Measure-it-yourself
You want to decide for yourself how much loose oatmeal to have as an evening snack. A larger pack does mean you’ll need to measure and prepare it yourself.
Which format is right for you?
Quick-portion seeker
You want to keep measuring to a minimum late at night. Portion sachets can help, as long as you have the required liquid and equipment to hand.
Label-conscious snacker
You want to check the ingredients and nutritional information per portion, or carefully check the allergen statement and any gluten-free claim.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how much preparation you want to do late at night. Then check the portion size, preparation instructions and label for the product you’re considering.
Fine loose oats
A good fit if: you want to measure out your own portion and have water or milk and suitable cooking equipment at home.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to measure the oats, and preparation methods can vary by product.
Portioned oatmeal
A good fit if: you want a set amount without measuring out loose oats yourself.
Bear in mind: portion sachets may still require milk, water and a microwave or pan.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring it yourself | Check the pack size and decide whether you want to use loose oats or a set portion. | If I want to decide how much oats to have in my evening snack, I’d rather choose loose oats; around 38% of consumers put having that choice first. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether you need a pan, microwave or just hot liquid, and read the preparation time. | After a long day, I want to do as little measuring as possible before I can have something warm to eat. Around 31% of consumers prioritise that convenience. |
| Ingredients and portion size | Read the ingredients and nutritional information; compare values per 100 g and per portion. | I want to choose what I add to my oatmeal and how much I use; that’s the main consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen statement for the exact product and check for a gluten-free claim if needed. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, a suitable label matters more than ease of preparation. For around 8% of consumers, this check comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ always means you only need hot water
Preparation methods vary by product. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Naturel is made in the microwave, while an instant variety may also have instructions for using hot liquid.
Before buying, check which liquid and equipment the exact product requires, especially if you don’t want to use a microwave or pan.
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Assuming regular oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. So the name of the grain alone isn’t enough to check whether a product is suitable.
If you have coeliac disease, check the packaging for the Crossed Grain symbol and read the allergen information for the exact product.
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Assuming the nutritional values for dry oats apply to the whole snack
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives average values of 146 kcal and 4.4 g of fibre for 40 g of oatmeal. Milk and toppings aren’t included in the values for dry oats.
Compare nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, and count any ingredients you add separately.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH sells loose fine wholegrain oatmeal for anyone who wants to put together their own portion.
- According to Albert Heijn, the product reviewed contains wholegrain oat flakes and comes in a 500 g pack.
- You’ll need to measure and prepare the oats yourself; also check the allergen statement on the packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells both loose fine wholegrain oatmeal and portioned products.
- The 1 kg pack of loose fine flakes lets you choose your own portion size.
- For a portioned product, check the ingredients and preparation instructions separately; you can’t infer them from the name of the loose variety.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is the brand of loose wholegrain oatmeal reviewed at ALDI.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain oatmeal.
- Fine flakes aren’t portion sachets; check the packaging for preparation instructions.
Quaker
Quaker’s Oats Express range includes portioned oatmeal.
- According to Quaker, Oats Express can be prepared in two minutes; follow the instructions for equipment and liquid for your chosen variety.
- Check the allergen statement for each variety. Albert Heijn says that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is an option made with fine oat flakes for a bowl you prepare yourself.
- You use loose flakes, so you can decide how much to prepare.
- Check the packaging for preparation instructions and allergen information; the oatmeal reviewed may contain wheat and rye.
Portioned oatmeal on Joybuy
These products are suited to choosing a pre-measured portion of oatmeal as a late-night snack. Check the packaging for the preparation method, ingredients and allergens for the exact product.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you want a portion for your late-night snack without measuring out loose oats yourself.
Pack size: 324 g. Check the packaging for the required liquid, preparation method and allergens.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
An option if you’re looking for a pre-measured portion of oatmeal and the ingredients in this variety suit your preferences.
Pack size: 302 g. Read the label for the ingredients, nutritional information per portion, allergens and preparation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose loose oatmeal rather than portion sachets?
Choose loose oatmeal if you want to decide how much to use and don’t mind measuring and preparing it. Portion sachets are more convenient if you want a set amount, but make sure you have the equipment you need.
Can I always make instant oatmeal with just hot water?
No, the term ‘instant’ doesn’t specify how to prepare it. Check the packaging for the exact product to find out which liquid and quantity, equipment and preparation time are required.
What should I look for if I want to add my own toppings?
Choose a base whose ingredients and nutritional information suit your needs, and check the values per 100 g or per portion. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the nutritional content of the finished oatmeal snack also depends on how you prepare it and what you add.
Is regular oatmeal suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Don’t assume it is without checking. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that oats can come into contact with gluten and recommends oats bearing the Crossed Grain symbol; also check the packaging for the specific product.