If you want to choose the flavour and texture yourself
Loose rolled oats give you the freedom to add your own ingredients. Jumbo and ALDI offer both fine and coarse wholegrain rolled oats, so check which texture your recipe calls for.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to make a warm serving quickly
A pre-measured serving saves you having to measure it out. Quaker says Oats Express takes two minutes to prepare; always follow the instructions on the packaging for the product you choose.
If you need to check ingredients and allergens
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label rather than relying on the product name porridge oats.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide what you need the oats to do in your dish. Then choose between loose rolled oats and a pre-portioned product, and check the instructions on the pack.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Oat texture | Check whether the product contains fine or coarse oats, and read the preparation instructions. | If I want to choose the texture of my dish, I need to know which type of oats the recipe calls for. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this choice. |
| Speed and servings | Check the preparation time and whether the contents are pre-portioned. | When I want to make a warm bowl quickly, I don’t want to measure the oats first. For around 30% of consumers, the convenience of pre-portioned servings matters most. |
| Adding your own ingredients | Read the ingredients list and choose an unflavoured option if you want to add your own flavourings. | When preparing it myself, I want to choose the additions without being tied to a pre-set flavour. That freedom comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current allergen information and, if necessary, check for an explicit gluten-free label. | If I need to follow a specific dietary requirement, I want to know what’s on the pack first. For around 10% of consumers, checking the label is the main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all oat products are gluten-free
The European Commission includes oats among the gluten-containing cereals covered by allergen rules. Packaging may also include warnings about other cereals.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose a product with an explicit gluten-free label and read the current ingredients and allergen information on that specific pack.
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Choosing instant oats without considering their role in the dish
A product made for a warm bowl won’t necessarily work in the same way as oats you want to use as a topping or another part of a recipe.
First, work out what texture and preparation method the recipe calls for. Then read the instructions for your chosen product before using it in your dish.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers fine and coarse wholegrain rolled oats.
- Having a choice of fine or coarse oats is useful when you already know what texture you want.
- The instructions for the coarse oats say to boil them; check the label too if other cereals are relevant to you.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes fine wholegrain porridge oats alongside other oat products.
- Fine oats are a separate option from individually portioned instant products.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the packaging when you buy.
ALDI / Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge offers fine and coarse wholegrain porridge oats.
- The two oat sizes let you choose based on the texture you want.
- Don’t assume that fine or coarse oats are instant; check the cooking instructions on the pack.
Quaker
Quaker offers regular porridge oats and Oats Express portions, including an unflavoured option.
- Quaker says Oats Express takes two minutes to prepare.
- Quaker notes that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat; check the label if this is relevant to you.
Brinta
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Havermout contains only rolled oats.
- Albert Heijn describes the oats as extra fine and quick to prepare.
- The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye; check the packaging if you have a relevant allergy.
Lidl / Crownfield
Lidl lists Crownfield Bio rolled oats as a product available in its stores.
- It’s an option to look out for when shopping for rolled oats.
- Check the pack for the oat size, ingredients and preparation method before choosing them for a recipe.
Oat product on Joybuy
This option may suit you if you want to make a warm serving of oats. Use the recipe and packaging to decide whether the texture is right for your fakeaway dish.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you’re looking for oats for a warm serving. Read the preparation instructions and check whether the final texture will work in your dish.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace instant oats with regular rolled oats in a recipe?
That depends on the texture and preparation method required. Jumbo says its coarse oats should be cooked with milk or a plant-based alternative, so check whether the recipe allows for a different preparation method.
Are instant oats always quicker to prepare than regular rolled oats?
Not for every product or preparation method. Quaker says Oats Express takes two minutes to prepare, while Jumbo’s instructions for its coarse oats involve cooking them over a low heat. Read the instructions on the pack you choose.
What should I look for if I need gluten-free porridge oats?
Look for an explicit gluten-free label on the specific product and read the current allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out the conditions for using that label; the name porridge oats alone doesn’t guarantee that a product is gluten-free.
What packaging information can help me choose?
Read the ingredients, allergens, quantity, nutritional values and preparation instructions for the product you choose. Your Europe lists ingredients, allergens, net quantity and nutritional values among the information required on prepacked foods in the EU. The preparation instructions can also help you decide whether the oats will work in your dish.