Breakfast eaters who don’t want to measure
If you have little time to prepare breakfast at home or at work, a portion sachet can be handy. Check whether you’ll need a bowl, liquid and, perhaps, a microwave to prepare it.
Who is this a good choice for?
People keeping an eye on their salt intake
For you, the salt value in the nutrition table matters more than a word on the front of the pack. Compare the specific varieties per 100 g and check how much a serving contains.
People who like to put their own breakfast together
If you want to choose how much oats to use and what to add, regular wholegrain oats are an alternative to individual instant portions. Just remember to measure them out and follow the preparation instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check the salt per 100 g on the specific pack. Then see whether the portion size and preparation method suit your morning routine.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and portions | Read the preparation time and check whether you’ll need a bowl, liquid or a microwave. Also check the weight per portion. | If I don’t want to measure anything on a busy morning, I need a portion I can prepare with the things I have to hand. Around 40% of consumers say portion convenience comes first. |
| Salt content | Compare the salt per 100 g in the nutrition table and check the amount per portion. | When I’m watching my salt intake, I want to be able to read the value for the variety I’ve chosen rather than relying on a claim. For around 30% of consumers, checking this is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and composition | Check whether the ingredients list contains only oats or other ingredients too, such as sugar. Compare the portion sizes and nutritional values of the variety you’re considering. | I prefer to choose what I add to my oats and want to know what’s already in the pack. Around 30% of consumers put a simple ingredients list first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ means ready to eat
Even a quick-to-prepare portion of porridge needs liquid and a bowl. You may also need a microwave or pan to prepare it hot.
Read the preparation instructions before choosing portions to take to work, school or on the go.
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Assuming all portions of porridge are the same
Albert Heijn lists 0 g salt per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Naturel. Jumbo also lists sugar in the ingredients for its Havermout Porties Original, so similar-looking packs don’t necessarily have the same ingredients.
Check the ingredients and nutrition information for each variety on the current packaging.
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Treating a health claim as a product guarantee
A word such as ‘heart healthy’ doesn’t tell you how much salt a specific porridge contains, and it isn’t individual dietary advice.
Use the stated salt value, ingredients and preparation instructions to assess products.
Relevant brands and product ranges
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is a portion-packed option for anyone who wants to prepare porridge quickly.
- Albert Heijn lists 12 sachets, wholegrain oats as the ingredient and 0 g salt per 100 g; Jumbo gives a preparation time of two minutes.
- Check each flavour variety separately: the nutrition information for Naturel doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.
Jumbo
Jumbo stocks both regular wholegrain oats and individual portions of porridge, as well as blended varieties.
- According to Jumbo, Jumbo Havermout Grove Vlokken consists of wholegrain oats and contains 0.02 g salt per 100 g.
- Jumbo Havermout Porties Original also contains sugar. Don’t assume different products in the range have the same ingredients.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn stocks Quaker Oats Express, among other products, as well as its own porridge products; each range has its own nutritional information.
- For Quaker Oats Express Naturel, the retailer lists details including the portion packaging, ingredients and salt content.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change. Always check the current details for the variety you’re buying.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is an ALDI product range that includes fine wholegrain oats.
- ALDI Nederland lists a 500 g pack of Fijne Volkoren Havermout.
- Before choosing this porridge as an alternative to an instant portion, check the salt content and preparation instructions on the pack.
Healthy Fit
Healthy Fit is a Lidl product range that includes Proteïne havermout.
- Lidl Nederland lists Proteïne havermout as an in-store product with item number 10020537.
- If you’re choosing based on salt, ingredients or portion size, check the nutrition information on the current packaging.
Porridge on Joybuy
This selection focuses on Quaker Express Oatmeal for anyone considering an oat-based breakfast on a busy morning. If you’re keeping an eye on salt, check the nutrition information on the pack being sold.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for porridge for a quick breakfast. The pack contains 324 g; check the current packaging for the salt per 100 g, ingredients and preparation instructions before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘reduced salt’ mean the same as ‘low salt’?
No. ‘Reduced salt’ compares a product with a similar product; the words alone don’t tell you how much salt is in your portion. For the actual value, check the salt per 100 g in the nutrition table.
Which instant porridge is easy to assess for salt?
A plain variety with an easy-to-read nutrition table makes comparisons more straightforward. Albert Heijn lists 0 g salt per 100 g for Quaker Oats Express Naturel; check the details on the specific pack before buying.
Can you eat an instant portion on the go without any preparation?
Not necessarily: an instant portion may still need liquid and a bowl. If you want hot porridge, also check that the stated preparation method suits the facilities you’ll have available.
Is regular porridge automatically gluten-free?
No, don’t assume so from the product name. Check the allergen information and whether the specific pack is labelled gluten-free; for example, Jumbo lists a separate porridge product with the Crossed Grain symbol.