Who are these options for?

Shoppers keeping an eye on sugar

You want to prepare oats quickly, but check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g before choosing a plain product.

Shoppers who like to measure their own portions

You don’t need pre-measured sachets and would rather choose the amount of oats, the liquid you prepare them with and the toppings yourself.

Shoppers considering a flavoured option

You’re looking for more flavour in the product itself, so you check which sweetening ingredients have been added and whether the nutrition information is for dry or prepared oats.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the ingredients and total sugar content. Then decide whether a pre-measured sachet or measuring your own portion better suits your evening routine.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is this most important for?
Ingredients and sugars Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on a like-for-like basis, and check whether the ingredients list includes sweeteners. If I want to avoid added sweeteners, I also want to know how much sugar the product contains in total. For around 45% of shoppers, checking the label comes first.
Speed and portion convenience Check the preparation instructions and whether the pack contains individual portions. On a busy evening, I want to prepare a portion without measuring out the oats myself. For around 36% of shoppers, convenience is the main consideration.
Measuring your own portion and adding flavour Check how to prepare the oats and look at the ingredients in any toppings you add yourself. For a savoury or sweet Asian night, I’d rather decide for myself how much oatmeal to use and which toppings to add. Around 19% of shoppers prioritise that freedom.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    The ‘of which sugars’ figure shows all the sugars in the product, including those naturally present in its ingredients. A statement about added sugars does not replace this nutritional information.

    Compare similar products per 100 g and check the ingredients list too.

  • Assuming a flavoured option is the same as a plain one

    Albert Heijn lists sugar and honey powder, among other ingredients, in Elovena Instant Oatmeal Immunity. A flavoured option may not suit the same ingredient preferences as plain oats.

    Check the ingredients of each variety separately before choosing a flavour.

  • Comparing dry oats with prepared oatmeal

    The nutrition information Albert Heijn displays for Brinta Havermout and Elovena Instant Oatmeal Immunity applies to the prepared product. The liquid used affects the nutritional values per portion.

    Compare values on the same basis, such as per 100 g of dry product, or take into account the liquid and portion used for the stated values.

Brands to consider

Quaker

Quaker Oats Express Naturel is a portioned plain option for anyone who wants to spend less time measuring.

  • Quaker Netherlands lists wholegrain oats as the only ingredient in this variety, with 1 g of sugars per 100 g. Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes.
  • Albert Heijn notes that it may contain traces of soya, barley and wheat. Check the packaging if allergens are relevant to your choice.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is made with extra-fine oats, giving you a base to build your own bowl.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists 100% oats and says they can be prepared in a few minutes.
  • The nutrition values shown are for a portion prepared with 250 ml of semi-skimmed milk. Don’t compare them directly with values per 100 g of dry oats.

Albert Heijn

AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken is a loose-oats option for anyone who wants to choose their own portion size and toppings.

  • Albert Heijn lists one ingredient and 0.7 g of sugars per 100 g for this product.
  • You measure and prepare the oats yourself. If allergens are relevant, check the packaging for information about possible traces too.

Oatmeal at Joybuy

This product selection focuses on portion-packed oatmeal for a quick evening meal. For a savoury or sweet version, choose separately which ingredients you want to add.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g

A good choice if, for a quick evening meal, you’d rather prepare a portion of oatmeal than measure out loose oats.

324 g pack. To compare sugar content, check the nutrition information per 100 g on the same basis as for other products, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean oatmeal contains no sugars?

No. The ‘of which sugars’ figure shows the total sugar content, while the ingredients list shows which ingredients have been added. For Oats Express Naturel, Quaker Netherlands lists 1 g of sugars per 100 g and wholegrain oats as the only ingredient.

How do I compare dry and prepared oatmeal?

Only compare nutrition values when they are given on the same basis. Albert Heijn shows values for the prepared product for Brinta Havermout and Elovena Instant Oatmeal Immunity, so check the portion size and liquid used before comparing them with dry oats.

What should I look for if I want to add flavour to my oatmeal?

Check the ingredients in both flavoured varieties and any toppings you use yourself. Albert Heijn lists sugar and honey powder, among other ingredients, in Elovena Instant Oatmeal Immunity, while plain oats let you choose your own flavourings.