Early cyclist with little time to prepare
If you want breakfast at home without weighing out oats first, a sachet with a stated portion size and preparation method is handy. Just check that you have the liquid and equipment you need.
Which portion works best for you?
Cyclist who plans when to eat
For a longer or more intense ride, it’s worth considering how much time you’ll have between eating and setting off. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you’re eating later, bear in mind the size of your portion and what you’re used to.
Shopper checking ingredients and allergens
If the ingredients matter to you, compare the latest ingredient and allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that regular oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease, so check the information on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide when you want to eat your porridge. Then compare the dry portion size, preparation method and information on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| When you eat and portion size | Check the number of grams per portion and how much time you’ll have between eating and setting off. | If I’m setting off soon after breakfast, I don’t want to have a larger portion than I’m used to before a ride. This is the main consideration for around 31% of consumers. |
| Quick preparation | Check the liquid, equipment and preparation method needed for the sachet. | For an early ride, I want to be able to prepare a measured portion at home without weighing it first. Around 25% of consumers say this preparation is their main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list, allergen information and nutritional details. | I want to check what’s in my porridge and which allergens are listed before I buy it. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Portions for several rides | Compare the pack size with the number of portions you want to measure out yourself. | When I’m preparing breakfast for several days of cycling, I don’t mind portioning the oats myself. Planning ahead is the most important factor for around 19% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Eating a large bowl just before setting off
A regular meal needs time to settle before cycling; a large portion just before exercise may feel uncomfortable.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you’re eating closer to your departure time, choose a smaller portion and try it out during a training session.
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Assuming all oats have the same allergen information
Ingredients and warnings about possible traces vary from product to product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also points out that regular oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
Read the label before buying. If you have coeliac disease, check whether the packaging carries the official Crossed Grain symbol.
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Relying on an old product listing
A portion pack described in the past may no longer have the same ingredients or be available.
Check the current product and packaging before including its portion size, ingredients or preparation method in your plans.
Brands and shops to consider
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is an example of pre-portioned oats: Albert Heijn describes a pack containing 12 sachets of 27 g.
- The product information includes a preparation method and portion size.
- The preparation described uses milk; check the latest allergen information too.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal 450 g is an option if you want to weigh out your own portions at home.
- The version described by Albert Heijn contains 100% rolled oats.
- This isn’t a pack of individual portions; the product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both Havermout Porties Original, in 5 × 27 g portions, and loose rolled oats.
- You can choose between pre-portioned servings and measuring out your own.
- Check the ingredients, preparation method and current availability for each version.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information about Quaker sachets and its own-brand oat portions.
- Product pages can help you compare ingredients and pack sizes.
- The page for AH Havermout Porties Gezoet said that this version had been discontinued; check which products are currently available.
Lidl
Lidl lists Healthy Fit Proteïne havermout as a store product.
- The product name makes this version easy to identify in store.
- Check the portion size, ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging before comparing it with sachets.
ALDI
ALDI lists Golden Bridge Fijne volkoren havermout in a 500 g pack.
- The pack format works well for measuring out portions for several days.
- It isn’t an individual portion pack; check the ingredients and allergens on the label.
Oat products on Joybuy
Here you’ll find a pack of Quaker Express Oatmeal and a larger pack of Brinta Oatmeal to portion out yourself. Compare the packaging of your chosen product with when and where you plan to prepare it.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A good fit if you want to prepare breakfast at home before setting off. The pack contains 324 g; check the label for the amount per portion, preparation method and allergen information.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
A good fit if you want to measure out oats yourself for several days of cycling. The pack contains 450 g; use the label to decide on your portion size and check the allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
When should I eat oats before cycling?
For a regular meal, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. If you’re setting off sooner, keep your portion smaller and try it out during a training session to see what feels comfortable.
Is an oat sachet practical during a long ride?
Not necessarily: preparing it may require liquid, a bowl and equipment. Check what your sachet needs, and choose something you can use on the go and are used to eating if you plan to eat while cycling.
How do I compare unsweetened and sweetened portions?
Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional information on the current packaging, rather than relying on the product name alone. Check the sugar content per 100 g and consider anything you might add to the oats yourself.
Are regular oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, regular oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease, as they may be contaminated with gluten. Check whether the packaging carries the official Crossed Grain symbol and read the latest allergen information.