Choose plain oats made solely from oat flakes if you want to control the added sugar in the base yourself; also check the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g. A plain quick-cook option suits a short lunch break if the necessary equipment is available, while a protein mix is worth considering if you want extra protein and its ingredients and allergens are suitable. Milk and toppings also affect the nutritional profile of the finished lunch.
Using plain oat flakes as a base gives the canteen the flexibility to choose milk and toppings separately. Don’t just check the sugar in the oats themselves: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sugar added during preparation also counts as added sugar.
A plain, pre-portioned option can be practical if you need to prepare a hot lunch quickly. Check what equipment is required; Quaker Netherlands says Oats Express Naturel takes two minutes to prepare.
An oatmeal mix with extra protein may suit this particular preference, but its ingredients may differ from those of plain oat flakes. For example, Albert Heijn’s protein option contains soya protein isolate, linseed and sunflower seeds.
Start with the ingredients in the oats, then consider how the canteen can prepare and portion the lunch and provide allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugar | Read the ingredients list and compare sugars per 100 g of dry product. Check milk and toppings separately for the served portion. | I want to decide how the canteen sweetens the oatmeal, without confusing the naturally occurring sugars in oats with added sugar. For around 36% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Preparation time | Check the preparation instructions and whether a microwave, pan or hot water is available. | If my lunch break is short, I don’t want to wait long or have to measure out oat flakes first. That’s why around 29% of consumers prioritise quick preparation. |
| Portioning and stock | Check the pack size and whether dry storage and measuring out set portions are practical. | When serving lots of lunches, I want to keep stock and serving straightforward. This practical consideration matters most to around 21% of consumers. |
| Extra protein | Compare protein per 100 g and check the full ingredients and allergen information for the option you choose. | I’m specifically looking for an option with more protein, but I also want to know what else it contains. Extra protein is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Oatmeal can contain naturally occurring sugars. The wording on the pack also tells you nothing about the milk or ingredients the canteen may add when preparing the lunch.
Check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure in the nutrition table, and assess the served lunch, including any additions.
Albert Heijn Wholegrain Oatmeal Protein contains soya protein isolate, linseed and sunflower seeds, as well as oats. This means you need to check its ingredients and allergens differently from a product made solely from oat flakes.
Compare the nutritional information for the option you choose and read the full ingredients and allergen information before using it in a lunch recipe.
In the Netherlands, information about any allergens present in unpackaged oatmeal or a prepared oatmeal lunch must be available before purchase. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information can be provided in writing or verbally, as long as customers are clearly told they can ask for it.
Keep allergen information up to date for each recipe, including milk and toppings, and make sure customers can access it before ordering or serving themselves.
Offers both plain wholegrain oatmeal and a plain quick-cook option in individual portions.
The Brinta Oatmeal 450 g reviewed here is made from fine oat flakes, providing a simple base for a hot lunch.
The Albert Heijn Wholegrain Oatmeal Protein reviewed here is a mix for anyone specifically focused on protein content.
The own-brand range reviewed includes fine and coarse wholegrain oat flakes, including larger packs for serving multiple lunches.
No. Oatmeal can contain naturally occurring sugars even when no sugar has been added. For example, Quaker Oatmeal 600 g lists 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g. For a prepared lunch, check the milk and toppings too; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sugar added during preparation counts as added sugar.
A plain quick-cook option may be suitable if the necessary equipment is available. Quaker Netherlands lists Oats Express Naturel as making twelve portions and taking two minutes to prepare; check that this method works for your lunch service.
If a canteen in the Netherlands serves unpackaged oatmeal or a prepared oatmeal lunch, information about any allergens present must be available before purchase. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information can be provided in writing or verbally, as long as it is clearly indicated that customers can ask for it.
No, don’t assume that it is. The Quaker and Brinta products reviewed may contain other grains, including wheat, barley or rye. If you need a gluten-free option, choose one specifically labelled as such and check the current packaging.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for dry oatmeal. The Quaker Oatmeal 600 g reviewed should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat and moisture, and sealed tightly after opening. Follow the canteen’s food safety procedures for prepared portions.
