Stock-cupboard cook who likes to mix things up
A plain oat base lets you choose the sweet or savoury additions that suit your World Food Night. Check the ingredients if you don’t want to be tied to a pre-selected flavour.
Which type of oats suits you?
Quick-portion user
If you make one bowl at a time and want to avoid measuring, sachets are worth considering. Check the number of portions and preparation instructions for the product you choose.
Label-conscious shopper
Ingredients and allergen information vary between oat products. Even if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check the claim on the exact pack rather than relying on the product category alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
Before you stock your cupboard, decide what matters most: choosing your own flavours, convenience per portion, label information or a pack size that suits how much you use.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Plain base | Read the ingredients list and choose a flavour and oat texture that suit the dish you have planned. | If I want to make both sweet and savoury dishes with one pack, I want to choose the flavour myself. Around 36% of consumers are thought to put this versatility first. |
| Portions and preparation | Check the number of portions, portion size and preparation instructions on the pack. | If I want to make one bowl quickly, measuring out a portion first is the main inconvenience for me. Around 29% of consumers are thought to prioritise this convenience. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen and ‘may contain’ information, and, if needed, an explicit gluten-free claim. | If I need to assess a product for its ingredients or allergens, I can’t rely on the name ‘oats’ alone. For around 21% of consumers, checking the label is thought to be the main concern. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack size with how much you expect to use, and check the date and storage instructions. | A larger pack only makes sense for me if I can store and use it appropriately. Pack size is thought to be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ means plain
A cinnamon variety that’s quick to prepare may also contain sugar and flavourings. This leaves less room to pair it with savoury or other flavours.
Read the ingredients list if you’re looking for one oat base to use with different flavours; choose a flavoured variety when that particular taste suits your dish.
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Assuming all oats are gluten-free
Quaker Oats Express Naturel carries a warning about the possible presence of barley and wheat. A separate oat product labelled gluten-free isn’t interchangeable with every other pack.
Check the gluten-free claim and allergen and ‘may contain’ information on the label of the exact product.
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Buying a large pack without a storage plan
Dry oats and prepared porridge need to be stored differently. Once a pack is open, it’s important to seal it well to keep the contents in good condition.
Choose a pack size that suits how much you use, and follow the date and storage instructions on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened packs well covered.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Offers both standard oats and Oats Express sachets; the variety you choose determines how much flavour is already added.
- Quaker Netherlands describes Oats Express Naturel as a pack containing 12 portions.
- According to Quaker’s ingredients information, Oats Express Kaneel contains sugar and natural flavourings as well as wholegrain oats. Also check the allergen information for each variety.
Brinta
The fine oats described are an option if you want to add your own flavourings.
- The fine flakes are designed for quick preparation; follow the instructions on the pack.
- The Brinta Oats described carry a warning about the possible presence of wheat and rye. Check the exact pack if allergens or gluten are relevant to your choice.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s oat range includes products with different flake textures and pack sizes, as well as separately labelled product types.
- Jumbo also describes a product made with gluten-free oat flakes; check that the claim applies to the exact product.
- Check the ingredients, pack size and current availability for the pack you choose.
Crownfield (Lidl)
An organic oat option for shoppers who want to check the pack in store.
- Lidl Netherlands describes CROWNFIELD Organic Oats in a 500 g pack.
- Check the physical pack for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information, and check the in-store range too.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
A fine wholegrain oat option to consider as a plain cupboard staple.
- ALDI Netherlands describes Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- Read the full ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before choosing.
Joybuy product for instant oats
This Joybuy option suits anyone looking for oats that are quick to portion. Compare the label and storage instructions with what you need for your World Food Night.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you’re looking for instant oats for individual servings. The pack contains 324 g; check the label for portion information, ingredients, allergens and the date.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Seal the pack well and follow the storage instructions on the label. For opened oats stored in a kitchen cupboard, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a storage period of one year; check the date and condition of your own product.
What does the date on the pack mean for my stock?
First, check which type of date is shown on the pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority distinguishes between ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates. Don’t treat them as the same, and follow the information on the exact product.
Are all oats gluten-free?
No, labelling varies by product. Quaker Oats Express Naturel, as described, carries a warning about the possible presence of barley and wheat, while Jumbo describes a separate product made with gluten-free oat flakes. Always check the current label on the exact pack.
What label information can help me compare oat products?
Start with the ingredients, allergens, net weight, date and any storage or preparation instructions. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, prepacked foods must clearly state what they contain, how to use them and their date.
Can prepared porridge be stored with my dry goods?
No, don’t use the storage advice for dry oats for prepared porridge. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing porridge made with whole milk in the fridge, where it will keep for three to five days.