When comparing instant oats, start by checking the salt per 100 g, then look at preparation, portion size and allergens. Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express Naturel as containing 0 g salt per 100 g, with a preparation time of two minutes. Jumbo and Albert Heijn’s standard wholegrain rolled oats also have low salt values on the label, but need to be cooked. A low salt value alone does not tell you whether a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet or a personal dietary plan.
A warm breakfast should be simple, but it’s worth comparing salt per 100 g rather than judging by the front of the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using less salt as part of a healthy diet.
As well as easy preparation, portion size, fibre and other nutritional information may matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights fibre, enough protein and low salt as considerations for people aged 70 and over. No single number on an oats packet answers all these questions at once.
A low salt value or the word ‘natural’ does not confirm that oats are gluten-free. Check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the pack of the product you’re buying.
Start with what matters most for your breakfast: the salt content, how easy it is to prepare or the need for a gluten-free option. Then compare the other features. Instant sachets and standard rolled oats don’t require the same preparation.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Salt content | Compare salt per 100 g for dry products, and check the ingredients too. | If I want to choose a lower-salt option, I need to be able to compare packs using the same measurement. Around 50% of consumers prioritise salt content. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions and whether you need to measure out a portion yourself. | If measuring or cooking for longer is inconvenient, I want to know how quickly I can make a bowl. Easy preparation is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free options | Check for an explicit gluten-free label and the latest allergen information, then compare the salt content. | If I need to eat gluten-free, I can’t rely on the salt content alone. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The word ‘natural’ doesn’t tell you how much salt a product contains. Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express Naturel as containing 0 g salt per 100 g, while the listed value for Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is 1 g per 100 g.
Check the ‘salt’ line in the nutrition table and compare products per 100 g.
Albert Heijn lists 0,25 g salt for a prepared portion of Brinta Havermout made with 250 ml semi-skimmed milk. This isn’t directly comparable with the dry value per 100 g for another product.
Where possible, compare dry products per 100 g. Alternatively, use the same liquid and quantity when comparing prepared portions.
The product information for Quaker Oats Express Naturel says it may contain barley and wheat. Conversely, the Elovena variety labelled gluten-free contains 1 g salt per 100 g.
If you need a gluten-free product, check that label and the latest allergen information on the pack first.
Sachets save you measuring, but the amount of oats in each sachet is fixed. With loose oats, you choose the amount yourself and need to prepare them.
Choose based on what’s practical to prepare at home and the portion size you want.
These examples refer to the specific oats varieties mentioned, not a brand’s entire range.
Oats Express Naturel is an option if you’re looking for pre-portioned instant oats.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Havermout is made from fine rolled oats for a warm bowl of porridge.
AH Volkoren Havermout Fijne Vlokken is an example of loose oats for anyone who wants to choose their own portion size.
Jumbo’s coarse wholegrain oats and portioned oats differ in their ingredients and salt content.
This product selection is for anyone looking for oats for a quick breakfast. Before buying, compare the salt content, preparation method and allergens for the variety on offer by checking its latest packaging.
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Worth a look if you’re after Quaker oats for a quick breakfast. The pack contains 324 g. Before choosing this variety, check the salt per 100 g, preparation instructions and allergen information.
The EU conditions for the nutrition claim ‘low sodium/low salt’ are set out in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006: a product must contain no more than 0,12 g sodium per 100 g or 100 ml, or the equivalent amount of salt. Also check the nutrition table for the specific product you want to buy.
No. Salt is part of your dietary choices even if you don’t have a specific medical reason to limit it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises adults to consume no more than 6 g of salt a day. If you have a personal dietary prescription, follow the limit you’ve agreed with your doctor or dietitian.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that people aged 70 and over use less salt. When choosing oats, look at the portion size, preparation and other nutritional information too, rather than focusing on just one salt value.
Don’t assume they are: check for an explicit gluten-free label and the allergen information on the pack you’re buying. The product information for Quaker Oats Express Naturel says it may contain barley and wheat. By contrast, the Elovena variety labelled gluten-free by Albert Heijn contains 1 g salt per 100 g, so you’ll still need to compare salt separately when choosing it.
