Choose oats based on what matters most to you at breakfast: for a simple oat base, compare the fibre per 100 g of dry product and check the ingredients; if you’re short on time, look at the preparation time and portion size. If you also want to compare protein content, check the ingredients in a protein mix. Having pea soup later in the day doesn’t automatically make one type of oats a better choice.
You’re looking for oats for breakfast on a day when you’ll have pea soup later. Compare the dietary fibre per 100 g of dry product, the ingredients and the amount you’ll actually use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 4.4 g of fibre for a 40 g serving of oats as a general reference; the label on a specific variety may differ.
You want to make a warm bowl quickly or would rather not weigh anything out. A single-serve sachet could be a good fit, but check how much oats each sachet contains. Albert Heijn lists a preparation time of 2 minutes and 27 g sachets for Quaker Express Naturel.
You’re comparing protein content and ingredients as well as fibre. Albert Heijn lists 20 g of protein and 9.1 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Volkoren havermout proteïne. The mix includes ingredients such as soya protein, linseed and sunflower seeds, so it isn’t the same as pure oats.
First, decide whether fibre and ingredients, quick preparation or protein content matters most for your breakfast. Then compare the nutritional values on the same basis: per 100 g of dry product, followed by the portion you plan to use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and oat base | Compare dietary fibre per 100 g of dry product and check whether the ingredients list contains only oats or includes other ingredients too. | If I want a simple base for breakfast, the fibre content and ingredients determine my choice. Around 45% of consumers considering oats for this breakfast would make this their first priority. |
| Preparation and portion size | Check the preparation time and weight per portion; work out the amount for your own bowl based on how much you use. | On a busy morning, I want to do as little weighing as possible while still knowing how much is going into my bowl. For around 33% of these consumers, convenience would be the main reason for choosing a particular variety. |
| Protein and ingredients | Compare protein and fibre per 100 g, and check which ingredients the product contains. | If protein is the deciding factor for my breakfast, I also want to know which ingredients have been added to provide it. This would be the top priority for around 22% of these consumers. |
Milk or another liquid changes the weight and nutritional values of the prepared bowl. This means its values aren’t directly comparable with those given per 100 g of dry oats.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g of dry product, then check how much oats you use in your own portion.
Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g and a sachet size of 27 g for Quaker Express Naturel. The fibre in one sachet depends on that smaller portion size, not just on the value per 100 g.
Choose a single-serve pack for convenience if that’s your priority; to compare fibre, check the amount per sachet against your usual portion.
According to Albert Heijn, AH Volkoren havermout proteïne contains ingredients such as soya protein, linseed and sunflower seeds, as well as oat flakes. This is different from a product that contains oats as its only ingredient.
Read the full ingredients and allergen information if you’re choosing between a pure oat base and a mix.
Ingredients and warnings can vary between varieties. For example, Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety you’re buying.
Brinta Oatmeal 450 g is an option if you’re looking for fine oat flakes for a warm bowl.
The varieties reviewed offer a choice between loose wholegrain oats and quick-to-prepare portions.
AH Volkoren havermout proteïne is a mix to consider if protein as well as fibre is one of your buying criteria.
Jumbo offers fine and coarse wholegrain oat flakes, as well as an organic wholegrain variety.
Golden Bridge is a brand to consider if you’re looking for fine wholegrain oats.
These options include fine oats for a warm bowl, individual quick-cook portions and wholegrain oats to prepare yourself. Compare the nutritional information for each variety and decide which portion suits your breakfast.
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For anyone looking to use fine oat flakes as the base for a warm bowl.
Joybuy lists 100% oat flakes, 9.7 g of fibre and 13 g of protein per 100 g. Work out the amount for your bowl based on your own portion; check the current warning about possible traces of rye and wheat.
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For anyone who values individual portions and quick preparation.
Joybuy lists a preparation time of 2 minutes and 9 g of fibre per 100 g. Also check the amount in the portion you use and the latest allergen information.
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For anyone looking to compare this pack size with other oat products as a base for breakfast.
The pack contains 500 g. Check the ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions for this variety before comparing its fibre content or preparation with the other options.
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For anyone who wants to choose their own portion size and toppings for a wholegrain oat base.
Joybuy lists 100% wholegrain oats, 9 g of fibre and 11 g of protein per 100 g. Check the latest allergen information if possible traces of barley or wheat are relevant to you.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 40 g serving of oats contains 4.4 g of fibre. For a specific variety, use the value on the packaging and calculate it based on the amount of oats you actually have.
No, having pea soup later in the day doesn’t determine which oats you should choose for breakfast. Oats are one possible source of fibre; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products and pulses as sources of fibre.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirements for declaring allergens on food labels; warnings can vary between oat varieties.
The value per 100 g refers to a set amount of product, while your bowl may contain more or less dry oats. First compare products per 100 g of dry weight, then check the weight of your own portion; adding liquid doesn’t change the amount of dry oats.
