Households that eat porridge regularly
If you often make your own breakfast, a large pack may suit the way you measure out portions and store your supplies.
Who is this choice for?
People who want to make a portion quickly
Individual portions can be appealing on a busy morning: Quaker says that Oats Express Naturel comes in twelve portion sachets.
Shoppers who need to check the label carefully
If ingredients, allergens or suitability for coeliac disease matter, check the information on the packaging of the exact variant.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want loose oats or pre-measured portions. Then check the pack size, your preferred flavour and the label on the variant you choose.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and storage | Check the net weight and consider whether you can keep an opened pack dry and use it up. | If I eat porridge often, I don’t want to keep opening a new pack or leave supplies unused. For around 37% of consumers, making good use of their supplies comes first. |
| Preparation and portions | Check whether the portions are individually wrapped and what preparation method the packaging recommends. | On a busy morning, I want to be able to make a portion without weighing it out. This convenience is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Choosing your own flavour | Check whether you’re choosing a plain product or one with a set flavour. | After an evening meal, I want to be able to make porridge to my own taste for breakfast later on. That freedom is the deciding factor for around 18% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label on the exact variant; if you have coeliac disease, also check for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If an ingredient or possible trace allergen matters, I need to know what’s listed on this specific pack. Checking the label is the first concern for around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming instant portions and loose fine oats are the same
Fine oats aren’t automatically individually wrapped. With loose oats, you choose how much to use; according to Quaker, Quaker Oats Express Naturel comes in portion sachets.
Check the packaging and preparation instructions before comparing two products for the same use.
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Choosing ordinary oats without checking the label if you have coeliac disease
According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten. Albert Heijn says that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Check the packaging you’re buying for the official Crossed Grain symbol, and read the current ingredients and allergen information.
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Letting an Italian evening meal determine your choice of porridge
Whether you want to use loose oats or an instant portion later depends on when and how you’ll use them, not on the theme of your evening meal.
Consider whether you want to keep porridge for a breakfast you put together yourself or for a quick, pre-measured portion.
Brands and retailers to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers plain oats and Oats Express Naturel in individual portions.
- According to Quaker, Oats Express Naturel contains twelve portion sachets.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variant; plain oats and Express portions come in different types of packaging.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is a loose oat base made from fine oats.
- Albert Heijn lists this product as 100% oats, in a 450 g pack.
- The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo lists fine wholegrain oats in a 1 kg pack.
- A large pack is an option if you regularly measure out your own portions.
- Check the packaging if you’re looking for individual instant portions.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- The fine oats give you a loose base, so you can choose your own portion size.
- Check the label if the preparation method or a dietary requirement is important to you.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information for Quaker Havermout, Brinta Havermout and Quaker Oats Express Naturel.
- The product pages make it easy to compare packaging formats and net weights.
- Check the exact variant: loose oats and individual portions aren’t interchangeable.
Lidl
Lidl lists jumbo oats as a product type.
- Jumbo oats are another type to consider if you’re looking for loose oats.
- Check the packaging for the ingredients, pack size and preparation instructions for the product you choose.
Instant porridge on Joybuy
These two Quaker Express packs are worth comparing if you’re looking for instant porridge for later on. If you’re after a large pack of loose oats, choose one with a different packaging format.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal – 324 g
For anyone who wants to make porridge with minimal preparation. Joybuy says this variant takes 2 minutes to prepare in a microwave or saucepan.
Check the packaging for the portion sizes, ingredients and allergens of the exact variant.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein – 302 g
An Express variant to consider if you’re looking for a smaller pack to use later on.
Check the packaging for the exact variant, ingredients, preparation method and portion sizes; the model name alone doesn’t give you the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary oats automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten. If you have coeliac disease, check whether the pack you choose carries the official Crossed Grain symbol.
How should I store an opened large pack of porridge oats?
Keep opened oats dry in a kitchen cupboard. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened oats for up to one year; check the condition of the product before use too.
Should I check the allergens in instant porridge too?
Yes, read the label on the exact variant you choose. Ingredients and possible traces can vary between products, so don’t rely solely on the brand name or another pack from the same range.