Store-cupboard planners who like to measure their own portions
You’re looking for a dry base for breakfast or a snack, and would rather add your own toppings than reach for a ready-portioned option every time.
Which option suits you?
Busy eaters who want a set portion
You want to spend less time measuring things out on a busy morning or during a break. Just check what liquid and heat source you’ll need to prepare it.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
You compare ingredients, sugars and allergens across different options, perhaps because milk, soya or cereals containing gluten are a concern for you.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to measure out your own portions or keep preparation to a minimum. Then compare the ingredients and check that you can store the pack properly.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and packaging | Pack size, number of portions and storage advice after opening. | If I’m stocking up for several occasions, I want a pack that I can seal properly and use as needed. For around 31% of consumers, flexibility when it comes to stocking up is the priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Preparation time, portion size and the liquid or heat source required. | When I’m short on time, I don’t want to measure out oats first, but I still need to be able to prepare them where I’m eating. Speed and a set portion are the main considerations for around 31% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Ingredients list and nutritional information for sugars per 100 g and per portion. | If I want to choose the flavour myself, I need to know whether a portion already contains sugar or other ingredients. Around 23% of consumers give ingredients the highest priority. |
| Allergens and diet | Ingredients, allergen information and, if needed, an explicit ‘gluten-free’ label. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the information on the exact pack is decisive, even with regular oats. For around 15% of consumers, checking this is the main condition when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all porridge has the same ingredients
Jumbo lists sugar as an ingredient in its Havermout Porties Original. A portion with added flavourings is therefore not the same as regular rolled oats or a plain option.
Read the ingredients list for the exact product and compare the listed sugars per 100 g if you want to control the sweetness yourself.
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Assuming regular oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products can come into contact with cereals containing gluten. Other ingredients or allergens may also be a factor in portion packs and protein options.
If you need a gluten-free option, check for the ‘gluten-free’ label or Crossed Grain mark on the exact product. Also read the latest allergen information.
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Leaving an opened pack loose in the cupboard
An opened pack is less well protected from moisture and pests. That makes storage just as important as the date on the pack.
Store porridge in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. If the product is past its best-before date, check its smell and appearance too.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Offers regular porridge as well as quick-to-prepare options, including portion sachets and Protein products.
- Quaker Oats Express Naturel is sold in a pack of 12 portions; the product information gives a preparation time of 2 minutes.
- Ingredients and potential allergens vary by product. Always check the label on the Naturel or Protein product you choose.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes fine wholegrain rolled oats for anyone who wants to choose their own portions and flavour.
- AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken is a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain rolled oats.
- These oats aren’t pre-measured instant portions, so you’ll need to measure and prepare them yourself.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes regular and organic porridge, as well as portioned options.
- Jumbo Biologisch Volkoren Havermout lists organic wholegrain oats as an ingredient.
- Jumbo Havermout Porties Original also lists sugar. Compare the ingredients and allergens on each pack rather than assuming the options are alike.
Golden Bridge
ALDI’s own brand, with fine wholegrain porridge as a regular oat option.
- ALDI Nederland lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain porridge.
- Check the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergens on the pack before comparing it with instant portions.
Crownfield
Lidl’s brand of porridge for anyone looking for a dry oat base.
- Lidl lists, among other options, a 500 g pack of porridge made with jumbo oats.
- Jumbo oats aren’t the same as instant porridge; check the label for preparation instructions and ingredients.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products include quick-to-prepare oats and an oat-and-milk mix for your store cupboard. Regular rolled oats are another option if you prefer to measure out your own portions; always check the exact product and preparation instructions for the options below.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for a quick-to-prepare oat product to keep in your store cupboard. Check the pack to see which Quaker Express option you’ll receive, how many portions it contains, and which ingredients and allergens it includes.
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Family Whole porridge mix with milk, 838 g
This oat-and-milk mix is an option if you’d prefer a prepared product rather than oats on their own. Check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and allergens on the pack, and make sure the preparation method works for where you plan to eat it.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
If you’re specifically looking for a quick-to-prepare oat product with added soya protein, Joybuy gives a preparation time of 2 minutes for this Quaker Express Protein option. Before use, check the preparation instructions and allergens on the pack, especially if soya or cereals containing gluten are a concern.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store opened porridge?
Store opened porridge in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping porridge in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year; also follow the storage advice on the pack and look out for changes in smell or texture after opening.
Is instant porridge automatically gluten-free?
No, ‘instant’ doesn’t tell you whether a product is gluten-free. For a gluten-free option, the Voedingscentrum recommends checking for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain mark; check the exact pack to be sure.
Where can I check the allergens in porridge portions?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack for the option you’ve chosen. Portion packs and prepared oat products may contain different ingredients from regular rolled oats; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are shown on labels.