Which format works best for you?

Breakfast at home, with time to measure

You make oatmeal on several weekdays and have time at home to measure out loose flakes and prepare them according to the instructions on the pack.

Commuter with little time in the morning

You want a pre-measured portion and as little preparation as possible. Just check that the preparation method suits the equipment you have available.

Shopper with specific dietary requirements

You might be looking for a product labelled gluten-free or comparing protein content. For you, the current label, ingredients and allergen information are what matter.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you want to measure out a portion yourself or simply grab a pre-portioned one. Then compare the preparation instructions and, if you have specific dietary requirements, check the label of the product you’re considering.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Measuring out loose flakes Check the pack size and preparation instructions for the portion you want. If I often have breakfast at home, I can measure out a portion myself as long as preparation fits into my morning. For around 39% of consumers, choosing loose flakes is the priority.
Minimal preparation Check the portion sizes, preparation time and equipment needed. On a busy weekday, I want to be able to prepare a pre-measured portion without weighing out the flakes first. Around 31% of consumers put convenience first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current label; if you have coeliac disease, also look for the official Crossed Grain trademark. If I need to avoid an ingredient, I don’t want to rely on the words ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’. This check is the top priority for around 15% of consumers.
Protein content Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, along with the ingredients. If I’m specifically looking for a high-protein option, I want to know how much protein is in my usual portion. Around 15% of consumers put this at the top of their comparison list.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming fine flakes are ready straight away

    Finely cut oats aren’t automatically ready to eat without cooking. Albert Heijn says its fine wholegrain oatmeal still needs to simmer gently for a minute.

    Read the preparation instructions for the product you’ve chosen and make sure you have the right equipment at home or on the go.

  • Assuming ‘oats’ means gluten-free

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, standard oat products aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease. It says they should carry the official Crossed Grain trademark.

    Check the trademark and the current label on the pack you’re buying.

  • Looking only at ‘Protein’ on the front of the pack

    Quaker Netherlands lists soya protein as an ingredient in Oats Express Protein Naturel and says it may contain barley and wheat. The name of a product variant doesn’t tell you which allergens are relevant to you.

    Compare the nutritional information with the ingredients list and allergen information for that exact variant.

Brands to consider

Quaker

Quaker offers standard oatmeal and express varieties, including a high-protein option.

  • Albert Heijn lists 12 portions of Oats Express Naturel, with a preparation time of two minutes.
  • According to Quaker Netherlands, Oats Express Protein Naturel contains soya protein and may contain barley and wheat.

Brinta

According to Jumbo, Brinta Havermout is made with extra-fine oats that are quick to prepare.

  • An option if you prefer to prepare loose fine flakes rather than use individual portion sachets.
  • Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack.

Albert Heijn

The supermarket’s own brand offers fine wholegrain oatmeal in loose flakes for preparing at home.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 500 g pack and preparation instructions that involve simmering gently for one minute.
  • You measure out the flakes yourself; they aren’t individually packed express portions.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s own-brand range lets you compare loose fine oats with portion-packed oatmeal.

  • Jumbo lists fine wholegrain oatmeal in a 1 kg pack, among other options.
  • Check each product to see whether you need to measure out a portion and how it needs to be prepared.

Healthy Fit / Lidl

Lidl lists Healthy Fit Proteïne havermout as an in-store product.

  • The product name makes it easy to identify which variety to look for in store.
  • Compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack before choosing this variety.

Golden Bridge / ALDI

ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oatmeal as loose flakes.

  • The listed pack contains 500 g of fine wholegrain oatmeal.
  • Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack if they affect your choice.

Express oatmeal at Joybuy

These products suit weekday shoppers looking for express oatmeal: one high-protein option and one standard oatmeal variety. Compare the packaging and label of each product if portion sizes or ingredients are important to you.

Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g

An express variety to consider if you want to compare protein content for your weekday breakfast. The pack contains 302 g; check the current label for portion sizes, ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.

View at Joybuy
Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g

An express oatmeal to consider when you want minimal preparation on weekdays. The pack contains 324 g; check the packaging for preparation instructions, the number of portions and any listed allergens.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is standard oatmeal suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products are suitable for people with coeliac disease only when the pack carries the official Crossed Grain trademark. Check the product’s current label too.

Where can I find allergen information for packaged oatmeal?

On the label of the pre-packed product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be shown there. If you’re looking at varieties with added ingredients, check the full ingredients list too.

Is an express variety with added protein suitable if I need to avoid soya?

You can’t tell from the product name alone. Quaker Netherlands lists soya protein as an ingredient in Oats Express Protein Naturel. So check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you want to buy.