Once the children have left home and you’re making breakfast for a smaller household, portion sachets are handy if you want a set amount and minimal measuring. Choose fine wholegrain oat flakes if you’d rather decide on the portion and toppings yourself, but bear in mind that you’ll need to measure and prepare them. For both options, check the ingredients, the amount per portion and the allergen information.
If you want to make a warm bowl without much measuring, you can compare portion sachets with fine flakes that you measure out yourself. The main thing is to check whether the usual portion suits your breakfast.
A plain oat base gives you the freedom to decide what to add. Check that each variety contains the wholegrain oats you’re looking for, and read the full ingredients list for products with added ingredients.
If two people eat porridge regularly, pack size is a practical consideration: a larger pack means measuring out portions yourself and sealing it properly, while sachets divide the portions for you in advance.
First, decide whether you want a set portion or would rather measure it out yourself. Then compare the ingredients, nutritional information and pack size to find the right option for how you use it.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation time, the amount in each sachet and which liquid you need to add. | If I want to do minimal measuring for my morning bowl, a pre-set portion is helpful. Around 29% of consumers give easy preparation top priority. |
| Wholegrain oats and ingredients | Read the wholegrain claim and ingredients list; compare the nutritional information and added ingredients for each variety. | If you want to choose the flavour yourself, you’ll want to know what’s already in the oat base. For around 36% of consumers, checking the ingredients comes first. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack size with the portions you use and the storage instructions on the pack. | If we eat porridge together regularly, I want to choose a pack we can use and store properly. Pack size is the first consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Added protein | Compare protein per 100 g and per portion; check the source of the added protein and look at the allergen information. | If you’re specifically looking for a variety with added protein, the composition of the whole portion matters. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this product feature. |
The Quaker Oats Express Naturel product reviewed contains 27 g sachets. A set portion saves you measuring, but it may not match the amount you usually use for a bowl.
Before choosing between sachets and flakes you measure out yourself, compare the amount in each sachet with your usual portion.
The product information for the Brinta Havermout reviewed states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. Allergen information may differ for other products.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging for a clear gluten-free label and read the information about cereals containing gluten.
According to the product information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein and soya lecithin. This protein variety therefore has a different ingredients list from a pure oat base.
Compare the nutritional information per portion and check the soya and other allergen information if it’s relevant to your choice.
These brands offer different ways to portion and prepare oats. The features listed apply to the varieties described, not to every product from each brand.
Offers both plain porridge oats and portioned Oats Express varieties.
Offers extra-fine oat flakes for a warm bowl that you measure out yourself.
Offers fine and coarse wholegrain oat flakes that you measure out yourself.
Offers fine wholegrain oat flakes, among other options, in 500 g and 1 kg packs.
Offers coarse oat flakes for those who prefer an oat base they can measure out themselves.
Offers fine wholegrain porridge oats for anyone looking for a pack of flakes they can measure out themselves.
Here you can compare two portioned Quaker varieties with Brinta flakes that you measure out yourself. If you’re specifically looking for wholegrain oats, check the Brinta pack carefully to see whether it carries that label.
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Suited to anyone who wants to prepare a plain oat breakfast in pre-measured portions.
The plain variety reviewed contains 12 sachets of 27 g and, according to the Albert Heijn product information, takes 2 minutes to prepare. The product information describes it as 100% wholegrain and with no added sugar.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack, especially if traces of other cereals or soya are a concern for you.
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A portioned option to compare if you’re specifically looking for an instant variety with added protein.
According to the product information, this variety contains 85% wholegrain porridge oats and 15% soya protein. It lists 22 g of protein per 100 g; also compare the nutritional information per portion.
The ingredients also include soya lecithin. Read the current allergen information, including details of possible traces of wheat and barley.
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Suited to anyone who prefers to measure out fine flakes themselves and decide how much liquid and which toppings to add.
The product information describes the flakes as extra fine and lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredient. Check the current pack to see whether this variety is labelled as wholegrain.
According to the product information, wheat and rye may be present, so read the allergen information on the pack.
Instant oats don’t necessarily have a different composition: according to the Albert Heijn product information, the Quaker Oats Express Naturel reviewed is 100% wholegrain and contains no added sugar. Check flavoured or other varieties separately for their ingredients, nutritional information and portion size; you’ll generally need to measure out regular flakes yourself.
No, don’t rely on the word ‘porridge oats’ alone. The Brinta Havermout reviewed states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. If you have coeliac disease, check the current pack to see whether the specific product is clearly labelled as gluten-free, and read the allergen information.
Seal the pack properly after use and store the oats somewhere cool, dark and dry. Follow the storage instructions on the pack and check the product before use if its best-before date has passed.
