Holidaymakers looking to limit sugar
You want to decide for yourself what to add to your breakfast. So compare the sugar content per 100 g and read the ingredients list: ‘no added sugar’ does not mean a product contains no sugar at all.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Self-caterers with limited kitchen equipment
If you only have a kettle, you’ll need to prepare breakfast differently than you would with a microwave or hob. Check what liquid and equipment your chosen option requires.
Breakfast lovers looking for extra protein
You may want to consider a high-protein option without overlooking its ingredients. Check the exact packaging for soya, milk and any mentions of other grains.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check whether the ingredients list mentions added sugar or other additions. | I want to decide for myself what goes into my breakfast, so a flavoured option doesn’t make the choice for me without my realising. Around 40% of consumers put control over sugars and ingredients first. |
| Preparation method | Check whether the option needs a microwave, hob or just boiling water, and which liquid you need to add. | If I only have a kettle, I don’t want to bring sachets that the packaging says need to be prepared in a pan or microwave. The kitchen facilities available are a deciding factor for around 40% of consumers. |
| Protein and allergens | Compare protein per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact option. | If I choose a high-protein option, I want to know which ingredients have been added and whether they suit my diet. Extra protein is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ means plain oats with no added ingredients
Instant products vary in composition. According to Quaker Nederland, Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains wholegrain oats as an ingredient, while other instant options may also contain dried fruit, sugar, milk powder or soya protein.
First check the ingredients and sugar content per 100 g, then choose based on flavour or packaging.
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Looking only at the protein content
The Quaker Oats Express Protein option reviewed contains soya protein and soya lecithin. Quaker Pots Protein Naturel also contains skimmed milk powder. So the protein content alone won’t tell you which allergens or other ingredients are present.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact option, especially if you need to avoid soya or milk.
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Checking how to prepare it only once you’re at the holiday home
The plain sachets reviewed need milk and a microwave or pan; the Quaker Pots Protein Naturel option reviewed is prepared with boiling water. These types of packaging are not automatically interchangeable.
Before you leave, check the kitchen equipment and the preparation instructions on the packaging you plan to take.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Quaker
The Quaker options reviewed show why preparation and ingredients deserve separate consideration: the range includes plain sachets, protein sachets and a pot designed for boiling water.
- According to the product information reviewed, Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains wholegrain oats as an ingredient, has no added sugar and contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The Protein sachets reviewed contain soya; Pots Protein Naturel also contains milk powder and lists 12 g of sugars per 100 g.
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren havermout proteïne is a packaged oat option for anyone who wants to make several breakfasts, rather than choosing individual instant sachets.
- The option reviewed lists 20 g of protein per 100 g and gives preparation options including a pan and microwave.
- According to the product information, this option contains soya and 0,8 g of added sugars per 100 g, so it won’t suit anyone looking for zero added sugar.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge Fijne volkoren havermout is a standard oat option in a 500 g pack, not an individually wrapped instant sachet.
- The larger pack may suit you if you’re making breakfast several times at the same holiday home.
- If you’re choosing based on sugar or ingredients, compare the packaging label before opting for this product.
Zonnatura
The organic high-protein oats reviewed are a packaged protein option, rather than individual instant sachets.
- The product information reviewed lists 22% protein, 1,2 g of sugars per 100 g and no added sugar.
- The ingredients include oats, spelt and soya flakes, so check whether this combination suits you.
Instant oats for your holiday home
These Joybuy products offer a plain option and a high-protein option in portion packs. Before choosing between them, check the preparation method on the exact packaging against the facilities available in your holiday home.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A plain option for anyone who wants to choose their own additions at the holiday home and can use a microwave or pan.
The option reviewed contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g and has no added sugar. The preparation instructions call for 180 ml of milk; also check the allergen information on the packaging.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
An option if you want extra protein at breakfast and are happy to have soya as an ingredient.
The option reviewed lists 22 g of protein and 1,2 g of sugars per 100 g, with no added sugar. It contains soya protein and soya lecithin. Check the preparation instructions on the exact packaging before deciding what equipment and liquid you’ll need.
Frequently asked questions
Are instant oats with no added sugar also sugar-free?
No, the product may still contain sugars. Quaker Oats Express Naturel, the option reviewed, lists no added sugar but does contain 1 g of sugars per 100 g. So compare both the nutritional information per 100 g and the ingredients list.
What do I need to prepare Quaker Oats Express Naturel?
The preparation instructions reviewed call for 180 ml of milk and a pan or microwave. If your holiday home only has a kettle, check before buying whether you can follow the preparation method for your pack.
Which instant oats can I prepare using only boiling water?
According to Quaker Nederland, Quaker Pots Protein Naturel, the option reviewed, is prepared with boiling water. Check the ingredients too: this pot lists 12 g of sugars per 100 g and contains skimmed milk powder and soya protein.
Can I choose Quaker Oats Express Naturel if I need to avoid soya, wheat or barley?
Check the allergen information on the exact packaging. Quaker Nederland states that the plain option reviewed may contain soya, barley and wheat; the Protein option reviewed contains soya as an ingredient.
What should I compare when choosing between high-protein and regular instant oats?
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions. A higher protein content alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar an option contains or what equipment you’ll need to prepare it.