Shopping for several breakfasts
You want to take enough for several days or people and can portion the oats yourself. Check whether you’ll have water or milk and a suitable way to prepare them at the holiday home.
Which option is right for you?
Travellers who want set portions
For a short stay or if everyone has breakfast at a different time, you may want to grab a portion for each person without weighing out the oats. If you’re choosing sachets, also check what liquid and equipment you’ll need.
Shoppers with strict ingredient requirements
You need to be able to check whether the exact product meets your ingredient or allergen requirements. Read the packaging, including any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.
What should you look for?
First, work out how many breakfasts you’re buying for and what equipment will be available. Then compare the preparation instructions and, if necessary, the label on the exact product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough for several breakfasts | Compare the pack weight with the number of portions you need, and think about what you’ll do with any leftovers. | If I’m making breakfast for several days, I want to take enough without having lots left over. For around 50% of consumers, the amount needed is the main consideration. |
| Set portions and preparation | Check the portion size, the liquid required and whether you’ll need a saucepan, microwave or just hot water. | For a short stay, I want to have breakfast without weighing anything out, even if we don’t all get up at the same time. Convenience is the top priority for around 30% of consumers when it comes to individual portions. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label on the pack you’ve chosen and check the ingredients, allergens and whether it is explicitly labelled gluten-free. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I want to check the exact product before taking it with me. For around 20% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘instant’ means you only need hot water
Preparation methods vary by product. According to the product information on Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express requires a saucepan or microwave, while Elovena Natural instant oatmeal can be mixed with boiling water or milk.
Check the instructions for your chosen product before shopping for a holiday home where there may only be a kettle.
-
Assuming a product is gluten-free because it’s called oats
Albert Heijn’s product information states that Quaker Oats Express may contain barley and wheat, while Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye. So the name ‘oats’ is no substitute for checking the exact product.
Read the current label, including information about the possible presence of allergens. If you need a gluten-free label, check that it appears on the product you’ve chosen.
-
Treating a protein variety like regular oat flakes
A protein variety may contain different ingredients. For example, Albert Heijn lists soya protein isolate in AH Volkoren havermout proteïne.
Compare the ingredients in the specific product with what you want to take, and check the label if you want to avoid soya or other added ingredients.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
The AH own-brand range includes fine wholegrain oats for anyone who wants to portion them out themselves, as well as a separate protein variety.
- For AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken, Albert Heijn gives a preparation ratio of 40 g oats to 250 ml water or milk.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Volkoren havermout proteïne also contains soya protein isolate. Check the ingredients if you’re looking for oat flakes only.
Jumbo
The Jumbo range includes loose fine and coarse wholegrain oats, as well as individual portions.
- Jumbo lists fine wholegrain oats in 500 g and 1 kg packs, so you can choose an amount to suit your stay.
- With loose flakes, you’ll need to portion them yourself and make sure the preparation method suits the kitchen facilities available.
Golden Bridge / ALDI
Golden Bridge is worth considering if you’re looking for fine wholegrain oats for several breakfasts.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- Check the preparation instructions on the pack if you specifically need an instant product or individual portions.
Quaker
Quaker sells both loose oats and Oats Express in individual portions.
- Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express as containing 12 portions of 27 g, prepared in a saucepan or microwave.
- Check the instructions and label for the Express variety you choose. The product information states that it may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is an option if you want to portion loose oat flakes yourself.
- According to the product information on Albert Heijn, Brinta Havermout consists of 100% oat flakes and can be prepared in a saucepan or microwave.
- The same product information states that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. Check the label if you have strict ingredient requirements.
Lidl / Healthy Fit
Lidl lists Healthy Fit Proteïne havermout as a store product to consider if you’re looking for a variety with that product description.
- In store, you can compare the pack of the specific variety with regular oats.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack in store.
Oat products at Joybuy
These products include individual portions, oats you can portion yourself and a protein variety. The right pack for you will depend mainly on how many breakfasts you’re planning, the kitchen facilities and which ingredients you need to check.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A good choice if you want to take individual breakfast portions for a short stay. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack before you go.
Image unavailable
Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
For several breakfasts when you want to choose the amount yourself. Make sure you can prepare the oats according to the instructions on the pack, and check the label if gluten is a concern.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
A protein variety to compare if you’re looking for more than just regular oat flakes. Check the ingredients in this variety, particularly for soya, and read the preparation instructions on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make instant oats if the holiday home doesn’t have a microwave?
Yes, as long as the instructions for your chosen variety suit the facilities available. Albert Heijn’s product information says Quaker Oats Express needs a saucepan or microwave; according to the same information, Elovena Natural instant oatmeal can be mixed with 200 ml boiling water or milk.
Are regular oats automatically gluten-free?
No, don’t rely on the name ‘oats’ alone. Albert Heijn’s product information states that Quaker Oats Express may contain barley and wheat, while Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye. If you need a strict gluten-free option, check that the exact pack is explicitly labelled gluten-free.
Where can I find allergen information on a pack of oats?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods. Read the label on the pack you’re buying, especially if someone in your holiday party needs to avoid an ingredient.