Sugar-conscious late-night snacker
You want to compare how much sugar products contain per 100 g, and see what ingredients have been added, before choosing a late-night snack.
Who might find this choice useful?
Quick-portion user
You want to make a warm serving of oatmeal late in the evening without having to measure out the flakes first.
Self-portioning shopper
You’d rather measure out the oats yourself and choose what to add to your bowl.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the sugars per 100 g. Then check whether the preparation method and portioning suit what you want to do late in the evening.
| What to consider | What to check | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and read the ingredients list. | If I eat oatmeal late at night, I want to know how much sugar my chosen option contains and what has been added. Around 45% of consumers say this is their main priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions and whether the portion is pre-measured. | For a warm snack that doesn’t need much preparation, I don’t want to have to weigh out a portion first. This is the main priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Portioning it yourself | See whether you can choose the amount of flakes and any extras yourself. | I’d rather decide how much oatmeal and how many toppings go in my bowl, even if it means a few extra steps. For around 19% of consumers, having that control is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a flavoured cup is automatically low in sugar
Convenience and sugar content are two different things. Albert Heijn lists 8.6 g of sugars and 2.8 g of added sugars per 100 g for AH Oat & Go Chocolate.
For flavoured options, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check which ingredients have been added.
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Comparing sugars per portion only
Sachets, cups and loose flakes can have different portion sizes, so the figures per portion may not give you a like-for-like comparison.
Compare products per 100 g first, as advised by the Voedingscentrum, then check the amount you actually want to make.
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Assuming ordinary oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. Ingredients and allergen information also vary from product to product.
The Voedingscentrum says that people with coeliac disease need to look for the official Crossed Grain trademark on the packaging. Also check the allergen information for the option you choose.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Oats Express Original is worth considering if you want to make oatmeal from pre-measured portions.
- Albert Heijn lists 12 portion sachets, a preparation time of 2 minutes and 1 g of sugars per 100 g for Oats Express Original.
- For other Quaker options, check the portions, nutritional information and allergen details on the packaging separately.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is worth considering if you want to portion out fine oat flakes yourself for a warm porridge.
- Jumbo lists 100% oat flakes and 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g for the 450 g pack.
- Jumbo says this option may contain traces of wheat and rye. Check the label if allergens are important to your choice.
Albert Heijn
The range includes fine oat flakes you can portion yourself, as well as an Oat & Go cup prepared with water.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.7 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for AH Wholegrain Oatmeal Fine Flakes.
- The AH Oat & Go Chocolate cup lists 8.6 g of sugars per 100 g, so don’t judge a cup on convenience alone.
Oatmeal products on Joybuy
These products are options if you want to make oatmeal as a late-night snack. Compare the nutritional information and preparation instructions on the pack you choose before making your decision.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you want to make Quaker oatmeal late in the evening. Check whether the portions in this pack are individually wrapped, and compare the sugars per 100 g.
Check the label for allergen information and, if relevant to your choice, the official Crossed Grain trademark.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
An option if you want to choose how much oatmeal to use for a warm late-night snack. Jumbo lists 100% oat flakes and 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g for Brinta Oatmeal in the 450 g pack.
Check the preparation instructions if the time needed is important to you. Also check the allergen information: Jumbo notes that the product may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean oatmeal contains no sugars?
No, a product may still contain sugars. So, as well as checking the ingredients list, look at ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum says the amount of sugar in oatmeal can vary by brand.
How do I compare a cup with portion sachets and loose oat flakes?
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then read the ingredients and preparation instructions. This gives you a like-for-like basis for comparing sugar levels, while the packaging shows how much measuring and preparation each option involves.
Is ordinary oatmeal suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Ordinary oatmeal isn’t automatically suitable. According to the Voedingscentrum, people with coeliac disease need to look for the official Crossed Grain trademark on the packaging. Also check the allergen information for the specific product.
How should I store opened oatmeal?
Seal the pack carefully after use and follow the product’s storage instructions. For AH Wholegrain Oatmeal Fine Flakes, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark and dry place.