If you make your own breakfasts and bakes
Loose rolled oats give you the freedom to choose your own portions and toppings for the barbecue weekend. The Voedingscentrum lists porridge, overnight oats and oat muffins among the ways to use them.
Which option is right for you?
If you’re short on preparation time
A pre-measured portion can be useful when you’re juggling the food shop and other preparations. Check how many portions the pack contains and how to prepare them.
If you need gluten-free products
Don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. Look for an explicit gluten-free statement and check the latest ingredients and allergen information; standard oat products may list other cereals containing gluten or traces of them.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you need to eat gluten-free, first check the product’s suitability on the packaging. Then decide whether you’re looking for a base you can portion yourself or a quick-to-prepare serving.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre content and ingredients | Compare the fibre per 100 g and check the product’s ingredients. | If I want to put together my own breakfasts and bakes, I’m looking for a base whose ingredients I can check. Around 33% of consumers would choose fibre content and ingredients as their main consideration. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions and how many portions or sachets the pack contains. | When I’m short on time before the barbecue weekend, I want to prepare a portion without weighing it out. For around 27% of consumers, that convenience would come first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | Look for an explicit gluten-free statement and check the ingredients and allergen information. | If I need to eat gluten-free, I want to be able to check whether this particular product is suitable. Around 20% of consumers would make this their first priority. |
| Pack size | Choose a pack size that suits the number of breakfasts and any bakes you have planned. | If I’m planning several meals, I want to buy enough oatmeal without having an awkwardly large amount left over. Around 20% of consumers would make the right pack size their main consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Relying on a fibre claim alone
A claim doesn’t tell you how much fibre is in your prepared portion or what else you’re adding to the dish.
Check the nutritional information per 100 g, then think about how you plan to use the oatmeal.
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Assuming standard oatmeal is gluten-free
According to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, standard oat products may also list possible traces of wheat, rye or barley.
If you need to eat gluten-free, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the label every time you buy it.
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Choosing portion sachets without counting them
A pre-measured portion can save time, but you may need more sachets than you first thought for several breakfasts or baking sessions.
Count the portions you’re planning and compare the total contents with a pack of loose oats.
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Assuming the nutritional information for dry oats applies to the finished dish
The nutritional value of a bowl of porridge or a bake also depends on the amount you use and the other ingredients.
So, consider not only the oatmeal but also what you add to it.
Brands to consider
Brinta
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Oatmeal 450 g contains 100% rolled oats and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The fine flakes make a versatile base, so you can choose what to add.
- The label mentions possible traces of wheat and rye, so don’t treat this product as gluten-free.
Quaker
Quaker offers products including loose wholegrain oatmeal in a 600 g pack and Oats Express portion sachets.
- According to Jumbo, the 600 g variety contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g; Albert Heijn describes Oats Express as a quick-to-prepare portion.
- Check the portion sizes and allergen information for each variety; details for one pack don’t automatically apply to another.
AH
AH offers fine, coarse, organic and explicitly labelled gluten-free wholegrain oatmeal, among other options.
- According to Albert Heijn, the gluten-free variety is made in a completely gluten-free environment and contains 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
- An organic variety isn’t automatically gluten-free; check the label on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells fine and coarse wholegrain oatmeal under its own brand, including a 1 kg pack.
- The different flake sizes and pack options let you choose what suits your planned use.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific variety rather than assuming they’re the same as another pack.
Golden Bridge
ALDI Netherlands lists fine and coarse wholegrain oatmeal from Golden Bridge in 500 g packs.
- Choosing between fine and coarse flakes may suit the way you plan to prepare them.
- Check the fibre content and allergen information on the pack before deciding whether it meets your needs.
Oatmeal products on Joybuy
This selection includes an Express pack and packs of oatmeal you can portion yourself. Compare the pack size with the breakfasts or bakes you have planned; if you need gluten-free products, check the label on the individual product.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone who’d rather choose a pre-portioned serving than weigh out loose oats while getting ready for a busy barbecue. Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens on the pack.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
For anyone looking for a base to make their own breakfast. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variety contains 100% rolled oats and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g; the label mentions possible traces of wheat and rye.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
For anyone who wants to measure out loose oatmeal for several breakfasts. According to Jumbo, this variety is labelled as 100% wholegrain oatmeal and contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g; check the allergen information if you need to eat gluten-free.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A pack that lets you decide how much to use each time you make your own breakfast. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging if they’re important to your choice.
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Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
For anyone looking to match a 375 g pack to the number of breakfasts they have planned. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens on this pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is standard oatmeal suitable if I need to eat gluten-free?
Not without checking the specific product. Standard oatmeal may list other cereals containing gluten or traces of them; if you need to eat gluten-free, choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current label.
Are loose oats or portion sachets more convenient for a busy barbecue weekend?
Sachets are convenient if you don’t want to weigh out a portion; loose oats give you more flexibility to choose the amount for each breakfast or baking recipe. Work out how many portions you need in advance and check the preparation instructions for the variety you choose.
How should I store an opened pack of oatmeal?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the pack securely after use. Brinta and AH product information recommends storing the product in a dry place; check the instructions for your variety.