Families who eat oats regularly
If oats feature regularly at breakfast or in baking, check the pack size and storage instructions before buying a larger quantity.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families with different texture preferences
The ideal texture can vary depending on whether you’re making porridge, overnight oats or baked goods. Check whether you’re buying fine or coarse flakes, rather than looking only at the pack size.
Families with a gluten-free dietary requirement
If someone in your family needs a product explicitly labelled gluten-free, check the current packaging, ingredients and allergen information every time you buy it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much oats your family uses and what for. Then choose the pack size and type of flake. Check the label separately if you need a gluten-free product.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and stock | Check the net weight and whether you can use the pack in line with the storage instructions. | When oats are often on the table, I want to have enough in the cupboard without keeping an opened pack for too long. This stock-up need comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fine or coarse flakes | Check which type of flakes is listed on the pack; consider smaller packs if you use both textures. | For porridge and baking, I want to choose flakes that give my family the texture they enjoy. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Simple wholegrain base | Check the product name, ingredients and nutrition information if you’re looking for oats with no other ingredients. | I want to decide for myself what to add to my oats, rather than choosing a mixed breakfast product. This matters most to around 27% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free labelling | Check the current gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information. | If someone in my household needs a product labelled gluten-free, I don’t want to rely on a familiar-looking pack. For around 13% of consumers, checking the label is the first requirement. |
Common mistakes
-
Buying a large pack without a plan for using it
A larger pack may not be the best choice if your family can’t store and use it according to the instructions once it’s opened. The best-before date on an unopened pack isn’t the only thing to bear in mind after opening.
Before buying, check the pack size and the storage and usage instructions on the packaging.
-
Switching between standard and gluten-free-labelled oats
A standard pack doesn’t automatically carry the same gluten-free label as a product made for that purpose. If someone needs that label, the information on the current pack is what matters.
Check the gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information on the pack every time you buy it.
-
Treating fine and coarse flakes as the same choice
Jumbo and ALDI both stock fine and coarse flakes. The texture that works best depends on what your family wants to make.
Choose the type of flakes to suit the recipe; you could try a smaller pack first before stocking up on a larger one.
Brands to consider
These brands offer a range of pack sizes and product types. Always compare the specific product, not just the brand name.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers fine and coarse wholegrain oats in 500 g packs, as well as a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- A choice of two types of flakes and different pack sizes.
- Check the current pack size and storage instructions for the product you choose.
Quaker
Quaker offers, among other things, standard oats in a 600 g pack and individual Oats Express portions.
- Choose between a pack of oats and individual portions.
- Check that the total quantity and preparation method suit your family’s needs.
Brinta
Alongside Brinta wholegrain cereal breakfast, Brinta Oats are available in a 450 g pack. These are different product categories.
- A separate oat product for anyone specifically looking for Brinta Oats.
- Read the full product name to avoid confusing oats with the other breakfast cereal.
Golden Bridge
ALDI offers Golden Bridge fine and coarse wholegrain oats in 500 g packs.
- Both types of flakes are shown as separate products.
- Check the net weight on the current label; the product page title and stated pack size may differ.
Simply Free by Leev
Jumbo offers a 450 g pack of Simply Free by Leev wholegrain oats labelled gluten-free.
- According to Jumbo, this specific product is labelled gluten-free and displays a crossed-out wheat ear.
- When buying, check the label, ingredients and allergen information on the pack again.
Oat products at Joybuy
These Quaker products come in different pack sizes for families buying oats in bulk. When choosing, consider the product type and check the current label too; a larger pack alone doesn’t determine which one suits your family.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A pack to consider if your family eats oats regularly.
Pack size: 600 g. If texture matters, check the type of flakes on the current packaging.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A smaller Express option to consider if the product type matters more to you than a large stock-up pack.
Pack size: 324 g. Check the portion sizes and preparation instructions on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
A smaller pack to consider if you don’t want to open a larger one straight away.
Pack size: 375 g. Check the type of flakes and usage information on the current label.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for if someone at home needs oats labelled gluten-free?
Choose a pack labelled gluten-free and read the current ingredients and allergen information. Jumbo’s Simply Free by Leev product is shown as gluten-free oats and displays a crossed-out wheat ear; check the pack you buy as well.
What does the best-before date mean on a pack of oats?
The best-before date refers to the quality of the unopened product. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can look at it, smell it and taste it after this date. Once opened, follow the storage and usage instructions on the packaging.
What label information can help me compare packs of oats?
Check the product name, net weight, ingredients, allergen information, nutritional values and any storage instructions. Read the current packaging, especially if you’re looking for a particular type of flake or a gluten-free label.