Who is this relevant for?

Host cooking for a group

You want to use one neutral oat base for dishes such as porridge, granola, bakes or savoury meals, and are looking for a pack you’ll finish after the get-together.

Cook looking to serve soft porridge quickly

You’re looking for fine flakes and a cooking method that suits the time and space you have while preparing the meal.

Shopper who needs to check gluten carefully

You’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease and check the specific pack for the official Crossed Grain trademark, rather than assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free.

What should you look for?

Work out how much oats you’ll need for your dishes and which texture will suit them. If a guest needs to avoid gluten, start by checking the information on the packaging.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this important for?
Pack size Compare the net weight with the amount you need for your dishes and can store afterwards. If I’m making several dishes for a group, I want to buy enough oats without being left with a large, unused pack. For around 36% of consumers, pack size comes first.
Texture and preparation Check whether the flakes are fine or coarse, and read the preparation instructions on the pack. If the porridge needs to be on the table quickly, I look for flakes that will give me the soft texture I want within the time I have for cooking. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and gluten Read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack; if you’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain trademark. If a guest has coeliac disease, I need to know whether this particular oat product is suitable before serving it. Around 21% of consumers put this check first.
Composition For plain and flavoured products, compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g, including fibre and sugars. If I’m looking for a neutral base for both sweet and savoury dishes, I want to know what’s in the pack. For around 14% of consumers, composition is the first thing they consider.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a large pack without considering how you’ll use the rest

    A 1 kg pack works well for several dishes, but only if you have a plan for using the remainder too.

    Estimate how much you’ll need for your recipes in advance, and choose a pack size you can use up.

  • Assuming plain oats are automatically gluten-free

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats may be contaminated with gluten. A claim that a product contains 100% oats is not a substitute for the official Crossed Grain trademark for someone with coeliac disease.

    Check the trademark and the latest allergen information on the pack you’re actually using.

  • Assuming fine and coarse flakes are interchangeable in every dish

    The soft texture you want for porridge may not be what you’re looking for in granola or bakes. For example, Brinta describes its extra-fine oats as quick to prepare.

    Choose the type of flakes to suit each dish, and follow the preparation instructions for the product you’ve chosen.

  • Relying on a product page alone

    When serving food to guests, the ingredients, allergens, and storage and use instructions on the pack you have in front of you are what matter.

    Check the physical label again, especially if you’re catering for dietary restrictions.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo lists fine and coarse wholegrain oats, including a 1 kg pack of fine flakes.

  • The 1 kg pack may be a good fit if you need plain oats for several dishes.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack if you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions.

Golden Bridge

This ALDI own brand lists fine and coarse wholegrain oats in 500 g packs.

  • You can choose between fine and coarse flakes if those different textures suit your dishes.
  • You may need several 500 g packs for a larger quantity; check the label for ingredients and allergens.

Quaker

Albert Heijn lists a 600 g pack of Quaker oats made with 100% wholegrain oats.

  • The product information gives a 40 g serving size and preparation instructions, which may help when planning porridge for a group.
  • The ingredients information says this variety may contain barley and wheat; check the pack before use.

Brinta

Brinta describes its 450 g oats as extra-fine flakes that are quick to prepare.

  • The fine flakes are an option if you want to make porridge quickly, following the instructions on the pack.
  • The product information mentions possible traces of rye and wheat; if you have dietary restrictions, check the latest label.

Oats at Joybuy

This 600 g pack of plain oats is suited to dishes where you want a neutral oat base. Match the amount to your menu, and check the packaging if you have dietary restrictions.

Quaker Oats 600 g pack

Quaker Oats 600 g

A pack of plain oats for porridge or other dishes, if 600 g is the right amount for your group.

The ingredients information for this Quaker variety lists 100% wholegrain oats. According to Albert Heijn, the product may contain barley and wheat; check the current pack if you have dietary restrictions.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ordinary oats for a gluten-free meal?

Don’t assume they’re suitable without checking: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats may be contaminated with gluten. If you’re cooking for someone with coeliac disease, check the specific pack for the official Crossed Grain trademark and read the latest allergen information.

Which oat flakes should I choose if I want to serve porridge quickly?

Fine flakes are worth considering if you want to make soft porridge quickly. Brinta describes its extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare; follow the instructions on the pack for the variety you choose.

What should I check on the pack before cooking for guests?

Read the ingredients, allergens, best-before date, and any storage and use instructions on the pack you’re going to use. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that label information must be clear; if you’re catering for dietary restrictions, take extra care to check the current packaging.