Anyone who likes to make their own warm bowl
With plain oats, you can choose which toppings to add. If you want to compare sugar levels, check the nutritional information as well as the ingredients.
Who are these options for?
Anyone short on time in the morning
Plain portion sachets are worth considering if you want a measured serving that can be heated quickly. Check the preparation instructions on the pack, and bear in mind that flavoured varieties may contain different ingredients.
Anyone who prefers a crunchy breakfast bowl
Crunchy products have a different texture from porridge and can be enjoyed with yoghurt or quark. For these varieties, compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens too; they’re not the same as plain oats.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by deciding whether you want warm porridge or a crunchy breakfast bowl. Then compare the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g. Preparation time and allergens may also help you make your choice.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and sugars | Read the ingredients list and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g. ‘No added sugar’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘sugar-free’. | Anyone who wants to choose their own fruit or other toppings may prefer a simple oat base; around 36% of consumers put checking the ingredients first. |
| Preparing a warm breakfast | Check the preparation instructions, preparation time and serving size. | On a busy morning, I want a warm bowl without having to measure much out; around 29% of consumers make quick preparation their top priority. |
| Texture and protein | For crunchy varieties, compare protein, fibre, sugars and energy per 100 g, as well as the ingredients. | If I prefer a crunchy bowl with yoghurt or quark, I’m looking for a different texture from porridge; around 21% of consumers prioritise this and extra protein. |
| Allergens | Read the current allergen information. If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol on the oat packaging, as recommended by the Voedingscentrum. | If an allergen limits my choice, the product needs to meet that need; around 14% of consumers put checking this first. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
According to the Voedingscentrum, products with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars. So the front of the pack won’t tell you how much sugar the product contains in total.
Read the ingredients and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g in the nutrition table.
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Treating crunchy breakfast cereal as ordinary porridge oats
A crunchy variety has a different composition and use from plain oats for warm porridge. The Quaker Cruesli Protein varieties listed by Jumbo contain additional ingredients alongside oats, including wheat gluten and oil.
First decide which breakfast texture you want, then compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each product.
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Assuming ordinary oats are always gluten-free
The Voedingscentrum points out that oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, an ingredients list that simply says oats won’t give you the reassurance you need.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Brands to consider
Quaker
The product listings reviewed range from ordinary porridge oats and plain portion sachets to crunchy Cruesli Protein varieties.
- Albert Heijn describes Quaker Oatmeal as having ‘no added sugar’; according to Jumbo, Quaker Oats Express Naturel takes around 2 minutes to prepare.
- The crunchy Protein varieties contain additional ingredients. Check the allergens and nutritional information for each variety rather than assuming they’re the same as ordinary porridge oats.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is an option if you’re looking for extra-fine oats as the base for a warm bowl you can customise.
- According to Albert Heijn, the Brinta Oatmeal product reviewed is made from 100% oats.
- The listing mentions that traces of wheat and rye may be present. Check the packaging if allergens are relevant to your choice.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge Fine Wholegrain Oatmeal as a simple oat option.
- The variety listed by ALDI is fine wholegrain oatmeal, sold in a 500 g pack.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging before deciding whether this variety meets your needs.
Oats and related breakfast products on Joybuy
The first four products are oats for making a warm bowl, including a quick-preparation portion option alongside plain oats. The last product is a crunchy breakfast option, not porridge oats; check the packaging if you want to avoid added sugar.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
A portion option to consider if you want to make a warm bowl quickly. Check the ingredients, preparation instructions and ‘of which sugars’ figures on the packaging.
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Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g
An oat base for anyone who wants to put together their own warm bowl and toppings. Compare the ingredients and sugars per 100 g on the packaging.
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Brinta Oatmeal, 450 g
An option if you want to prepare oats with your choice of toppings. According to Albert Heijn’s product listing, Brinta Oatmeal is made from 100% oats; check the current packaging for allergen information.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal, 500 g
An oatmeal option for a breakfast bowl you can make your own. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging if you want to compare it with other oats.
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Quaker Cruesli Nuts Zero Sugar, 400 g
A crunchy breakfast option if you’re not looking for warm porridge. Treat Zero Sugar as part of the product name, and check the ingredients, allergens and ‘of which sugars’ figures on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean that porridge oats are sugar-free?
No. The product may still contain naturally occurring sugars. The Voedingscentrum recommends looking beyond the front of the pack: read the ingredients and check the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g.
Which base should I choose if I want to make my own warm breakfast?
Plain oats give you the freedom to choose your own toppings. Prepare them according to the pack instructions, and check the ingredients of anything you add to your bowl if you want to avoid added sugar.
Are ordinary porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Ordinary porridge oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease, as oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. The Voedingscentrum recommends choosing only oats with the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging.
Should I compare nutritional information per serving or per 100 g?
Start by comparing different products per 100 g, so differences in serving size don’t skew the comparison. Then check the serving information to see how much you’d use for your own bowl.