Parents who want to avoid added sugar
They want to check what has been added to the oatmeal by reading the ingredients list, rather than relying on the flavour name or the front of the pack.
Who is this choice relevant for?
Families looking for a quick way to make toddler porridge
They want a product with a texture and preparation method that suit their meal. Fine loose oats let you make porridge your own way, while toddler porridge may come with its own preparation instructions.
Families who need gluten-free food
They need to consider possible contamination with gluten-containing cereals as well as the oats themselves. If food is being taken to school or nursery, the rules at that setting also matter.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose a product that meets the child’s ingredient and allergen requirements. Then compare its texture, preparation method and packaging.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugar and salt | Check the ingredients list for added sweeteners and salt. Compare the nutrition information, including ‘of which sugars’, for the exact product variant. | If you want to avoid sugar being added to the porridge, check the ingredients so you don’t mistake ‘no added sugar’ for completely sugar-free. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Texture and preparation | Check the type of oats and the preparation instructions. See whether the chosen product has an age recommendation. | For your toddler, you’ll want to make porridge with a suitable texture and allow it to cool sufficiently. Around 29% of consumers give preparation the highest priority. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the allergen and ‘may contain’ information. If gluten-free food is required, look for a suitable gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. If necessary, ask about the rules at school or nursery. | If your child needs to eat gluten-free or there are rules at nursery, the allergen information will determine which pack you can choose. This is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Convenience | Compare loose oats with single-serve packs, and check which preparation method and packaging best suit your needs. | Once the ingredients and allergens are right, you’ll want to know how much preparation the porridge takes, especially when you’re busy. Convenience comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘no sugars’
A product with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars. So the label doesn’t mean that ‘of which sugars’ will be zero.
Read the ingredients list and nutrition information for the same product variant, and check separately whether salt has been added.
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Assuming ordinary oats are automatically gluten-free
Oats may come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. Albert Heijn states that Brinta Oatmeal may contain traces of wheat and rye.
If you follow a gluten-free diet, check the exact pack for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Discuss whether oats are suitable for you with your healthcare professional.
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Relying on the age recommendation alone
An age recommendation such as 24m+ applies to a specific product variant; it doesn’t replace checking the ingredients, allergens or preparation method.
Read the label and preparation instructions for the product you choose, even if it is sold as toddler porridge.
Brands to consider
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is an example of loose oats for making your own porridge.
- Albert Heijn lists 100% oats as the ingredients for this product variant.
- The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye; check this if you need a gluten-free option.
Quaker
The variants mentioned offer a choice between loose oats and single-serve packs.
- Quaker says that Oatmeal Original is made from 100% wholegrain cereals. The brand describes Oats Express Naturel as single-serve packs with no added sugars.
- Check the ingredients and nutrition information for the exact product variant; a claim about Naturel doesn’t automatically apply to flavoured varieties.
AH Biologisch
According to Albert Heijn, Ontbijtpap havermout 24m+ is intended for toddlers aged 24 months and over and comes with product-specific preparation instructions.
- The product information states that this variant contains 0 g of added sugars and 0 g of added salt per 100 g.
- Check the allergen information: this porridge contains gluten-containing cereals or oats, and may also contain other gluten-containing cereals.
CROWNFIELD (Lidl)
Lidl describes CROWNFIELD Organic Oatmeal as a 500 g pack.
- The product name and pack size give you a starting point when comparing loose oats.
- Read the full ingredients and allergen information on the pack before deciding whether this variant is suitable.
GOLDEN BRIDGE (ALDI)
ALDI lists GOLDEN BRIDGE Fine wholegrain oatmeal in a 500 g pack.
- The product name specifies fine wholegrain oatmeal.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before choosing this variant for a toddler.
Oatmeal for making your own porridge
This oatmeal may suit you if you want to make porridge yourself. For a toddler’s meal, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
An option if you want to make porridge for a toddler yourself and check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.
Pack size: 500 g.
If you’re looking for a product with no added sugar, check the ingredients list; if you follow a gluten-free diet, don’t rely on the product name alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean oatmeal contains no sugars?
No. Sugars can occur naturally in a product. For AH Biologisch Ontbijtpap havermout 24m+, Albert Heijn lists both 0 g of added sugars and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g. So read the ingredients list and nutrition information together.
Can a toddler eat ordinary oatmeal?
The Voedingscentrum lists oatmeal as one possible breakfast option for children aged 1 to 3, and recommends choosing breakfast cereals with no added sugar or salt. This breakfast advice doesn’t indicate whether oatmeal is suitable as an evening meal or tell you what a complete meal should contain. In any case, check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for the oatmeal you choose.
Do I need toddler porridge, or can I use fine rolled oats?
You can use fine rolled oats if you want to make the porridge yourself and the ingredients and allergens are suitable. Toddler porridge such as AH Biologisch Ontbijtpap havermout 24m+ also has an age recommendation and its own preparation instructions; these features don’t automatically apply to ordinary oats.
Are ordinary oats suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Not automatically: oats may come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends looking for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol when following a gluten-free diet, and discussing individual suitability with a healthcare professional.
Can I send oatmeal to school or nursery with my child?
First, ask the school or nursery what rules apply to food brought in from home, allergens, storage and reheating. Also check the product’s allergen information, especially if your child needs to eat gluten-free.