Which choice suits your household?

Families keeping an eye on salt

You’re looking for a simple breakfast staple and want to compare the salt content of dry porridge oats. Also check the ingredients you add when preparing them.

Households that like to keep a stock cupboard

If several people eat porridge regularly, pack size and storage space matter. Albert Heijn and Jumbo, for example, offer 1 kg packs of plain porridge oats.

Families with different morning routines

Quick-cook oats or individual portions can be handy if everyone has breakfast at a different time. Check the salt content, ingredients and allergens of each variety separately.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, compare the salt content of dry porridge oats per 100 g. Then work out how much your household uses and whether a large bag or individual portions would suit your morning routine better.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Salt and ingredients Compare the salt per 100 g of dry porridge oats and check whether salt has been added. When I’m making plain porridge for several people, I want to know how much salt the oats contain and decide for myself what to add; this is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Pack size Check the net weight and choose a size you can store somewhere dry, with the pack sealed. When making breakfast for the whole household, I want to have enough porridge oats in the cupboard without constantly opening a new bag. This stock-up need matters most to around 33% of consumers.
Preparation and portions Check the preparation instructions and, for flavoured or prepared varieties, check the ingredients and allergens. When family members have breakfast at different times, I want to be able to prepare the right amount quickly; convenience comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Searching only for the words ‘low salt’

    You can check the nutrition table to see how much salt a product contains, even if those words aren’t on the pack.

    Compare products on the same 100 g basis, and remember to consider what you add to your porridge.

  • Choosing a large bag without checking how much you use

    A 1 kg pack is only practical if your household will use that amount and you have somewhere dry to store it.

    Choose a pack size to suit your breakfast habits and seal it well after opening.

  • Assuming every variety contains the same allergens

    The ingredients in plain porridge oats and mixed varieties can differ. Albert Heijn, for example, states that Brinta Porridge Oats may contain traces of wheat and rye.

    If you need to avoid allergens, always read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Own-label plain porridge oats in a large pack, an option for households that like to keep a stock cupboard.

  • AH Wholegrain Coarse Oat Flakes come in a 1 kg bag. Albert Heijn lists 0.03 g of salt and 0 g of added salt per 100 g.
  • Check the nutrition information on the pack you buy, as product information can change.

Jumbo

Own-label plain porridge oats and other varieties to suit different preparation preferences.

  • The range includes a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oat flakes, as well as single-serve and Express products.
  • Use the nutrition and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen; don’t assume it applies to another Jumbo porridge oat product.

Brinta

Porridge oats with extra-fine flakes for anyone who wants to make a warm bowl quickly.

  • Albert Heijn lists the ingredients of the 450 g pack of Brinta Porridge Oats as 100% oat flakes.
  • According to the product information, these porridge oats may contain traces of wheat and rye.

Quaker

A brand offering plain porridge oats and Express varieties for anyone looking for quick individual options too.

  • The Albert Heijn and Jumbo ranges include both plain Quaker Porridge Oats and Express varieties.
  • Compare the salt content and ingredients of the exact variety, not just the brand name.

Porridge oats at Joybuy

These products are a 324 g pack of Quaker Express and a 450 g pack of Brinta Porridge Oats. If you’re buying for a large household, compare the pack weights and check the salt content per 100 g on the label.

Quaker Express porridge oats, 324 g

Quaker Express Porridge Oats 324 g

An Express variety to consider if you want to prepare breakfast one portion at a time. The pack contains 324 g. Before choosing it as a regular staple for the family, check the salt content per 100 g and the allergens on the label.

View at Joybuy
Brinta porridge oats, 450 g

Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g

An option for households weighing up plain porridge oats alongside an Express variety. The pack contains 450 g. To compare salt levels, check the value per 100 g on the label; Albert Heijn’s product information states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pack labelled ‘low salt’?

No, you can compare the stated salt content per 100 g without that wording on the pack. Check the nutrition table for the porridge oats you want to buy, and remember to factor in any ingredients you add during preparation.

Are plain porridge oats a good choice if I’m watching my salt intake?

Plain porridge oats give you a base whose salt content you can check on the label. Voedingscentrum lists 0 g of salt for 40 g of plain porridge oats; also check the value for the specific product and what you serve with it.

How should I store a large bag of porridge oats?

Store the bag somewhere dry and seal it well after opening. Albert Heijn and Jumbo also recommend storing their porridge oat products in a cool, dark place; follow the instructions on your own pack.

Do I need to check allergens in plain porridge oats?

Yes. If someone in your household needs to avoid an allergen, check the allergen information for the exact variety. For example, Albert Heijn states that Brinta Porridge Oats may contain traces of wheat and rye.

When are individual portions useful for a large household?

Individual portions can work well if family members have breakfast at different times or want to prepare a measured amount each time. Still, compare the total pack size and check the ingredients and salt per 100 g for the variety you choose.