and allergens.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No. Under EU rules, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is permitted only for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml. Albert Heijn lists 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Naturel and 1.2 g for Protein Naturel. Both are marketed as having no added sugars, but neither meets the limit for ‘sugar-free’.
Is an instant option with extra protein automatically more suitable for residential care?
No. Extra protein is not a reason to choose an option as standard for every resident. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Protein Naturel contains 22 g of protein per 100 g and includes soya protein. Assess these features as part of the individual nutrition plan and allergen requirements. The Voedingscentrum also notes that older people’s overall intake of energy, nutrients and fluids matters.
Can a resident with swallowing difficulties have instant porridge?
Only if the prepared porridge meets their individual swallowing and consistency advice. Zorg voor Beter advises checking together which adjustments are appropriate if someone has swallowing difficulties. Ask the care team or clinician to decide how the porridge should be prepared and served, rather than assuming the usual preparation method is suitable.
What should you check before serving Quaker Oats Express?
Check the preparation instructions and the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging supplied. Albert Heijn’s product information describes preparation with milk, but the finished meal also depends on what you add. Follow any individual requirements for nutrition and consistency too.