Who are these options for?

People looking for a plain base

You want to compare total sugars per 100 g and decide for yourself what to add to your porridge.

People short on preparation time

You’re looking for fine oats or a single-serve product with a clear preparation time, without assuming that a quick option is also low in sugar.

People who need gluten-free porridge

Check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging; ordinary porridge oats are not automatically suitable.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what role the oats will play that evening. Then compare total sugars and preparation details, and check for a gluten-free label if needed.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Total sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and read the ingredients list; ‘no added sugars’ is not the same as ‘low sugar’. If I want to flavour a plain base myself, I want to be able to compare the total sugar content. For around 40% of consumers, this is the top priority.
Preparation time Check the stated preparation time and whether you need to measure out the oats yourself. On a busy evening, I want to prepare oats quickly without having to measure out much. For around 30% of consumers, speed is the main consideration.
Gluten-free suitability Read the gluten-free label and allergen information on the current packaging. If gluten-free oats are essential, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. For around 30% of consumers, checking gluten-free suitability is the top priority.

What could you get wrong?

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘low sugar’

    A product with no added sugars may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘low sugar’ claim for solid foods is only permitted when they contain no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g.

    So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, even if the front of the pack says ‘no added sugars’.

  • Choosing ordinary porridge oats when gluten-free is essential

    Ordinary oat products can be contaminated with gluten. According to the Voedingscentrum, people with coeliac disease should look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the packaging.

    Check the current packaging for the mark and read the allergen information; don’t rely on ‘oats’ in the ingredients list alone.

  • Assuming porridge oats are automatically an ingredient in stamppot

    Whether you choose fine oats or a larger pack depends on what you want to make. A quick hot oat dish and an ingredient for a recipe don’t necessarily call for the same type of packaging.

    Decide what role the oats will play in your evening meal before choosing based on preparation time or pack size.

Brands to consider

Compare the products mentioned by checking their individual labels; the features of one variant don’t automatically apply to an entire brand.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is a plain option with extra-fine oats, for those who want to portion it themselves.

  • Joybuy lists Brinta Havermout as containing 100% oats and 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye; if you need a gluten-free option, check the current packaging.

Quaker

The regular porridge oats and Oats Express Naturel Protein differ in pack format and preparation.

  • Joybuy lists Quaker Havermout 600 g as containing 100% wholegrain oats and 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes for Oats Express Naturel Protein.
  • The ‘no added sugars’ claim on the Express variant doesn’t tell you how much total sugar it contains; check the nutrition information per 100 g on the packaging.

AH Glutenvrij

AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout is a separate product variant for those looking for an explicitly gluten-free option.

  • Albert Heijn states that it is produced in a fully gluten-free environment and contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • If you need a gluten-free product, always check the current packaging and allergen information.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can porridge oats be labelled ‘low sugar’?

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘low sugar’ claim can be used for a solid food if it contains no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g. To check this, look at the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition information per 100 g.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean porridge oats contain no sugars?

No, the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Joybuy lists Quaker Havermout as both ‘no added sugars’ and containing 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g, so check the total sugar figure.

Are ordinary porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?

Ordinary porridge oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease, as oat products can be contaminated with gluten. According to the Voedingscentrum, you need an oat product with the official Crossed Grain mark on the packaging; check the current allergen information too.

How should I store an opened pack of porridge oats?

Store porridge oats in a cool, dry place and seal the pack well after opening. Follow the storage and best-before information on the packaging.