Cooking for a group
You’re looking for a simple oat base that lets you measure out the amount you need and choose the flavour yourself.
Who is this for?
Hosts who care about texture
You want to use oats in a savoury dish, dessert or bake, and choose the type of flake to suit the recipe. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends oat flakes as an option for adding more texture to a savoury dish.
Cooking for a gluten-free guest
You check that the oats you choose are specifically labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that regular oats may be contaminated with gluten.
What should you look for?
First, decide what you’re making and how much oats you’ll need. If a guest requires a strictly gluten-free diet, check the packaging before choosing between fine oats, jumbo oats and convenient single servings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for your guests | Compare the net weight with the amount of oats your recipe calls for. | When I’m cooking for a group, I want enough oats for the whole dish without having to work out individual portions; this is the main consideration for an estimated 39% of consumers. |
| Texture of the dish | Check whether the recipe calls for fine oats or jumbo oats. | For a savoury dish, I want to decide whether the oats should have a noticeable texture or form a softer base; the preferred texture is the deciding factor for an estimated 31% of consumers. |
| Preparing food just before serving | Check the cooking time and instructions for how much liquid you’ll need. | If I’m making small portions shortly before serving, I want to know how much preparation they require; convenience is the priority for an estimated 15% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | For a strictly gluten-free dish, look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information. | If a guest has coeliac disease, I don’t want to mistake regular oats for gluten-free oats; this dietary check is essential for an estimated 15% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing sachets without checking the total amount
An individual serving can be handy for a small dish, but when you’re cooking for a group, the total amount of oats you need is what matters.
Work out the amount from your recipe, then check the net weight on the packaging.
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Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that regular oats may be contaminated with gluten. A pack without an explicit gluten-free label is therefore not an obvious choice for a guest with coeliac disease.
Choose oats specifically labelled gluten-free and check the latest ingredients and allergen information.
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Treating fine and jumbo oats as interchangeable
The type of flake can change the texture of a dish. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre specifically suggests oat flakes as an alternative for adding more texture to savoury porridge.
Check which type of flake the recipe calls for and follow the cooking and liquid instructions.
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Looking only at the oats, not the extras
Sugar, fats and other ingredients added to a dessert or bake will change the nutritional value of the finished dish.
Choose your flavourings carefully and, if needed, check the ingredients and nutritional information for the products you use.
Brands compared
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes fine and jumbo wholegrain oats, as well as a separate organic option.
- Jumbo says its jumbo variety contains wholegrain oat flakes, while its organic variety consists solely of organic oat flakes.
- Choose the type of flake to suit your dish, and check the allergen information on the individual pack if you have dietary requirements.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers fine wholegrain oats, as well as a separate wholegrain variety specifically labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn says its regular fine variety contains only wholegrain oat flakes.
- The regular and gluten-free varieties are not interchangeable when a guest needs to follow a strict gluten-free diet; check the label on the pack you choose.
Quaker
Quaker offers both regular wholegrain oats and Oats Express for quick, smaller servings.
- Jumbo lists Quaker Oatmeal 600 g as 100% wholegrain oats. Albert Heijn gives a two-minute preparation time for Quaker Oats Express Naturel.
- Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens for the variety you choose; the products reviewed may contain wheat and barley.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal 450 g is made with extra-fine flakes for a smooth oat base.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, these oats contain 100% oat flakes and are quick to prepare.
- The product information mentions possible traces of rye and wheat; check the label if you have dietary requirements.
Oat products at Joybuy
These products include oat bases that you can flavour yourself, as well as options for anyone planning to prepare food shortly before serving. Choose according to your recipe, the amount you need and the allergen information.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you want to prepare small amounts just before serving. Check the cooking time, portion size and allergens on the packaging.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
For a dish where you want to use extra-fine oat flakes. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variety contains 100% oat flakes; if you have dietary requirements, check the packaging for details of rye and wheat.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
An oat base for a recipe you can flavour yourself. The product name describes a 500 g organic variety; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
For a dish that you want to flavour yourself. Jumbo lists Quaker Oatmeal 600 g as 100% wholegrain oats; use your recipe to work out how much you need and check the allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use oats in a savoury dish?
Yes. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre has a recipe for savoury oats with courgette and cheese, and suggests oat flakes as an alternative for adding more texture. Choose the type of flake to suit the recipe you’re making for your guests.
Can I serve regular oats to a guest with coeliac disease?
Don’t assume regular oats are suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says oats may be contaminated with gluten, so look for a product specifically labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging and allergen information.
How can I control the sweetness of an oat dessert?
Start with plain oats and choose which flavourings to add yourself. Also check the ingredients and nutritional information for any toppings, as they form part of the finished dish.
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal it well after use. The product information for the oat varieties discussed from Albert Heijn and Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place.