Families short on time in the morning
Pre-measured sachets save you from weighing out portions. Just remember to allow time and have the equipment you need to prepare the oatmeal.
Which size is right for you?
Families who need to avoid gluten strictly
A pack containing regular oats with warnings about other grains is not equivalent to an oat product explicitly labelled gluten-free. Check the current label and look out for any other allergens.
Those who want to prepare breakfast at home and choose their own portions
A larger pack of fine oat flakes gives you the flexibility to choose your own portion, liquid and toppings, but you’ll still need to measure everything out.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you’ll prepare the oatmeal at home and what requirements you have for ingredients and allergens. Then compare single-portion packs with larger packs based on how much measuring you’re happy to do.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation and set portions | Check how many sachets are included, as well as the instructions for adding water or milk and heating, if required. | On a busy school morning, I don’t want to weigh out oatmeal every time, but I can make time to prepare it. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a set portion and a quick morning routine. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the current label for gluten-containing grains, possible traces of other grains and allergens such as soya. Also check the school’s policies. | If I need to avoid gluten strictly, I need to choose oats that are suitable; convenience isn’t my first consideration. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing products that meet their allergen requirements. |
| Stocking up and choosing your own portions | Compare the net weight and number of portions. Consider whether you want to measure out portions at home and whether the pack can be resealed. | When I make breakfast at home, I want to choose the amount of oatmeal and what I add to it. This flexibility is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Compare the ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact product variant, ideally using the same basis per 100 g or per portion. | When choosing between plain oatmeal and a variant with other ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in my portion. Around 14% of consumers give ingredients and composition the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, regular oat products can be contaminated with gluten. The regular Quaker and Brinta packs examined also list gluten-containing grains or possible traces of other grains.
If you need gluten-free oats, check for an explicit gluten-free label, the Crossed Grain symbol mentioned by the Voedingscentrum and the current product label.
-
Assuming instant means ready to eat
The instant portions described still need water or milk and suitable equipment for preparation. A dry sachet isn’t automatically a ready-to-eat breakfast for your child’s school bag.
Read the preparation instructions before deciding whether it’s practical to make the oatmeal at home or take it with you. If you’re planning to take it to school, check the school’s policies too.
-
Assuming all single-portion packs are the same
The ingredients vary: according to Jumbo, Oatmeal Portions Original contains sugar, while the Quaker Protein variant examined contains soya protein.
Compare the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant on the pack, rather than relying on the product category or brand name alone.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Offers both pre-measured Oats Express portions and a larger pack of oatmeal for those who prefer to choose their own portions.
- Albert Heijn lists 12 sachets of 27 g for Oats Express Natural, with a preparation time of 2 minutes according to the product label.
- Check the label for each variant: the products examined list oats and possible traces of other grains; the Protein variant contains soya.
Brinta
The Brinta Oatmeal examined comes in a 450 g pack of fine oat flakes for you to portion yourself.
- Albert Heijn lists around 11 portions and fine flakes for preparing hot oatmeal.
- These are not individual instant portions. The product lists oats and possible traces of rye and wheat.
Elovena
Natural Instant Oatmeal is a separate option in single-portion packs, labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn lists five portions of 40 g, to be prepared with water or milk.
- Always check the gluten-free label and any other allergens on the current pack. Don’t assume this product’s label applies to other oat products.
Jumbo
The range examined includes both oatmeal portions and larger own-brand packs.
- According to the product information, Jumbo Original Oatmeal Portions comes in five sachets of 27 g.
- This variant contains sugar and lists oats and possible traces of barley, rye and wheat.
Lidl / Healthy Fit
Lidl lists oat flakes in a 500 g pack, as well as a separate Healthy Fit Protein Oatmeal variant available in store.
- The 500 g pack of oat flakes is a good size if you want to measure out your own portions at home.
- Before comparing the protein variant with other options, check the ingredients, allergens and portion information on the label in store.
Oatmeal products at Joybuy
These products offer different options for school breakfast: oatmeal to prepare at home and a larger pack of fine oat flakes for choosing your own portions. Before choosing, check the pack format, preparation method and allergens for each variant.
Image unavailable
Family Whole Oatmeal with Milk, 838 g
An oatmeal option for anyone who wants to prepare breakfast at home before school. Check the current pack for details on how the contents are divided, as well as the ingredients and preparation instructions for this variant.
Image unavailable
Family Whole Oat Flakes with Red Dates and Raisins, 838 g
This variant is distinguished by the red dates and raisins in its product name. For school breakfast, check the pack for portion sizes, preparation instructions and full ingredients and allergen information.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
For anyone who’d rather use a pre-measured portion than weigh out oatmeal on a school morning. Albert Heijn’s product information for the corresponding Quaker Oats Express Natural product lists 12 portions of 27 g and a preparation time of 2 minutes. Check the instructions and allergens on the pack you buy.
Image unavailable
Brinta Oatmeal, 450 g
A larger pack for anyone who wants to measure out their own portions at home. Joybuy lists 11 portions per pack; according to Albert Heijn’s Brinta product information, it contains fine oat flakes. Check the preparation instructions and label: this isn’t individually packed or explicitly labelled gluten-free.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
An Express variant to prepare at home if you specifically want to compare the ingredients in the Protein version. Joybuy lists added soya protein and a preparation time of 2 minutes. Check the current label for allergens and make sure the pack format suits your morning routine before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is regular oatmeal automatically gluten-free?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. For people with coeliac disease, the Voedingscentrum says suitable oat products must carry the official Crossed Grain symbol. Check the current pack for the variant you choose.
Can I put instant oatmeal straight into a school bag?
Not if you expect a dry sachet to be ready to eat without any preparation. Check how much water or milk is needed, and whether you can prepare it at home or at school. The Voedingscentrum also recommends checking the school’s policies in its handbook, on its website or in its app when choosing food for school.
What should I look for if soya needs to be avoided?
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant. According to the product information, the Quaker Oats Express Protein examined contains soya protein, so the word ‘oatmeal’ alone doesn’t tell you enough about the other ingredients.
When is a larger pack a good choice?
A larger pack is a good choice if you prepare breakfast at home, want to choose your own portion and toppings, and don’t mind measuring everything out. Reseal the pack after use and follow the storage instructions; Brinta says its 450 g pack should be stored in a dry place.