Holidaymakers who put together their own breakfast
With plain oats, you can choose which milk, yoghurt or toppings to add. Compare the sugars in the dry product separately from those in the prepared bowl.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Holidaymakers short on time in the morning
Plain portion sachets are already measured out. Just check that you can follow the preparation instructions using the pan or microwave available in your holiday home.
Consumers who need to check allergens
If you need to avoid gluten or other allergens, the label on the exact product pack is what matters. Oat products may also carry warnings about other cereals or ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First compare dry oats per 100 g, then check whether the packaging and preparation method suit your stay. Assess anything you add to the bowl separately.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g of dry product and check whether sugar appears in the ingredients list. | If I want to decide how sweet my breakfast is, I start with a plain oat base. Sugar content is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions, equipment needed and number of portions. | When I’m short on time in the morning, I don’t want to measure out oats first. Portion convenience matters most to around 29% of consumers. |
| Making it your own | Check whether the ingredients list contains only oats and, if needed, compare the fibre per 100 g shown on the label. | I want a plain base that I can add ingredients to according to my taste. This flexibility is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact variety; check separately for any gluten-free label you need. | If I need to avoid certain allergens, a suitable label matters more than convenience or taste. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘wholegrain’ or ‘Original’ means low in sugar
Jumbo Havermout Porties Original lists sugar as an ingredient alongside 90% wholegrain oat flakes, and contains 10.7 g of sugars per 100 g. The product name doesn’t tell you how much sugar is in a portion.
Read the ingredients list and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the same basis of 100 g of dry product.
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Comparing dry oats with a prepared bowl
The nutritional value of milk, yoghurt, fruit and other additions is added to that of the oats. So a value per 100 g of dry product doesn’t automatically describe your whole breakfast.
First compare the dry products with each other, then look separately at what you add to the bowl.
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Relying on the product category when you need to avoid an allergen
Allergens and warnings about possible traces can vary between varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on the label.
Before buying, check the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ warnings and any gluten-free statement you need.
Brands to consider
Brinta
The Brinta oats reviewed are plain, extra-fine oat flakes for anyone who wants to put together their own breakfast.
- According to the product information for Brinta Oats 450 g, this variety is made from 100% oat flakes. The label lists 0.8 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety lists oats and warnings about possible rye and wheat. If you need gluten-free oats, don’t rely on the product name alone.
Quaker
The varieties reviewed give you the choice of a regular bag of oats or pre-measured plain portions.
- Quaker Netherlands lists its Oats Original as 100% wholegrain oats, with 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g. Quaker Express Plain comes in individual portions; the listing reviewed states a 2-minute preparation time and 1 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each Quaker variety: information for the regular bag doesn’t automatically apply to the portion pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells both plain oat flakes and portion products; the product format alone doesn’t tell you whether sugar has been added.
- Plain oat flakes are an option if you want to decide on the portions and additions yourself.
- According to Jumbo, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original contains added sugar and lists 10.7 g of sugars per 100 g. Don’t assess this variety as though it were plain oats with no additions.
Oats to prepare yourself
These Joybuy products include plain oats and a pre-measured Express variety for anyone making their own breakfast in a holiday home. Compare pack sizes and check the current label for each option.
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Quaker Express Porridge Oats 324 g
For anyone staying in a holiday home who would rather use a pre-measured plain portion than weigh out oats themselves.
The Joybuy product information reviewed lists 12 portions, a 2-minute preparation time and 1 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the allergens on the pack.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 600 g
A regular bag for anyone who wants to measure and prepare their own oats for several breakfasts.
Quaker Netherlands lists 100% wholegrain oats and 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g. Before use, check the preparation instructions and allergens for this pack.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 375 g
A smaller pack of plain oats to consider if a 600 g bag isn’t right for the length of your stay.
For this 375 g variety, compare the ingredients, nutritional information per 100 g and allergens on its own label; don’t automatically assume the values are the same as those for the 600 g pack.
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Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g
For anyone who wants to measure out plain oat flakes and choose what goes into the bowl.
The product information reviewed lists 100% oat flakes, 0.8 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g. Check the current label for allergens and possible traces of other cereals.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A 500 g pack to compare with the other oat varieties if you’re making your own breakfast in a holiday home.
Check the pack to see which cereals are listed in the ingredients, how much sugar is listed per 100 g, and which preparation instructions and allergen information apply to this exact variety.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘low sugar’?
No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the ‘low sugar’ claim for solid foods means a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ relates to the ingredients; also check the total amount listed under ‘of which sugars’.
Which oats should I choose if I don’t want to measure them out?
Plain portion sachets suit this preference if you can follow the preparation instructions in your holiday home. Quaker Express Plain is a pre-measured option with a stated preparation time of 2 minutes. Check the sugars per 100 g for portion packs too, as the ingredients aren’t the same in every variety.
Can I choose plain oats if I need to avoid gluten or another allergen?
Don’t rely on the product category alone: check the current label for the exact variety. The Quaker and Brinta products reviewed list oats or cereals containing gluten, and warnings about possible other cereals. Look for a suitable gluten-free statement if you need one.
What do I need to prepare plain oats in a holiday home?
Make sure you have the ingredients and kitchen equipment specified on your pack. For example, Jumbo lists 40 g of oats with 250 ml of milk or water for Quaker Oats 600 g, prepared in a pan or microwave. Follow the instructions on the pack for any other variety.
How should I store an opened bag of oats during my stay?
Store the oats in a cool, dry place and keep the bag tightly closed. Also check the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack you bring with you.