For several Easter breakfasts or baking recipes, a 1 kg pack is a sensible choice if you’ll use the rest after Easter too. For individual breakfasts, single portions may be more practical. If you specifically want a metal storage tin, don’t assume that words such as ‘bulk’ or ‘value pack’ mean it comes in one: Albert Heijn describes the 1 kg pack we looked at as a bag, while Jumbo describes the Quaker pack we looked at as a cardboard sleeve with an inner wrapper.
If you’re planning several breakfasts and recipes, a 1 kg pack makes it easier to work out how much you’ll need. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list oats in a 1 kg pack; also consider whether you can use the rest after Easter.
If everyone eats breakfast at a different time, individual portions can make serving and sharing easier. Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express Naturel in a pack of 12 portions. That’s different from one large pack for preparing breakfast together.
The texture of the flakes may influence your choice for porridge, overnight oats or baking. Albert Heijn lists coarse flakes in its 1 kg pack and extra-fine flakes for Brinta Havermout. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product too.
First, work out how much oats you’ll use over Easter and afterwards. Then choose between one large pack, individual portions and the type of flakes that suits your recipes. If you’re looking for a tin, check the packaging material separately.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount and pack size | Compare the net weight with your planned breakfasts and recipes. Check the material if you want a tin. | If I’m shopping for several people, I want enough for everyone without being left with a large amount of unused oats. Around 46% of consumers would choose pack size and quantity as their main consideration. |
| Individual portions | Check the number of portions and the preparation instructions. A pack of individual portions won’t necessarily replace a large pack for recipes. | If everyone has breakfast at a different time, I want to be able to grab a portion without weighing it out first. Around 27% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Flake type and ingredients | Check whether the flakes are fine or coarse, and read the ingredients and allergen information for the product you’ve chosen. | If I’m buying oats for a particular recipe, I want the right type of flakes and clear information about the ingredients. Around 27% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
A large pack tells you nothing about the packaging material. Albert Heijn describes the 1 kg oats we looked at as a 1 kg bag; Jumbo describes the 600 g Quaker pack we looked at as a cardboard sleeve with a polyethylene inner wrapper.
Before you buy, check that the material, quantity and closure of the exact pack suit your storage space.
Single portions are handy for separate breakfasts, but you may not need them if you mainly use oats from one large pack for recipes or shared meals.
Think about how many individual breakfasts you’re planning, then compare the net weight and pack contents.
According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products aren’t suitable for people with coeliac disease unless the official Crossed Grain symbol is on the pack. So the word ‘oats’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current label, certification mark and allergen information for the exact product you’re buying.
A 1 kg pack is only practical if you can store and use all of it. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened oats in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year, and says a musty smell or soft texture are signs to look out for.
Plan how you’ll use the oats after Easter too. Note when you open the pack, and store the oats somewhere dry in a tightly sealed container.
An own-label option if you’re looking for a larger quantity of coarse wholegrain oats for breakfast and recipes.
An own-label option offering fine and coarse wholegrain oats to suit different preferences for flake texture.
A branded option with regular oats in a 600 g pack and Quaker Oats Express Naturel in individual portions.
A branded option if you’re specifically looking for extra-fine oats for porridge.
An own-label option to consider if you want fine or coarse wholegrain oats in a larger pack.
A supermarket option if you’re looking for organic oats in a smaller pack.
These two Quaker packs may suit you if you’re looking for regular oats for a few Easter breakfasts or recipes. Compare the pack sizes with your plans, and check the packaging material separately if you need a tin.
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A 600 g pack to use for several breakfasts or recipes. Check the product page to make sure the material and closure meet your storage needs.
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A 375 g pack if you’re shopping for fewer breakfasts or need a smaller quantity for a recipe. Check the packaging material if you want to store the oats in their original pack.
No, the quantity tells you nothing about the packaging material. Albert Heijn describes the 1 kg pack we looked at as a 1 kg bag, while Jumbo describes the 600 g Quaker pack we looked at as a cardboard sleeve with an inner wrapper. If you want a tin, check the material listed on the exact pack.
The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened oats in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year. Seal the pack tightly, follow the instructions on the label too, and look out for a musty smell or soft texture.
Individual portions are especially handy if people are having breakfast at different times and you don’t want to weigh out oats each time. Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express Naturel in 12 separate portions. For recipes or preparing breakfast together, you can also compare the pack size of a regular product.
The type of flakes affects how you prepare them and the texture of your recipe. Albert Heijn lists coarse flakes in its 1 kg pack and describes Brinta Havermout as extra fine and quick to prepare. When you shop, check which type your recipe calls for.
No, the product name alone doesn’t confirm that. According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products are only suitable for people with coeliac disease when the official Crossed Grain symbol is on the pack. Check the symbol and allergen information on the current label of the exact product.
