Who is this choice relevant to?

People with coeliac disease who check the label

You’re looking for oats with a clear gluten-free label, not just a product described as pure oats. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing a product with the Crossed Grain trademark.

People who eat at home and measure out their own portions

You use oats regularly for porridge, overnight oats or recipes, and want to decide how much to use each time. A bulk pack of loose oats fits this routine.

Shoppers who take a measured breakfast with them

You don’t want to weigh your oats at home every time. Individual sachets, such as Elovena Naturel’s 40 g portions described by Albert Heijn, make the amount for each serving clear in advance.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing oats for coeliac disease, first check the gluten-free label on the packaging. Then compare bulk packs and portion sachets based on how you’ll use them, their ingredients and how they’re prepared.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Read the current ‘gluten-free’ label and allergen information. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends the Crossed Grain trademark. When I buy oats for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the word ‘oats’ alone; for around 50% of consumers, choosing a product with verifiable gluten-free credentials comes first.
Packaging and portions Compare the net weight and check whether you’ll be measuring out your own portions or getting individually wrapped servings. If you often make porridge at home, you’ll want to measure out your own portions; if you take breakfast with you, you’ll want a fixed portion. Around 30% of consumers put this packaging choice first.
Preparation and ingredients Check the preparation instructions and ingredients list for the specific variety. If breakfast needs to be quick or I want to add my own ingredients to the oats, the type of product determines my choice; for around 20% of consumers, this is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘naturally gluten-free’ means suitable for coeliac disease

    Oats can come into contact with wheat, barley or rye during production and processing. So descriptions such as ‘pure’ or ‘wholegrain’ are no substitute for a gluten-free label.

    First, check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or a recognised gluten-free certification. Only then compare portion sizes and other product features.

  • Relying on an old product listing

    Packaging and product ranges can change. Albert Heijn points out that product information may change; Jumbo no longer lists certain gluten-free oat products that it previously sold in its online range.

    When buying, check the current product information and read the label on the packaging you receive.

  • Assuming regular Quaker or Brinta oats are gluten-free

    Quaker says that Havermout Original and Oats Express Naturel may contain barley and wheat. For Brinta Havermout, Albert Heijn says that traces of wheat and rye may be present.

    Don’t choose these specific varieties as gluten-free oats for coeliac disease. For any other variety, always check the label on the product itself.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

AH Glutenvrij Volkoren oats are sold in a 450 g bulk pack of loose oats.

  • Albert Heijn lists gluten-free wholegrain oats as an ingredient and says the product is made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so read the label on the pack you buy.

Elovena

The gluten-free instant oats Naturel come in five individual 40 g sachets.

  • According to Albert Heijn, this variety contains gluten-free wholegrain oats and can be made with boiling water or milk.
  • These product features apply to the Naturel variety mentioned, not automatically to other Elovena products.

Leev

Leev features in listings for 450 g oat products labelled gluten-free.

  • Jumbo lists Simply Free by Leev Havermout Glutenvrij 450 g; Joybuy describes Leev Nederlandse havermout 450 g as containing wholegrain gluten-free oats.
  • The product names and other specifications differ. Don’t assume these listings refer to the same variety without checking the exact packaging.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo describes a 450 g gluten-free oat variety in this product range.

  • The product listing mentions gluten-free oats and the Crossed Grain trademark.
  • Jumbo marks this variety as no longer available in its online range. If you choose a different pack, check the label again.

Quaker

Havermout Original and Oats Express Naturel are regular varieties worth distinguishing from oats labelled gluten-free.

  • For Havermout Original, Quaker lists wholegrain oats as an ingredient.
  • Quaker says both varieties mentioned may contain barley and wheat. Don’t treat their regular product names as proof that they’re suitable for coeliac disease.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is a regular oat variety, not a substitute for a product labelled gluten-free.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information allows you to check the allergen statement for this variety.
  • The statement mentions that traces of wheat and rye may be present. Don’t choose this specific variety as gluten-free oats for coeliac disease.

Products to suit this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular oats automatically suitable for coeliac disease?

No, the word ‘oats’ alone isn’t enough. Oats can come into contact with wheat, barley or rye during production and processing, so choose a product with a clear gluten-free label on the current packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends the Crossed Grain trademark.

Can everyone with coeliac disease eat gluten-free oats?

A gluten-free label tells you something about the product, but it doesn’t answer questions about individual tolerance. If you have questions about eating oats with coeliac disease, speak to your doctor or a specialist dietitian.

How should I store an opened bulk pack of oats?

Follow the storage instructions on your product’s packaging. For AH Glutenvrij Volkoren oats, Albert Heijn advises storing them in a dry place and closing the pack securely after use.