Which option is right for you?

Home bakers with a regular routine

If you often bake with oats, you can choose a larger pack to suit how much you use. A 1 kg pack does, however, need enough storage space and a container that seals well.

Bakers who pay attention to flake size

If a recipe calls for fine flakes, the type of product matters more than the pack size alone. Brinta describes its oat flakes as extra fine; always check the product description for other products.

Home bakers who need to bake gluten-free

For a gluten-free recipe, the word ‘oats’ on its own isn’t enough. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible; check that the product is labelled gluten-free and read its label.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the flake size your recipe calls for, then choose a pack size that suits your baking routine and storage space. If the bread needs to be gluten-free, check that the oats are suitable before considering the pack size.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Pack size Compare the pack size with how often you use oats. For example, Jumbo lists a 1 kg pack of fine wholegrain oats. If you regularly bake bread with oats, you’ll want enough in the cupboard for your next baking sessions; having enough in stock is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Flake size Check whether the product contains fine or jumbo flakes, and follow the type specified in your recipe. If a recipe calls for fine flakes, I don’t want to use jumbo oats by mistake; for around 29% of consumers, flake size is the main consideration.
Storage Choose a pack size you can store easily, and seal the pack after opening. A large pack needs to fit in my cupboard and suit my baking routine; manageable storage is the most important factor for around 21% of consumers.
Gluten-free suitability Check the gluten-free label, any certification marks and the allergen information on the label. For a gluten-free recipe, I want to be sure the oats I choose are suitable; for around 14% of consumers, this check comes before pack size.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing a storage tin with the product packaging

    A separate storage tin tells you nothing about the packaging the oats are sold in. A larger pack of oats doesn’t necessarily come in a tin or multipack either.

    Choose your oats by pack size and flake size. If needed, transfer the contents of an opened pack to a well-sealed storage tin, and keep the product label information.

  • Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free

    Ordinary oats may come into contact with other gluten-containing grains. Jumbo and Quaker product information warns that these grains may be present.

    If you need to bake gluten-free, choose oats with a clear gluten-free label and check the current packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing a product with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.

  • Buying more than you can store properly

    A larger pack also means you’ll have more oats to store once it’s opened. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, an opened pack should be covered securely.

    Choose a pack size to suit how much you use, and make sure you can store the contents in a well-sealed container.

  • Treating fine and jumbo flakes as interchangeable

    Jumbo distinguishes between fine and jumbo wholegrain oats, while Brinta describes its flakes as extra fine. These product descriptions aren’t the same.

    Follow the flake size specified in your recipe. If you’re unsure about using a different type, try it for one baking session before buying a larger quantity.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo lists fine and jumbo wholegrain oats; the fine variety is also available in a 1 kg pack.

  • The 1 kg pack may suit regular use.
  • The product information says that barley, rye and wheat may be present; don’t choose this variety for a gluten-free recipe without checking further.

Quaker

Albert Heijn lists a 600 g value pack of Quaker oats.

  • This is a mid-sized pack for anyone who doesn’t want to store a 1 kg pack.
  • Check the flake size and the latest allergen information if they’re important for your recipe.

Brinta

Brinta describes its oat flakes as extra fine; Albert Heijn lists a 450 g pack.

  • The stated flake size is a useful guide if your recipe calls for fine flakes.
  • Check the label if possible traces of wheat or rye are a concern for you.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists both standard oat products and a separate product specifically labelled gluten-free.

  • The separate product descriptions make it easier to look for the type of oats you need.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredient and allergen information may change; check the label on the pack you buy.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands lists 500 g of Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats.

  • The 500 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller quantity of fine flakes.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the current label if you need to follow a restricted diet.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands lists 500 g of Crownfield organic oats as an in-store product.

  • The product description and pack size give you a useful point of comparison if you’re looking for organic oats.
  • Check the flake size and other label information in store to make sure they suit your recipe.

Oats on Joybuy for your baking cupboard

These two Quaker packs offer different quantities of oats for anyone looking to stock up for baking. For a specific bread recipe, check the required flake size and whether the oats need to be labelled gluten-free.

Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g

Quaker Oatmeal 600 g

A pack size for anyone who regularly wants to keep oats in the cupboard for baking. Check that the flake size, packaging and label information suit your recipe and storage method.

View on Joybuy
Quaker Oatmeal, 375 g

Quaker Oatmeal 375 g

A smaller pack if you want to try oats in a bread recipe without building up a large supply. Check the flake size and, if needed, the gluten-free label on the packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tin to keep oats in stock for baking bread?

No, a tin isn’t essential. Choose a pack size that suits how much you use, and seal the oats securely after opening. If you use a separate storage tin, keep the label information with the contents.

Can I use ordinary oats to make gluten-free bread?

Only if the oats you choose are labelled as suitable for a gluten-free diet. Ordinary oats may come into contact with gluten-containing grains; the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing a product with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.

How should I store an opened bulk pack of oats?

Seal the pack securely after use and follow the storage instructions on the label. The Jumbo and Quaker products mentioned should be stored in a cool, dry place; a tightly sealed storage tin can be an alternative if you keep the product information.

Can oats replace wheat flour in any bread recipe?

Don’t assume they can be substituted directly in every recipe. Choose the oats and flake size specified for the particular bread recipe, and follow its other ingredients and method too.