Barbecue hosts who like to plan ahead
If you want to use oats for several breakfasts, overnight oats or bakes, the pack size can help you decide how much to buy and store.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Households that prefer set portions
When there’s little time to prepare, a pre-measured portion can be more convenient than weighing out loose oats each time.
Shoppers who are catering for guests
If you’re preparing food for others, pay close attention to the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. Ordinary oats aren’t automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much oats you’ll need for the meals you have planned. Then choose between measuring them yourself and using individual sachets, and always check the label when preparing food for guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and stock | Compare the pack size with how much you plan to use, and check whether you can store the pack in a dry place once opened. | If you’re preparing several breakfasts and bakes, you’ll want enough oats in the cupboard without being left with a large, unused pack. Around 50% of consumers put this need for a suitable stock level first. |
| Preparation and portions | Check whether the oats are loose or come in individual sachets, and read the preparation instructions for your chosen variety. | On a busy morning, I’d rather grab a pre-measured portion than weigh out the oats myself. For around 30% of consumers, convenience is the main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if you’re catering for someone with coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If I’m making something for guests, I want to know whether the specific pack meets their dietary needs. This check comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a large pack without planning how you’ll use it
A 1 kg pack is most practical when you’ll use the contents for several meals and can store it properly once opened.
Count up the breakfasts and recipes you have planned before choosing a pack size.
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Assuming ordinary oats are suitable for someone with coeliac disease
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oat products can be contaminated with gluten. So the word ‘oats’ on the front of the pack isn’t enough to guarantee that a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
For that guest, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol and read the current allergen information on the packaging too.
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Assuming fine oats and individual sachets offer the same convenience
Fine oats are still loose oats that you measure yourself; individual sachets contain a pre-measured amount. The difference determines how much preparation you still need to do.
Choose based on how you’ll prepare them and how much you need each time, rather than relying only on the description on the front of the pack.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists fine and coarse wholegrain oats in 500 g packs, as well as a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- The 1 kg pack is suited to making several breakfasts or bakes.
- The pack size doesn’t indicate whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease; check the label for that.
Quaker
Quaker offers, among other options, 600 g packs of plain oats and 324 g packs of portioned Oats Express Naturel.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists 15 portions in the 600 g pack and 12 portions in Oats Express Naturel.
- The portion pack is a different choice from loose oats if you’re looking for one large pack to use in several recipes.
Brinta
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Oats 450 g consists of extra-fine flakes.
- The pack lists 11 portions and is a smaller option if you’re looking for fine flakes.
- For a larger stock, this pack contains less than a 1 kg pack.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists fine wholegrain oats from Golden Bridge in a 500 g pack.
- A smaller pack could suit you if you want to work out how much you use first.
- The pack contains less oats than a 1 kg pack intended for several meals.
Crownfield
Lidl lists 500 g packs of organic oats from Crownfield, available in store only.
- This variety is worth considering if you’re specifically looking for organic oats.
- The 500 g pack gives you less stock than a 1 kg pack.
Oats on Joybuy
These packs give you a choice between loose oats for several occasions, a smaller pack and pre-measured portions. Match the pack size and preparation method to what you’re actually planning to make around the barbecue.
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Quaker oats 600 g
A pack of loose oats for anyone planning several breakfasts or recipes.
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 15 portions of 40 g for this variety. If you’re preparing food for guests, check the allergens on the current pack.
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Brinta oats 450 g
A smaller pack for anyone looking to use fine flakes at breakfast or in recipes.
Albert Heijn’s product information describes the oats as extra-fine flakes and lists 11 portions. Check the current allergen information if you’re serving guests.
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Quaker Oats Express Naturel oats 324 g
An option for anyone who’d rather have a pre-measured portion on a busy morning.
Albert Heijn lists 12 individual portions for Oats Express Naturel, with a preparation time of two minutes. Before use, read the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack.
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Quaker oats 375 g
A smaller pack for anyone who needs less oats than the larger packs in this selection.
The pack contains 375 g. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current pack before serving it to guests.
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary oats suitable for a guest with coeliac disease?
Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. For someone with coeliac disease, an oat product is only suitable if the official Crossed Grain symbol appears on the packaging.
Which allergen information should I check when baking for guests?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re using. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly stated on the label; also check for warnings about the possible presence of other cereals.
Do I need a large pack of oats for the barbecue itself?
Only if you’ll use the contents for several planned meals. Think about breakfast, overnight oats or bakes around the barbecue, and choose a smaller pack if it better matches the amount you need.
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Seal the pack well and store it in a dry place; Quaker recommends keeping its 600 g pack somewhere cool and dry. Follow the instructions and use-by date on the pack you buy.